The Eslite Spectrum shopping mall opened in 2013 and is not your typical Taipei shopping experience. Located in the bustling east district of Taipei and bordering on Songshan Cultural Park the Eslite Spectrum is a shopping mall is 4 floors of eating, shopping, tea sipping, and browsing at all the cool and unique products.
In this mall you won’t see the typical big brand store names. Instead, the mall caters to vendors who are selling “cultural”, “artistic”, and unique products you won’t find in most places. The mall layout is modern with lots of open spaces, sunlight, and a natural wood feel.
The Eslite Bookstore Chain
Eslite is a famous bookstore chain in Taiwan. It has always been able to create a comfortable, modern setting to allow its customers to come in, browse, and enjoy their books. The 24 hour Eslite bookstore is a popular destination in Taipei City.
The first floor of the mall is the Fashion Plaza. There are many high end boutiques for men and women.
The second floor of Eslite Spectrum is called “Crafts and Creations”. This is the most unique aspect of the mall. There are many designer crafts and handicrafts here. Some vendors have even set up workshops and DIY studios to display the making of their products. Shoppers can find Japanese and Korean products here as well. There are many snack and food shops as well as “living gifts” of home goods products.
Floor #3 is home to the Eslite bookstore. The bookstore is large, open, and welcoming. There is even a music section selling classic vinyl LPs for collectors.
Tea with Books
Eslite Spectrum calls the third floor “Tea with Books”. Along one side of the bookstore are several tea shops brewing up fresh loose leaf teas. There are places to sit and enjoy the views of the big windows. There is also a Chun Shui Tang bubble tea shop at the farther end of the bookstore which has seating for snacks and their usual selection of teas.
Picture below, some of Spectrum Eslite’s tea shops and patrons.
B2 is home to the Eslite Spectrum Food Court. Called “Gourmet Heaven”, the food court has about 10 restaurants ranging from western sandwiches, to pastas, to Japanese Soba noodles. The Taipei Wu Pao Chun bakery branch opened here and, as usual, has a big line of customers waiting to get in.
B2 also has the “Eslite Art House” and “Eslite Performance Hall” for live shows and performances.
The designs of these restaurants are quite appealing. However, don’t expect bargain prices here. A sandwich lunch can run you almost 300NT. Bowls of Soba are around 200 NT.
Pictured below, Taipei’s Wu Pao Chun bakery sign.
Eslite Spectrum is a unique mall to visit while in Taipei. It fuses creativity and design within a shopping experience.
Getting to Eslite Spectrum:
Take the Taipei MRT Blue Line to the Taipei City Hall Station. Exit through Exit #1. It’s a 5 minute walk from there.
Hours:
Eslite Spectrum is open daily from 11:00am to 10:00pm
