Gay Taipei · Ximending
Gay Ximending (Red House): Taipei’s LGBTQ+ quarter
Ximending, Taipei’s buzzing youth-shopping district, is the centre of LGBTQ+ life in the city — its gay bars cluster on the plaza behind the historic Red House (Ximen Honglou). Taiwan was the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, and Taipei hosts the largest Pride march on the continent.
Yes — Ximending, around the Red House, is the heart of gay Taipei, in the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage (2019).
The story
Ximending grew into Taipei’s youth and entertainment district, and the plaza behind the historic Red House (Ximen Honglou) — a century-old market building — became the open-air heart of the city’s gay scene, ringed by bars. Taiwan made history in 2019 as the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, and Taipei’s Pride is the largest in East Asia.
The scene
The scene centres on the cluster of open-air bars on the plaza behind the Red House, a relaxed, sociable spot where tables spill across the square in the evenings, surrounded by the shops, street food and cinemas of Ximending. It’s friendly and visitor-welcoming, and easy to reach by metro.
- The bar plaza behind the Red House (Ximen Honglou)
- The shops, street food and cinemas of Ximending
- Taipei Pride in October — the largest in East Asia
- Easy metro access at Ximen station
Where to stay in Ximending (Red House)
Ximending is central and well-connected by metro (Ximen station), walkable to the night markets and a short ride from Taipei Main Station; it’s a lively, convenient base.
Pride & events
Taipei Pride takes place in late October and is the largest Pride march in East Asia, drawing huge crowds through the city.
Know before you go
- Taiwan legalised same-sex marriage in 2019 — the first in Asia — and Taipei is the most LGBTQ+-welcoming city in the region.
- The open-air bars behind the Red House are the hub — the square is liveliest in the evenings.
- Taipei Pride in late October is the biggest in East Asia — book accommodation ahead.
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Plan my trip — freeGay Ximending (Red House) FAQs
Is Ximending gay friendly?
Very — it’s the heart of gay Taipei, around the Red House, in the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage (2019).
Where is the gay area in Taipei?
Ximending — specifically the open-air bar plaza behind the historic Red House (Ximen Honglou).
Is same-sex marriage legal in Taiwan?
Yes — Taiwan legalised same-sex marriage in 2019, the first place in Asia to do so.
When is Taipei Pride?
Taipei Pride is held in late October and is the largest Pride march in East Asia.
Bars and venues open, close and change — verify before you go. Laws and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ people vary and can change; always check current local law and your government’s travel advice. Some links are affiliate links; Wavvia may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.