Taipei - the Vibrant Super Busy Capital of Taiwan



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The Sights
The National Palace Museum, 221 Zinshan Road
This museum houses the fabulous works of art annexed by the Chinese emperors since the 10th Century. The collection has traveled through many locations and has found its resting place in Taipei at any one time not all of the collection is on display. The treasures are stored in a vault carved into the mountainside.

Taipei 101, Xinyi Road
The Taipei International Financial center is currently the world’s tallest building at 508 meters. It is said to have been constructed on a fault line. There are observation decks at various levels, the first one is on the 89th floor, the access to this deck costs Taiwanese $ 350 as you go up further to the 91st floor you have to pay an additional Taiwanese $100.

If you do not want to go up to the observation decks you can indulge in the delights of the shopping mall and fantastic Asian food court on the lower floors. Both these attractions cater to the Taiwanese obsessions for eating and shopping.

Taiwan Storyland Zhongxiao Road
It is one of Taiwan’s newest and most popular attractions, located in the main MRT station. It depicts a street scene in a Taiwanese town circa 1965. It has the shops of yesteryear which dot the old street and gives one a sense of what life was in a bygone era. The entrance charge for foreigners is Taiwanese $ 80.

The Chiang Kai Shek Memorial, Zhongzheng District
The magnificent memorial to the late leader stands in the National Democracy Park and it is built of marble. Well manicured lawns and Koi ponds are located all through out the memorial which has a statue of Chiang Kai Shek and a library on the ground floor which has photos and other memorabilia. Adjacent to the Memorial are the National Theater and the National Concert Hall both of which are exponents of traditional Chinese style.

Longshan Temple at Wanhua
The most famous temple of Taipei dedicated to the goddess Guanyin was built in 1738 by settlers from the Fuijan province of China. Over the years the temple has been destroyed by earthquakes, typhoons and even bombings by the Allies in the Second World War. The Taiwanese have rebuilt the temple time and again. This temple is symbolic of the resilience of the Taiwanese people.

Postal Museum, Chongging
This is a museum devoted to the mail delivery systems of Taiwan down the ages as well as 80,000 stamps from 120 countries. In addition it also has exhibits of postal uniforms etc. Indeed this museum is one of the most unique museums in the world.

Confucius Temple, Talung Street
This temple devoted to the great philosopher Confucius is generally a peaceful sanctuary except on October 28th each year when there are elaborate ceremonies held here to commemorate the great thinkers birthday.

Pao An Temple
Located in the vicinity of the Confucius temple is the 230 year old Pao An Temple.

The temple is a place of worship for followers to Taoism and the deities worshipped here are Pao Sheng (god of medicine),Ju Lai Fo ( god of luck) and Chu Seng Niang Niang the goddess of birth and fertility.

Martyrs Shrine Bei-An Road
This shrine is dedicated to Taipei’s fallen heroes. The shrine is an exponent of the architecture associated with the Ming dynasty. It is adorned with a splendid archway, tranquil paths and a changing of the guards which is quite like the one at Buckingham Palace and a major attraction.

Lin Family Mansion and Garden, Ximen Street
This home was built in 1853. It was converted into a museum in 2001. It is an example of the architecture associated with the Qing period. It is a grand mansion adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf accents. It has a grand viewing gallery which was used by the family to observe the farmers as they worked in the fields. It has been constructed without the use of nails but by using a tongue and grove technology. It has ponds and gardens within its folds which add greatly to the beauty and charm of the mansion.

Sun Yat –Sen Memorial Hall
This is a monument devoted to the father of the Republic of China and adorned with an impressive bronze statute of the leader and other memorabilia such as photos. The memorial has a multi media presentation highlighting the events in the life of Dr. Sun Yat- Sen.

Shopping
Shopping is a major recreational activity in Taiwan, one can buy almost everything a Taipei’s numerous and vibrant markets. Department stores and stores devoted to designer goods co- exist with traditional markets and night markets. Idée is a premier department store in Taipei while Dinghao market is an extensive market with restaurants, pubs, tea houses, bakeries and stores selling high end and casual fashion along with footwear and accessory stores. In Dinghao there are also street vendors selling a variety of goods. Shihlin Night market is the most famous night market of Taipei. It is a typical Chinese market populate by a host of vendors selling a vast variety of wares. The Kuanghua Market is known for its vendors of computers, software and peripherals. There is also a Holiday Jade and flower market which is held on Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Here the vendors specialize in Jade which is venerated by the Chinese and exotic blooms.

Restaurants and Eating
Taipei is renowned the world over for its excellent restaurants that serve authentic Chinese cuisine. Taiwanese cuisine is characterized by dumplings and dishes featuring fermented bean curd .Ay –Chung Flour Rice and Noodle of Er-Mei Street is an extremely popular noodle house. Kiki , on Guangfu South Road features dishes from the Sichuan province on its menu. Lu San Canteen on Yongkang Street is popular for its regional Taiwanese menu.

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