Hsimending

The name "Hsimending" came from the period of Japanese colonization in Taiwan. At that time, most local residents lived within Taipei City, and the Hsimending area was the center for recreation. In 1896, the first theater "Tokyo Stand" was set up. In 1922, the place was officially called Hsimending.

In early years, the main recreational activity to do in Hsimending was going to a movie theater. At that time, most movie theaters are on E-mei Street, Chengdu Road and Shining South Road. They were the center of Hsimending's development.

After the ROC government was reinstated in Taiwan in 1949, a large sum of capital was poured into Hsimending. Other than movie theaters, there were department stores and other entertainment attractions. After the completion of the Chunghua Business Buildings, Hsimending became the largest business and entertainment center in Taiwan.

In the 1990s, the focus of business and entertainment activities in Taipei City gradually shifted to the East District. Later, the Chunghua Business Buildings were torn down for road construction. Hsimending became silent for a while.

Then, the Bannan Line of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network was completed. Chunghua Road was converted into a prosperous main street under the planning of the Taipei City Government. Furthermore, many recreational activities have emerged here. On holidays and at weekends, people gather here for arts, culture events, sports, and music performances. Business opportunities and people are coming back to Hsimending.

Hismending is both a witness to history and a leader of trend for the new generation. Many middle-aged and senior people come here to reminisce the good old days. Young people come here for fashion. Two totally different life styles meet here. Hsimending fulfills the needs of different groups of people.

Here is an interesting article to read:

• Bringing back film's golden age (December 9, 2005)