Gin Gin

TaipeiTaiwan 25° N · 121° E Updated Oct 2026

Nestled in Taipei’s vibrant urban landscape, Gin Gin stands as Asia’s pioneering LGBTQ+ bookstore and cultural hub, deeply intertwined with Taiwan’s…

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What Gin Gin Is

Gin Gin Bookstore (晶晶書庫) is an LGBTQ+ bookstore and cultural space in Taipei. Founded in 1999, it is described as Asia’s first LGBTQ+ bookstore and Taiwan’s first Chinese-language LGBTQ+ bookstore. It stocks LGBTQ+ literature and other queer-themed items, and hosts events for the community.

Descriptions place Gin Gin in Taipei’s Daan District and near Ximending’s “gayborhood.” A listed street address is in Zhongzheng District; location details and transport directions are provided below.

History and Cultural Role

Activist Lai Zhengzhe (J.J. Lai) founded Gin Gin in 1999 to provide Taiwan’s LGBTQ+ community with a safe, affirming space. At a time when queer people often gathered only at night and LGBTQ+ subjects were rarely discussed openly, the bookstore helped foster visibility, dialogue, education, and solidarity (Gay Times; CN Traveler).

Gin Gin grew into a community and activist hub, hosting forums, screenings, exhibitions, book signings, workshops, and other events (Ketagalan Media; DMZ Docs). In 2003, it faced a legal battle after being accused of distributing obscene materials. Community fundraising helped the store survive (DMZ Docs).

Gin Gin’s continued operation is associated with the progress of LGBTQ+ rights in Taiwan, which legalized same-sex marriage in 2019, becoming the first place in Asia to do so (Voyager in Taiwan). The bookstore has also contributed to Taipei’s LGBTQ+ culture and helped inspire other inclusive spaces (CN Traveler).

What to See

The store carries LGBTQ+ books and magazines in Mandarin and English, along with DVDs, clothing and apparel, gifts, art, souvenirs, and sex toys. Exhibitions, book launches, and cultural events are held regularly (GayCities).

The colorful façade and interior are noted as photo opportunities. Rainbow flags and inclusive signage can also be seen in the surrounding neighborhood. Photography rules inside the store are not consistent across the available visitor information; see “Store policies” below.

Practical Visiting Information

Location and transport

  • Listed address 1F, No. 8, Alley 8, Lane 210, Section 3, Roosevelt Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City 100.
  • Location descriptions Gin Gin is also described as being in Daan District and near Ximending’s “gayborhood.”
  • Nearest MRT Taipower Building Station, Green Line, Exit 3; a five-minute walk (Travel Gay).
  • Another listing places Gin Gin near Ximen MRT Station on the Blue and Green Lines, also a five-minute walk.
  • Taipei’s MRT is described as efficient and bilingual. An EasyCard can be used for travel.

Visiting hours and admission

The listed opening hours vary:

  • Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM; closed Mondays.
  • Monday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM.
  • Monday and Thursday–Sunday, 4:00–9:30 PM; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Check the official website or Gin Gin’s social media for current hours, including holiday and event changes.

Entry is free. Some special events may require tickets or advance registration; select paid events are also mentioned (GayCities).

Accessibility, language, payment, and photography

  • Accessibility Gin Gin is described as wheelchair accessible, on the ground floor, and step-free. Aisles may be narrow at peak times.
  • Language Mandarin and English are spoken. Mandarin is the primary language, while English is common in LGBTQ+ areas; staff are described as welcoming to international visitors.
  • Payment Cash in TWD is preferred for small purchases; credit cards are accepted.
  • Photography One account says respectful photography is permitted except during events; another says photography is strictly prohibited inside to protect privacy (The Globetrotter Guys).

Events and tours

Gin Gin hosts workshops, art exhibitions, film screenings, book launches, readings, and panel discussions (Ketagalan Media). It is a focal point during Taipei Pride in October, with special programs and collaborations with nightlife venues for parades, workshops, and parties. Taiwan Pride is also described as taking place in late October (Jetset Times; Travel Gay).

LGBTQ+ walking tours that include Gin Gin and sites such as the Red House and 228 Peace Memorial Park are listed as available through Edison Tours. Separately, the visitor FAQ says guided tours are not currently available at the store, though staff offer assistance in English.

Tips for Visitors

  • Check Gin Gin’s official website and social media for the latest hours, events, and exhibitions.
  • Apps such as Lex can help with current LGBTQ+ event listings (Lex LGBT).
  • Taipei is described as one of Asia’s safest and most inclusive cities (Discover Over There).
  • Summers are hot and humid; light clothing and an umbrella are suggested (Reddit).
  • Taxis are described as affordable; have the address in Chinese.
  • YouBike is convenient for short trips.

Nearby Places

LGBTQ+ landmarks and nightlife

Gin Gin is described as near Ximending’s LGBTQ+ “gayborhood” and more than 25 LGBTQ+-friendly venues (Jetset Times). Nearby nightlife listings include:

  • G*Star Club Drag shows and energetic parties.
  • Wonder Bar Lesbian-focused, with cocktails and events (Lex LGBT).
  • Taboo Karaoke and lesbian-themed nights.
  • Fairy Taipei A stylish bar that becomes a gay hotspot after 10 p.m.
  • Commander D, Café Dalida, and G. Star Popular venues near The Red House (The Globetrotter Guys).

Nightlife events are also described as supporting LGBTQ+ causes and attracting diverse crowds (Lex LGBT).

Other nearby LGBTQ+ and cultural sites include:

Accommodation

Hotels described as LGBTQ+ friendly include The WESTGATE Hotel, PALAIS de Chine Hotel, and international chains (Travel Gay).

FAQ

What are Gin Gin Store’s opening hours?

Published hours vary: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, with Mondays closed; Monday–Saturday, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, and Sunday, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM; or Monday and Thursday–Sunday, 4:00–9:30 PM, with Tuesday and Wednesday closed. Check Gin Gin’s official website for current hours.

Is there an entry fee?

No. Entry is free, though some events may require tickets or advance registration, and select events may be paid.

Is photography allowed?

The information differs: one account permits respectful photography except during events, while another says photography inside is strictly prohibited to respect privacy (The Globetrotter Guys).

Are guided tours available?

Walking tours that include Gin Gin are listed through Edison Tours. The store FAQ says guided tours are not currently available, but staff offer assistance in English.

Is the store accessible?

It is described as wheelchair accessible, ground-floor, and step-free. Aisles may be narrow at peak times.