Taiwan is a paradise for souvenir hunters. Its rich culture, traditional crafts, and forward-thinking design offer travelers a range of unique items to bring home. Whether it’s handmade trinkets, local food products, or beautiful fabrics, there’s something here for everyone.
Popular Souvenirs to Bring Home
When you think about souvenirs, Taiwan has plenty to offer. Let’s break down some of the best kinds of items to look for while you’re exploring the island. These will remind you of your trip long after you’ve returned home.
1. Pineapple Cakes
Pineapple cakes are one of Taiwan’s most famous snacks. These small, sweet cakes have a soft, crumbly outside with a tangy pineapple filling. You’ll find them everywhere: from small local bakeries to the larger franchise stores. They make great gifts too!
If you’re near Taipei, Chia Te Bakery is a popular place to buy high-quality pineapple cakes. If you have time, pick up a box for yourself and a few for friends. They’re light, delicious, and travel well.
2. Oolong Tea
Taiwan produces some of the best oolong tea in the world. You can find hand-rolled leaves that carry floral, earthy flavors. When choosing tea, go for brands that can tell you exactly where the leaves are from. It makes for a meaningful gift or great addition to your own pantry.
Visit the tea shops in Jiufen or head to tea districts like the Maokong area in Taipei. Many shops will even let you try different varieties. It’s a relaxing way to sample the flavors before making your pick.
3. Taiwanese Ceramics

If you’re a fan of crafts, Taiwan’s traditional ceramic works are a must. Pieces range from teapots to vases; they come in various styles, from simple to highly detailed. Yingge, a district near Taipei, is the go-to place for finding these. The area is filled with pottery shops and galleries where both modern and traditional works are on display.
Take your time wandering through Yingge’s Ceramic Old Street. Many shops will ship your purchases if you’re worried about space in your luggage. Trust me, these beautifully crafted ceramics make perfect gifts or home decorations.
4. Aboriginal Crafts
Taiwan’s indigenous culture is alive and well. You can find various handwoven textiles, accessories, and traditional wood carvings that showcase each tribe’s heritage and artistry.
Head to the handicraft centers like the Ketagalan Culture Center in Beitou, Taipei. The center provides in-depth information on Taiwan’s indigenous culture and sells a great variety of items made by native artisans. Buying handicrafts here directly helps support local tribes.
5. Paper Fans
Paper fans are a traditional souvenir you’re likely to come across in many of Taiwan’s markets. They’re both functional and beautiful. Fans here are often hand-painted with intricate drawings such as floral patterns, landscapes, or Chinese calligraphy.
If you’re in Tamsui or Jiufen, local cultural shops sell a range of these fans. They make for an easy-to-pack, budget-friendly souvenir.
6. Taiwanese Knives
If pocketable trinkets aren’t your style, consider getting something more substantial, like a high-quality Taiwanese chef’s knife. These handcrafted knives are known for their precision and sharpness, making them a great choice for avid cooks.

For serious foodies, head to Dihua Street in Taipei. You can pop into knife shops like Guo Yu Knife Shop. Many of these stores have been around for generations and will even engrave your knife with your name.
Top Markets for Shopping Souvenirs
Buying from local markets is one of the best ways to ensure you’re getting authentic, handmade products. Taiwan’s bustling markets are filled with fantastic finds. Let’s explore the top markets you won’t want to miss.
Shilin Night Market (Taipei)
Shilin Night Market is one of the biggest in Taipei, and it’s a favorite for both locals and tourists. You’ll find everything here: snack stalls, fashion stands, and most importantly, souvenir shops. Whether you’re looking for postcards, keychains, or more unusual memorabilia, this is the place to explore.
Pro tip: avoid the food court sections for shopping and head toward the smaller lanes for unique handicrafts.

Jiufen Old Street (New Taipei City)
Jiufen Old Street offers a charming and scenic shopping experience. This hillside town is famously linked to old mining days and now serves as one of Taiwan’s most visited spots. Wander through the narrow alleys as you gaze at teahouses, pottery, and crafts.
Some of the best souvenirs here include local snacks like herbal cakes and nostalgic Japanese-style drinkware. The scenic surroundings make this a memorable place to shop.
Dihua Street (Taipei)
Dihua Street is one of Taipei’s oldest streets, packed with tea, rice shops, dried herbs, and craft stores. This area also has many stores specializing in temple items and Chinese medicine. But it’s not just about old-world shops. You’ll stumble upon stylish new boutiques and galleries offering more modern items. From fabric shops to gorgeous ceramics, this is a place to linger and find some unique gems.

If you’re interested in Taiwan’s Lunar New Year celebrations, Dihua Street shines during that period with special market events!
Raohe Street Night Market (Taipei)
Raohe Street Night Market is a smaller but equally amazing option compared to Shilin. Stretching about 600 meters, this market is a bit more relaxed. Besides the famous street food (try the black pepper buns), you can find a lot of different souvenirs here. These range from phoenix eye beads (good luck charms) to quirky socks and bags featuring Taiwanese pop culture designs.
}Anping Old Street (Tainan)
Tainan is famous for being Taiwan’s most traditional city, and the historic Anping district gives you a taste of that. Here, you’ll find shops packed with silk, teas, handmade jewelry, and plenty of local snacks like Anping Tofu Pudding. This market feels more intimate, but it’s loaded with options for anyone wanting cute, cultural items to bring home.
Where to Splurge
If you’re in the mood to splurge a little, Taiwan has fantastic options for high-end, carefully crafted souvenirs. Here’s where you might want to invest a bit more money.
Kamaro’an (Taipei)
For minimalist and indigenous-inspired designs, visit Kamaro’an. This boutique showcases indigenous arts and crafts with a refined, modern twist. They sell everything from woven baskets to bamboo decor. The craftsmanship is top-notch, and these pieces carry deep cultural stories.
Yinqi Hand Gentle (Taipei)
Yinqi Hand Gentle is a luxe bamboo craft brand that creates detailed and intricately woven bamboo items. You’ll find pens, containers, and exquisite tea utensils. These aren’t your average bamboo crafts–they’re meticulously made and designed to last.
Liuligongfang (Multiple Locations)
If you want something truly unique and Taiwanese, Liuligongfang offers stunning art glass pieces. Their creations mix modern design with old Chinese art techniques. Every piece here is a luxury item, but they’re handcrafted and one-of-a-kind. It’s the ideal place for finding a gift that’s more special.
Conclusion: Take Home a Piece of Taiwan
Shopping in Taiwan for souvenirs is all about finding those special items that resonate with you. Whether you’re spending a few dollars at a local market or investing in fine ceramics, each item carries a piece of Taiwanese culture. Explore Taiwan’s vibrant markets and enjoy the hunt for that perfect memento!
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