Taipei is the capital, political, economic, financial, and cultural center of Taiwan. Featuring high-rise buildings and prospering businesses, it is an international metropolis bursting with vitality. Aside from the thriving economy, you will find temples, shrines and museums dedicated to valuing the past and its traditions. Most importantly, Taipei is a place for enjoyment with an endless choice of restaurants as well as colourful night markets serving local Taiwanese eateries. Entertainment, night clubs, live music, hot springs, markets and shopping are popular pastimes of locals and tourists. Yangmingshan National Park, famous for its volcanic landscapes, is located in Taipei's suburban area and is easily accessible from the city. In this bustling city, you will find the once world's tallest building, Taipei 101, surpassing the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur at 509 meters and 101 floors.
National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum houses the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures, one which spans China's nearly 5,000-year history. Most of the museum's 620,000 art objects were part of the Chinese imperial collection, which began over 1,000 years ago in the early Song dynasty.
Taipei 101
Taipei 101, with a mass of shops on the lower floors, incorporating many top brands under the LVMH group, such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Celine, etc. The fourth floor houses the Page One bookstore from Singapore, with the highest-roofed coffee house in Taipei and many fine restaurants.
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is located in the heart of Taipei City. The area is 250,000 square meters and it is the attraction most visited by foreign tourists. Outside the gate of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, there are poles carrying the sign of true rightness. The architecture of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is inspired by Tiantan in Beijing. The four sides of the structure are similar to those of the pyramids in Egypt. The material is white marble. The roofs are decorated with deep-blue glass as part of the reflection of blue sky and bright sun. It adds a touch of grandeur. The garden is planted with red flowers. As a whole, the colors of blue, white and red express the National Flag and the spirit of freedom, equality and brotherhood.
The great building has become a landmark of Taipei City. There are also places for international art performances. They are National Theater and National Concert Hall. World famous musicians (such as the great cello performer Yo Yo Ma and the great violinist Shao Lian Lin) and renowned playgroups have conducted performance here. The garden with beautiful flowers, miniature hills and plants, ponds, ornamental bridge and waterfalls as well as green grass presents scenery beauty. The walls surrounding the area are with nostalgic design. The place is enriched with the beauty of traditional Chinese gardens. There are various activities taking place in the square. There are the concert of the world renowned three tenors, school band performances, cheerleader performances and fairs. One can pay respect to the historical great leader, as well as participate in the relaxation activities of local residents. The place provides a precious plain view among the tall buildings of Taipei.
Yangming Park
Yangmingshan National Park is located in the north of Beitou. Yangmingshan was called Caoshan (Grass Mountain) during Japanese occupation of Taiwan, because it was covered with grass and seldom visited. After World War II, the KMT government renamed the mountain Yangmingshan and built a park here. Yangmingshan National Park is the only park in Taiwan that has volcanic geography and hot springs. It is next to Shamao Mountain and Qixing Mountain with Datun Mountain on the right and Guanyin Mountain in front. The magnificent mountainous scenery and comfortable weather have made Yangmingshan National Park a perfect summer resort. Total area of the park is 125 hectares, designed in traditional Chinese style. The natural beauty of the part has won it the reputation as urban forest and the Taipei garden.
The park is characterized by a large clock made of flowers with a diameter of 22 feet. Water runs around the flower clock and music is played every hour. The clock is the characteristic of Yangming Park. Opposite the clock is a statue of late president Chiang Kai-Shek; on both sides of the statue are the cypresses planted by president Chiang himself. The Xinhai Guangfu Building was completed in 1971, right in the center of the park. In addition, there is a statue of Wang Yang Ming, the famous Chinese scholar in the 17th century.
Shihlin Night Market
Shilin Night Market is the one of the largest night markets in Taipei. The market is centered on Yangming Theater and Cicheng Temple. The night market is formed by many prosperous shops on Wenlin Road, Dadong Road and Danan Road, etc. Among them, Shilin Market was built as early as in 1899 and the market is famous for various snacks and eatery. Many visitors have come to Shilin Night Market to enjoy the delicious foods, such as large pancake enfolding small pancake, hot pot on stone or Shilin sausage. Shilin Night Market has become a renowned place for great foods.
Because the night market is close to many schools, students are the main customer group. Goods are sold at less expensive prices as compared to regular stores. There are special areas for furniture, clothing, photo shops or pet shops. The finery shops and cold dessert shops in "lover's lane" attract most student customers.
Shilin Night Market covers a large area. When one walks in the turning lanes and alleys, he (she) would often find something unexpected. The night market is packed with many people during holidays. We can often see families carrying many things from shopping and enjoying good meals. Their satisfaction is fully shown from their happy expressions.
Xi-Men Ding
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. 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.
Tamsui Old Street
Danshui used to be called Huwei. It is a derivation from the ancient tongue Hoba. It means the river outlet. Danshui is located in northwest of Taipei basin. Danshui is surrounded by mountains and rivers and the scenery is beautiful. Hongmao Castle is a historical site in Danshui with historical meaning. It was built by the Spaniards in 1626 and restored by the Dutch. The castle was called Anthony Castle. Because Taiwan people called the Dutch people Hongmao (people with red hair), the castle thus was called Hongmao Castle. It was also called Huwei Castle.
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a multi-purpose leisure fishing port developed by the New Taipei City Government. There are magnificent floating piers and a spacious park, with a bridge in the shape of a boat spanning across the harbor and a wooden path stretching over 300 meters at the waterfront. It is relaxing to lean against the fence enjoying the breeze and sights at the Danshui River mouth. In the evening, this is the best place to watch the view of the sunset.
