Taipei gay scene
TAIPEI — Under a moonlit canopy of bare tree branches, two men in black leather jackets lean against a brick wall. Their exchange is wordless, with only lazy movements forward: A lingering gaze, twice over the right shoulder. A hand, stretching over the tense distance between them. One’s fingertips meet the other’s thigh, gradually wrapping around as a claim over the other’s body for the night. But just as a breeze rustles the canopy above, the other clicks his tongue almost inaudibly. He pushes himself off the wall and away from the grips of this dark park corner, emerging into the streetlamp-lit expanse of Taipei’s streets.
I think of this scene, from the 1995 Taiwanese production “Where is the Love?” by the lesbian director Chen Jo-fei, whenever I walk through 228 Peace Park, formerly known as Modern Park, in core Taipei. In the latter half of the 20th century, it was one of the city’s most well-known same-sex attracted cruising districts, where men picked up other men through a social code of gazes and grazes.
The news media painted the park as a den of iniquity. As early as 1959, United Daily News published exposés of a “homosexual tradition of prostitution” in New Park,
Taiwan
Experiencing Taiwanese Food
Taiwanese cuisine knows many influences from Japanese and Chinese cuisine and many from specific (southern) Chinese regions. One of Taiwan’s specialties is soup dumpling, Xiao Drawn-out Bao. These aren’t just dumplings, because their skin is really thin and filled with tasty broth and meat, fish and/or vegetables. The original Xiao Long Bao comes from Shanghai, but the Taiwanese possess perfected the recipe. The top restaurant to eat the best soup dumplings is Din Tai Fung. The authentic restaurant is located on Xinyi Street in Taipei. Another dish you must try is Taiwanese beef noodle soup! If you favor eating street diet, stinky tofu is a must-try. It’s a strong-smelling fermented tofu, which you can find in night markets or food stalls on the streets. Another world-famous thing you can’t miss in Taiwan: bubble tea. Since its invention in the 1980s, it has change into increasingly popular and you can now find it all over the nature. It’s a tea-based drink with milk, sugar (optional) and chewy tapioca pearls.
Tips and Security Considerations for Diverse Visitors to Taiwan
As an LGBTQ+ traveller, you will sense very wel
Taiwan Gay Bars: Gay Bars in Taipei and Beyond: Before I visited for myself last year, My knowledge of what exactly Taiwan had to present LGBTQ+ travellers was limited to the fact that gay marriage was legalised, and that Taiwan was the first Asian state to do so.
But beyond that, and in terms of a gay scene – I had no idea either how giant it would be, or even if there was one at all!
So, conceive my surprise to grasp that Taiwan not only has a gay scene, but a thriving and vibrant gay scene at that – and this extends beyond the capital city of Taipei too. There are gay bars, gay clubs, and queer owned businesses such as cafes and restaurants in pretty much every major city on the island.
Regardless of what type of venue you are searching for too, Taiwan has you covered, especially in Taipei. If you are looking for a hushed bar to have trap up drinks with friends, or a bar to do some K-pop karaoke, or somewhere to bust some moves until the early hours, Taipei will have somewhere to suit. There are even bars for the slightly more “outgoing” traveller – the ones that might be heading out with the purpose of doing more than just dancing!
In this
Best Gay Nightlife Taipei Guide 2025: Must visit gay bars, clubs, events | Lex's Guide to LGBTQ+ Bars
Taipei, a vibrant Asia travel destination, blends culture, cuisine, and inclusivity. Ride the MRT to Shilin Night Market for street food delights, explore lively LGBTQ+ spots, and experience Taiwan’s renowned gay pride. Taipei stands as a beacon of LGBTQ+ inclusivity as Taiwan was the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. The nightlife is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. From active queer dance clubs to intimate bars, Taipei offers a plethora of venues where the entire Diverse community can feel welcome and celebrated. From temples to nightlife, Taipei is a must-visit for every traveler, including gay move enthusiasts!
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Best Areas to Investigate for Gay Nightlife in Taipei
The heart of Taipei's gay explore destination is undoubtedly the Red House District in Ximen. This historic area has transformed into a bustling LGBTQ+ hub, featuring a variety of bars, cafés, and shops that come alive, especially during the weekends. Another notable gay bars area is the Zhongsha