The name of Ximending came from the period of Japanese colonization. At that time most local residents live within Taipei City. Ximending is the center for recreation. In 1896, the first theater """"Tokyo Stand"""" was set up. In 1922, the place was officially called Ximending.

In early years, the main business activity in Ximending was going to cinema theater. At that time, most cinema theaters are on E'mei Street, Chengdu Road and Xining S. Road. They were the center of Ximending's development. After the central government of R.O.C. was reinstated in Taiwan in 1949, a large sum of capital was poured into Ximending. Other than cinema theaters, there were department stores and other entertainment attractions. After the completion of Zhonghua Business Buildings, Ximending became the largest business and entertainment center in the country.

In 1990s, the business and entertainment activities of Taipei gradually shifted to East District. Later, Zhonghua Business Buildings were torn down for road construction. Ximending became silent for a while. Then, MRT Bannan Line was completed. Zhonghua Road was converted to be a prosperous main street under the planning of Taipei City Government. Furthermore, there are many emerging squares and activity locations. On holidays and at weekends, people gather here for art, culture events or sports, music performance. The business opportunities and people are coming back to Ximending.