What Xihu MRT Station is
Xihu MRT Station (BR16) is on Taipei’s Wenhu (Brown) Line in Neihu District, a major technology and commercial center. The station is integrated with Xihu Market, bringing transit and everyday market life together (Taipei Travel).
Its design draws on the themes “River in the Sky” and “The Story of Lake City.” Elevated above busy streets, the station connects passengers with bus lines, pedestrian routes, and nearby attractions. It is part of Taipei’s first medium-capacity, fully automated transit line, which uses driverless trains and advanced safety systems.
History
The Wenhu Line runs from Wenshan to Neihu and was built in phases. The Neihu extension, including Xihu Station, opened in July 2009 to serve the developing district and link Neihu Technology Park and other business districts with central Taipei (Taipei Metro Guideline).
Before the MRT arrived, Neihu was largely agricultural. The station’s opening helped spur high-rise residential and commercial development, changing the district’s socioeconomic landscape. Neihu’s educational institutions and business hubs have made it a focal point for students, professionals, and visitors, while the extension also relieved congestion in Taipei’s city center.
What to see
Station architecture and public art
The elevated station has a transparent glass-and-steel façade, blue-green accents, and gentle curves. Its design maximizes natural daylight and views across the district, while evoking Neihu’s “inner lake” heritage (DORTS Taipei).
Xihu Market
Xihu Market is built into the MRT complex, creating a direct link between transit and market culture (Taipei Travel). It has 122 stalls offering fresh produce, local specialties, and a range of food. Amenities include baby-changing rooms, stroller access, free Wi-Fi, and information desks.
The first floor is a traditional market; the second floor is a food court. Local favorites include Swagger Mummy Dumpling.
Xihu Monument
The Xihu Monument commemorates Neihu’s transformation from rural district to tech hub. It incorporates local craft motifs and industrial materials to represent the district’s resilience and modern identity.
A 5-minute walk from Xihu MRT Station Exit 2, the monument has landscaped paths and cultural events and art installations listed on the Neihu Cultural Center website.
Practical visiting information
Station hours, tickets, and facilities
- Operating hours Daily, approximately 6:00 AM to midnight.
- Train frequency Every 3–7 minutes during peak times.
- Tickets Buy single-journey tokens at vending machines. EasyCards, Taipei’s reloadable contactless smart card, offer discounted fares and can be used for multimodal travel (Lonely Planet).
- Where to buy and recharge Tickets and EasyCards are available at station machines and counters. EasyCards can also be recharged at convenience stores and all MRT stations.
- Accessibility The station has elevators and escalators connecting all levels, ramps, tactile paving, wide gates for wheelchairs and strollers, accessible restrooms, and bilingual signage and multilingual announcements.
- Passenger services Wide corridors, accessible ticket machines, air conditioning, platform screen doors, and real-time digital displays.
Xihu Market hours
- First floor, traditional market 6:00 AM–4:00 PM; closed Mondays.
- Second floor, food court 8:00 AM–10:00 PM; open daily.
Xihu Monument visiting information
- Hours Daily, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Admission Free.
- Guided tours Weekends and holidays at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM; reserve through the Neihu Cultural Center website.
- Accessibility Wheelchair-accessible paths and facilities are available.
Tips
- Avoid peak hours—7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM—for a smoother journey.
- Eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed in stations or on trains.
- Bring cash: some market vendors do not accept EasyCard or credit cards, although some do accept EasyCard.
- The Xihu Market food court is suitable for groups and families.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the Xihu Monument’s landscaped paths; weekdays are less crowded. Check the Neihu Cultural Center calendar for cultural events and art installations.
- Taipei is humid. The station is air-conditioned, and waterproof footwear can be useful during rainy seasons.
- Lost and Found is available at station information desks.
- Download the Taipei Metro or Audiala app for real-time schedules and updates.
- Use interactive Taipei Metro maps and virtual tours for trip planning.
Nearby places
- Neihu Technology Park A modern business district steps from the station.
- Dahu Park Two stops north, with a lake, walking trails, and cherry blossoms.
- Meiti Riverside Park Green space along the Keelung River for cycling and jogging.
- Miramar Entertainment Park Shopping, dining, and a rooftop Ferris wheel.
- Neihu Flower Market Open weekends and holidays.
- Neihu Sports Center Gym and pool facilities.
Other places listed for further exploration include Dihua Street Historical District, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and Lungshan Temple.
Frequently asked questions
What are Xihu MRT Station’s hours?
Daily, approximately 6:00 AM to midnight.
How do I buy tickets?
Use the station vending machines for tokens, or get an EasyCard at station machines or counters.
Is the station accessible?
Yes. Facilities include elevators, ramps, tactile guides, and wide gates.
Are there guided tours at the station?
Not at the station. The Xihu Monument offers guided tours on weekends and holidays.
Can I use EasyCard in the market?
Some vendors accept it, but cash is preferred.
Is there parking?
Parking is limited; public transport is recommended.
