Wanhua — historically "Bangka" in Hokkien — is the oldest part of Taipei: a low, dense district of old shophouses, working temples, herbal-medicine markets and snake-meat restaurants on the west side of the city. Longshan Temple is its religious and architectural centre; around it spread the night-time Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market (the old red-light district, now mostly a snack street), the surviving Bopiliao historic block, and the brick warren of Qingshui Temple lanes.
Wanhua is the working-class face of Taipei: rough at the edges, a regular venue for political demonstrations, home to many of the city's homeless. It is also one of the most rewarding parts of the city to walk, particularly at night when the night markets open up.