Taiwan’s 5-Cent Heaven
By: Yu Shan
The phrase “five-cent shop” itself brings to mind an image of a run-down grocery store selling items that only attract shoppers because of its affordable prices. Thankfully for us avid shoppers, Taiwan’s five cent shops （五分铺商圈）are not grocery stores but fabulous independent clothing stalls, with popularity due to their reasonable price and fashion-forwardness.
To arrive at 5-cent heaven, take the Taiwan MRT (called 捷运 by locals) to HouShanPi Station (后山埤站) and ask for directions from there. It’s only a few blocks from the MRT station. The surroundings may seem rundown after you emerge from the station, but do not be daunted for good fashion lies mere steps ahead!
The main thing I like about this place is that it condenses so many different fashion styles into one sprawling, outdoor mall that never seems to end. It’s like a one-stop shop for any type of fashion you’re feeling, though one main trend that’s predominantly evident are the many cute tees at very low prices!
Funky graphic tees
Logo tees
More sophisticated style: semi-formal dresses
Proof of their low prices - 100 Taiwan dollars is approximately 11 Malaysian ringgit.
And that’s not all, you can even try out your bargaining skills on these shopkeepers to push the prices lower! You might feel guilty though, because these garments are already selling for dirt cheap prices.
In this particular overseas fashion foray with my friends, I picked up a darling American Eagle summer dress a la Lauren Conrad style for all those lazy summer nights, and a checked cap to satisfy my preppy side.
