The updated and expanded 2nd Edition of the Utopia Guide to Taiwan offers a fresh insider's glimpse at the gay and lesbian scene in 12 cities including Taipei, Kaohsiung, Tainan and Taichung. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, accommodations, spas, restaurants, and more. A special section highlights venues that are especially welcoming for women. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from local Utopians and gay travelers. Click here to order
72 Zhong-yi 3rd Rd, 225-1781. Gets very busy on Fri nights. Locals, expats and visitors. Mostly gays, some lesbians and some straight women also.
Comments from Utopians:
"I went to Light on Fri night and it was empty. The place is VERY small (4 barstools, 8 cubicles), so it would only need 10 people there to be considered busy. The staff were very friendly and helpful about the gay scene. The bar seemed ‘straight’ but the owner is gay (a real muscle Mary and a lovely guy) who assured me that it was a straight bar, but he lost no time in finding out what I was looking for, and he quickly introduced me to a group of young gay men and made sure I was looked after. After you have spent some money in Light, consider asking them where the bars with 'real' gay men are (mainly women in Light when I was there)." -- piliferous, Jul 27, 2006
Music Town Karaoke(mixed)
11/F, 9, 72 Huan-he West Rd, Chinatown Theater/Shopping Complex (near the river), 220-8800, 223-1262. Turn left after getting out of the elevator. Friendly, mature crowd. Some English speaking staff. Fairly easy to find and a good place to get other business cards. Mostly gay, lesbians on occasion. Take bus number 6 from the train station and get off at Da-yong stop. Look out for China Town Building or China Town Cinema.
M (mixed)
A short walk from Chinatown Theater/Shopping Complex, 226-2227, 226-2229.
Suck
Min-chuan 2nd Rd. Some gay and lesbian customers.
Zhong-shan Park
Two blocks from the Premier Hotel. Surrounded by Bei-men Rd, Gong-yuan Rd, and Gong-yuan South & North Rds. Very big and very cruisy all night long. Surreal atmosphere at night adds to the cruising fun.
Fu Low
1-22 Sha Lin Rd, 229-6535. Modern and clean setting for an open-air Taiwan-style restaurant, serving seafood, fresh local dishes and beer.
Lemon Mini (mixed), 229-6535. Tea shop.
Green House
5F-3, No 147, Sec 2 Chung Yi Rd, 221-0108, 221-0109. Clean and popular. Big and spacious, with free drinks and fruit. Very nice staff. No pool, but very well maintained showers and big dry and steam saunas. Very busy on weekends, specially Sun noon.
New King Sauna Gymnasium
233 Nan-men Rd, 213-3066. In the basement car park, next to the Nan Men Garden Restaurant, just 10 minutes by taxi from the train station. Newly built in March 2004. Now with large pool and spa equipment. It maintains its Japanese style bathing area, various soaking pools, steam and dry sauna. Free coffee and drinks, Internet, TV room, professional massage. Attracts younger fit, student types, as well as mature and muscular, workers, and army types.
Comments from Utopians:
"STRONGLY recommend New King Sauna Gymnasium! It is a great place. Romantic and wonderful environment. If you just want some fun, check it out." -- ljdashan, Mar 31, 2008