The Yizhong Commercial District, located in the North District of Taichung City, is a large urban commercial area centered around Yizhong Street and extending to nearby streets such as Sanmin Road, Taiping Road, Yucai Street, Yucai South Street, and Yucai North Road. Its name comes from its proximity to Taichung First Senior High School (commonly known as Taichung Yizhong). With its concentration of schools, convenient transportation, and strong student population, combined with subsequent urban development and commercial investment, the district has grown into one of central Taiwan’s most representative student shopping areas and youth culture hotspots.
The district began developing in the 1980s, when cram schools started to establish themselves in the area. This was soon followed by the construction of the Water Conservancy Association’s Zunxian Building and the Lai Lai Department Store Taichung branch, both of which helped attract crowds and stimulate business. The later addition of the Chungyo Department Store further expanded the commercial district, turning it into a dense shopping area. Sanmin Road became one of Taichung’s busiest thoroughfares, hosting the largest number of bus routes and a heavy flow of traffic.
The district enjoys an advantageous location near National Taichung University of Science and Technology, Taiping Elementary School, Taichung Park, Zhongxing Hall, Jingwu Library, National Taiwan University of Physical Education and Sport, Shuangshi Junior High School, Lixing Elementary School, and many other educational and cultural facilities. It is also close to the Zhongyi Shopping District, the Confucius Temple, Taichung Stadium, Taichung Baseball Field, and the Martyrs’ Shrine, forming a diverse urban space that integrates education, history, and leisure.
One of the district’s defining features is its strong student- and youth-oriented consumer base. On weekdays, crowds begin to swell after around 5 p.m., coinciding with high school dismissal times, with cram school students making up the majority of visitors. As a result, businesses here tend to cater to students, especially with affordable and filling food options. On weekends, however, the crowd shifts toward tourists. The mix of students in school uniforms and visitors in casual attire creates an interesting contrast, giving the district a different atmosphere depending on the time.
The clustering effect of similar businesses is also evident. For example, Yucai Street has several well-known chain eyeglass stores lined up along a short stretch, while Taiping Road is home to numerous sporting goods shops offering more affordable prices than other areas, encouraging consumers to browse and compare. Sanmin Road is dominated by hair salons and beauty parlors, interwoven with traditional bridal shops, creating a distinctive urban landscape.
With systematic planning by the city government and the boost of media coverage, the Yizhong Commercial District has gradually developed into a base for youth pop culture. In recent years, its boundaries have continued to expand, with major developments such as the Yizhong Ximending by Yi-Min Construction, the Yizhong Street Project by Ruei-Fong Construction, and the Yizhong New World Shopping District. A new commercial space at Jingwu Road intersection has also injected fresh energy and vibrancy into the area.
Today, Yizhong Street is considered the representative hub of youth pop culture in central Taiwan. It is not only a popular gathering place for students after school but also a pilgrimage site for young people and tourists alike. Its urban status is often compared to Shibuya in Tokyo, Myeong-dong in Seoul, and Ximending in Taipei, making it one of the most iconic locations for youth culture and metropolitan lifestyle in Taiwan.
