Iconic Taipei Main Station Landmark to Disappear! Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Invests Over $100 Million in Major Renovation – Full Transformation Plan Revealed

The iconic black-and-white checkered floor in Taipei Main Station's concourse, long a resting spot for travelers, is set to become history. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi officially took over operations of the station's commercial area on July 25 and today (11th) held a groundbreaking ceremony with Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) for the ROT project. The company announced an investment of over NT$1 billion to launch a 2-year, 8-month phased renovation under the vision of 'Window to the World.' The concourse will feature a 600-inch LED screen, a new grand clock, and AI-powered smart services, with over 70% of retail spaces remaining operational during construction.

The highly recognizable black-and-white checkerboard flooring, a hallmark of Taipei Main Station's concourse for years, will be retired with this renovation. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Vice President Wu Shin-chang explained that the concourse will undergo a complete floor replacement and lighting upgrade, and a 600-inch LED screen will be installed to showcase Taiwan's natural landscapes and cultural scenes, offering visitors an immediate impression of Taiwan's beauty. The screen can also broadcast live sports events to cheer on Team Taiwan when needed. A new station clock will also be installed, preserving the timekeeping function and landmark significance, transforming the concourse into a Taiwan-flavored 'City Living Room.'

A recent typhoon day saw crowds gathering at Taipei Main Station to play Pokémon GO, with many sitting on the floor operating their smartphones, creating dense crowds. Photo by Central News Agency reporter Hsieh Chia-chang, July 11, 2026.

The renovation goes beyond aesthetic upgrades. Taipei Main Station's restrooms will integrate AI smart technology, automatically triggering alerts if users remain for over 30 minutes. Each floor will feature 4 to 6 'Service Pods' integrating wayfinding systems, train information, Taipei tourism guides, AI smart services, emergency call buttons, drinking fountains, and ATMs—providing one-stop solutions for traveler needs. Additionally, two elevators will be installed to connect B1 directly to the 2nd floor, improving the current inconvenient vertical circulation that requires transferring via the 1st floor.

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Takes Over Taipei Main Station Mall (2)

Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Executive Vice President Wu Shin-chang explained the renovation plan for the Taipei Main Station mall on the 11th, stating that the concourse will be redesigned with new flooring and adjusted lighting. Photo by Central News Agency reporter Ho Hsiu-ling, August 11, 2026.

The proportion of dining and food outlets will be reduced to below 70%. Wu stated that while catering to traveler dining needs, the goal is also to attract destination shoppers. Tenants will include both local culinary specialties and international brands, offering a more comprehensive lifestyle service. In the arts and culture domain, Shin Kong Mitsukoshi plans to establish a youth creative incubation hub at Taipei Main Station, providing young artists with opportunities to display their works and create in real time, offering them a larger stage.

TRA Chairman Cheng Kuang-yuan stated that over 600,000 people use Taipei Main Station daily for commuting and travel. During the 2-year, 8-month renovation, TRA and Shin Kong Mitsukoshi will adopt a phased, zoned construction approach to ensure at least 70% of operations continue uninterrupted, with complete separation between construction and passenger pathways. Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Wu Sheng-yuan noted that approximately 640,000 people enter and exit Taipei Main Station daily, making it Taiwan's capital gateway to the world. This project, authorized and supervised by TRA Company for bidding, aims to deliver a refreshing consumer and leisure experience.

Regarding recent passenger complaints about air conditioning in certain areas, Cheng explained that improvement plans have already been proposed, with temporary cooling units added to platforms to enhance comfort before full renovation. The issue of homeless individuals and migrant workers gathering at the station will continue to be coordinated with the Taipei City Government and police.