Treasure Hunting Places

Dixiajie Used Bookstore (Underground Stair, 地下階)

We often heard that "other's junks can be someone's treasure". I did not totally feel that way until I came to Yongkang Street, Taipei. Although there are many antique and second hand stores in Taipei, I found these two places hidden in the Yongkang St. are my treasure hunting lands.

Near famous "Din Tai Fung" restaurant, "Dixia Jie"(Underground Stair, 地下階,) is often missed since it is hidden on the corner of a small street. We almost missed the tiny stair entrance; however, this entrance takes us to a different world. Lots of old but cool posters and collectable pins are display right at the entrance.

The founder of the bookstore described this place is a warehouse which distributes the decadence of the modern. He offers high prices to the ones who want to get rid of used books. He wants people to know how valuable these used books are.

The bookstore is filled with used Chinese and English books, textbooks, CD, vinyl records, stamps, and postcards. It also offers cozy reading areas. Spending time in here can find lots of surprises!

Zhaoheting Antique Market (昭和町文物市集)

Farther down on the Yongkang Street, near National Taiwan Normal University, Zhaoheting Antique Market (昭和町文物市集) is located in the Jinan Market. Yongkang Street was named as Zhaoheting Street during the Japanese Colonial Era. It consists now of more than 20 antique shops after it opened about 2 years ago.

We got there around 4:00 pm, only a few shops were opened. Although the market is open from 2-10:00pm, the best time to shop here is after 5:00pm.

Because of the nostalgia trend, we can see lots of old items being re-produced with the old look; however, Zhaoheting Market is the place to find the real treasures.

"Suanpan" is the devices that use one-to-one correspondence with our fingers to aid computation for thousands of years. This old suanpan reminds me of my math learning at the school!

The old movie poster and childhood play cards.

The traditional Chinese medicine cabinet.

This is indeed a small place for big things. With luck, you may see celebrities treasure hunting here as well. If you do care for antique and used books, don’t miss these two places on the Yongkang Street in Taipei.

DixiaJie (地下階) Used Bookstore:

Address: No.11-4 B1, Yongkang St., Da’an Dist., Taipei City

Zhaoheting Antique Market (昭和町文物市集):

Address: No.60 YongKang St. Da’an Dist., Taipei City

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