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Taipei

Taipei City (�) The entrance gate to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall The entrance gate to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Landmarks

Taipei 101 (臺北 101). Officially known as the Taipei International Financial Center (臺北國際金融大樓), this 101-floor, 508-meter high skyscraper is located in the Xinyi District of Taipei. The tower is rich in symbolism: It was designed to resemble bamboo rising from the earth - a plant recognized in Asian cultures for its fast growth and flexibility, which are ideal characteristics for a financial building - and also divided into eight distinct sections, with eight being a number associated with prosperity in Chinese culture. The internal architecture of Taipei 101 is similarly awe-inspiring: pay attention to ornate details on the structural beams, columns, and everywhere else. However, Taipei 101 is perhaps most notable for its feats of engineering; since 2004 it

Taipei 101
is the world's tallest building, as determined by three of the four standards designated by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. It also boasts the world's fastest elevators, which will zip visitors up to the 89th-floor observation deck in a mere 37 seconds (cost varies depending on age: NT$350 for adults, NT$320 for kids under 12). It's worth it. The views are stunning; the best time to visit would be in the late afternoon so you can hang around for a couple of hours and see both day and night views of Taipei. For an additional NT$100, you can also go up to the outdoor observatory on the 91st floor. Don't forget to look toward the middle of the building, where you'll see one of the massive gold colored dampers that keeps the building steady. Attached to the tower is a large, up-scale mall. While the stores themselves are unremarkable in that they offer the same brand-names as stores in other major cities around the world, the open and spacious design of the structure itself definitely makes it worth a visit. Located next to the cafes on the fourth floor is Page One Bookstore, which has one of the largest selections of English books in Taiwan. A supermarket specializing in imported food items is located in the basement. (See also the "Buy" section for more on the mall.) Taipei 101 is a 15 to 20-minute walk from the Taipei City Hall MRT station (Blue Line).

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (國父紀念館) is constructed in the memory of Dr Sun Yat-sen who is the founding father of the Republic of China. The construction of the Memorial commenced in 1965 in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth. It was then opened in May 16th 1972, with the majestic architecture and placid landscape covering an area of some 115,500 sq meters. The park named Zhongshan Park marks the front yard of the Hall. On the inside, there is a 19-foot bronze statue of Dr Sun Yat-sen, watched over the day by motionless military honor guards, along with a library of 400 seats storing over 1.4 millions books. The 100 meter long Zhongshan corridor links the main hall to the four large exhibition buildings where contemporary arts and historical articles are frequently on display. The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall has grown into much of a community center, and is much less touristy than the newer and larger Chiang Kai-shek Memorial. There is an auditorium which has weekly lectures and seminars on aspects of art and life. Also a popular site for public concerts.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall - (臺灣民主紀念館) , formerly called the "Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall" (中正紀念堂), is the symbol of both Taipei and the Republic of China. It is here that the nation's flag is raised every morning, and the huge court yard in front of the memorial serves as a place for both national celebrations as well as a platform to voice one's disapproval of the government. The memorial consists of a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek watched over by two motionless honor guards who are replaced every hour in a rifle twirling ceremony. Downstairs, there is a museum of Chiang's life, complete with his sedans and uniforms. Even if you are not into memorials, the gardens with their Chinese style ponds are definitely worth a visit. The memorial has its own MRT station on the Xindian line. The grounds of the memorial are also a favorite place for locals to gather to practice martial arts, though you'll have to be there early if you wish to see this. Most people begin their work-out at around sunrise, and will have left for the office before 8 a.m.

National Theater Hall (國家戲劇院) and National Concert Hall (國家音樂廳) - located in the grounds of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial -- are excellent places to see performances of a Taiwanese play or dance troupe, though they also host many international events. The building's neo-classic Chinese architecture is especially stunning when flood-lit at night.

National Taiwan University (台灣大學, or <Tai-da> for short). Taiwan's preeminent institution of higher education is located on the south side of Taipei. The campus grounds are surrounded by several blocks of shops, bookstores, eateries, cafes and tea houses popular with students and scholars. This is one of the main transportation hubs, many buses stop here. While you wait for your bus or before you go underground to catch the subway, you can get a lot of the shopping done: clothing, accessories, books, trinkets...you name it. Browse through the stales and booths directly across the street from the main entrance of the university (don't forget there is a lot more just behind the main street), grab a bite or 2 of the popular snacks: fresh fruit, spice-cooked meats and soy goodies, sky high ice cream cones, sweets, shaved ice, tapioca teas, fresh bread, etc. You can also sample the yummy Taiwanese fried chicken chain: Ding Gua Gua. Try a "Gua Gua Bao," a flavorful sticky rice pouch, and if you like sweet potato, Ding Gua Gua's fries will make you want to come back for more! There are many American fast food restaurants across the street on the right of the University, right next to several wonderful book stores. Nearest MRT station: Gongguan (公館) on the Xindian (Green) Line.

Museums/Galleries

The (故宮博物院) - the world's best collection of Chinese historical artifacts and antiquities. The museum is located in district. The nearest MRT station is Shilin (士林), with frequent buses from Shilin heading for the Palace Museum. Look for the displays on the buses. Some are written in English. It's a must-see for first time visitors.

Hua Shan Cultural and Creative Industry Center, 1 Bade Road, Sec 1. This former brewery has been transformed into a creative space in a park. The exhibitions here are well presented and imaginative and the theater performances, while less formal than at those at the National Theater, are still none-the-less first rate. The center also has a great cafe with outdoor seating -- an excellent place to watch Taipei at work and play over a cappuccino.

Fine Arts Museum (台北市立美術館), 181 Zhongshan North Road, Sec. 3 (near the Yuanshan

Taipei Fine Arts Museum
MRT Station on the Danshui line) . Open Tuesday-Sunday 09:30 to 17:30. Adult admission: $30 NT. Concessions: $15 NT. The museum displays work of local and international artists.

Spot - Taipei Film House (台北之家), Zhongshan North Road, Sec. 2 (nearest MRT Station: Zhungshan on the Danshui line) . This former residence of the U.S. Ambassador has been transformed into an art center that focuses on independent films. In addition to screenings, the house also has great cafes and restaurants that spill out onto balconies and into the garden. The book store offers a good selection of hard-to-get art/independent film maker type movies on DVD, though for other movies, prices are lower at regular DVD rental stores. Open Tues-Sun, 11AM - 10PM. Admission is free.

The Museum of Contemporary Art (台北當代藝術館), 39 Changan West Road, nearest MRT station - Zhongshan (on Danshui line) . Taiwan's first art space dedicated to contemporary work. The red brick, former Taipei City Hall is easy to locate on an otherwise unexceptional road. Open: Tues-Sun, 10AM - 6PM. Admission NT$50.

Taipei Artist Village (台北國際藝術村), near Shandao Temple Station, Exit No. 1, walk to Tian Jin St. and turn right to Beiping E. Road. This scheme provides residency programs for Taiwanese artists and others from around the world. Their space provide gallery and studio space for artists. They also have a couple of cafes which are excellent for a mid-day break while exploring Taipei. The space is open during normal weekly business hours and is free to roam around.

Taipei Story House (台北故事館). The house is located in the same plot of land as the Fine Arts Museum (see above listing). Tel: 2596-1898. . A tea merchant's 19th century European style house has been converted into a space for telling the story of Taipei and tea. There are permanent exhibits on these subjects as well as visiting exhibitions and the occasional traditional music concert. The patio serves as a tea garden, which offers pleasant views over the Damshui River and beyond. Open: 9AM to 6PM. Admission NT$30

Taiwan National History Museum (歷史博物館), 2 Xiangyang Road. Tel: 2382 2699 (Nearest MRT station 'National Taiwan University Hospital' on the Danshui line. Located in 'Peace Park' (near Taipei Main Station) in a splendid baroque and renaissance style building. Opened in 1899, it was Taiwan's first museum and focuses on anthropology and the fauna and flora of the island.

Miniatures Museum of Taiwan (袖珍博物館), B1, 96 Jian-gwo North Road, sec. 1. Tel: 2515 0583. . A small private museum that is a monument to patience and a steady hand. The 40 bulb chandelier the size of grain of rice is one of the many impressive pieces on display. Address: Buses from Taipei Main Station: 307, 527 alight at Nanjing East Road and Jian-gwo North Road intersection. The museum is located in the same building as Thai Airways. Open: Tues-Sun 10AM-6PM (last admittance 5PM). Admission: adults - NT$180, concessions - NT$150, children - NT$100

Taiwan Storyland (台灣故事館), next to Shin Kong Mitsukoshi at Taipei Main Station. Although not entirely a museum but more like an amusement park, Taiwan Storyland recreates the culture and environment of Taiwan in an earlier era, with buildings and shops based around that time. Nearest MRT station: Taipei Main Station.

Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines (順益台灣原住民博物館), opposite the National Palace Museum, houses exhibitions of Aboriginal culture and lifestyle.

Temples

Longshan Temple (龍山寺) - This temple is where countless generations of Taipei citizens

Longshan Temple
have come to pray and seek guidance at times of trouble. As the temple is dedicated to Guanyin (the Buddhist representation of compassion) it is officially defined as Buddhist, but there is a great amount of folk religion mixed into the fabric of the beliefs here. However, if you want to feel the real heartbeat of Taipei, one that is far removed from the skyscrapers and shopping malls of East Taipei, this is the place to come. It just oozes with character, though don't come expecting to find teachings on meditation. The area around Longshan Temple, Wanhua, is one of the original districts of Taipei. And, while much of the traditional architecture has been lost, the area still maintains a traditional feel. It is here that the blind masseurs congregate to offer their skill. Likewise, this is the area where the Taiwanese come to learn who they should marry or what to name their son or daughter by consulting one of the many fortune tellers that set up shop along the roads and alleys around the temple. The temple is located at 211

Baoan Temple
Guangzhou Road (near junction with Guilin Road) and is open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The nearest MRT station is 'Longshan Temple' on the Ban-Nan Line.

Confucius Temple (孔子廟)-

Baoan Temple (保安宮) -

Xiahai City God Temple (霞海城隍廟)

Ciyou Temple (松山慈祐宮)

Xintian Temple (行天宮)-

Parks

Taipei Botanical Garden

Da-An Forest Park {大安森林公園) is the largest green space in the downtown area, and as the name implies, much of the area is covered with trees. In addition, there is a lake, gardens and an amphitheater, and tucked away on the northwest corner is a statue of Guanyin (aka Avalokitesvara), the Buddhist representation of compassion. The park is bordered by Xinsheng South Road, Xinyi Road, Jianguo South Road and Heping East Road. Buses: 15, 52, 235, 278, 284, 20, 22, Xinyi Main Line.

228 Peace Park (二二八紀念公園), formerly known as 'New Park', the 228 Peace Park is one of Taipei's oldest parks, and houses the Natural History Museum and a memorial to the 228 incident, named in reference to the date (February 28) when a dispute between a female cigarette vendor and an anti-smuggling officer triggered civil disorder, and the uprising and crackdown that followed in 1947. The main entrance to the park is on Gongyuan Road, near Taipei Main Station. Nearest MRT Station: NTU Hospital.

The Botanical Gardens (植物園) - these beautiful gardens have inspired the citizens of Taipei for over one hundred years. The lotus ponds are a hallmark of the park and are especially captivating when the these symbols of peace are in full bloom and swaying in the summer breeze. Address: 53 Nanhai Road, close to the Museum of History. Nearest MRT Station: CKS Memorial. Buses: 1, 259, 204, 242.

The Zhongshan Fine Arts Park is a gentle green space interspersed with ancient trees, outdoor sculptures and art exhibits. It is located between the Fine Arts Museum and Yuanshan MRT Station.

Dajia Riverside Park (大佳河濱公園) is a riverside park along Keelung river on the north side of Taipei near Dachih Bridge (大直橋).

Videos:

Normal Taipei Traffic
This is the traffic on an average Taipei night....Taipei traffic scooters

Catching the Taipei MRT (Mass Rail Transit)
I take some footage of the Taipei Mass Rail Transit (MRT), to show you guys what it's like. This subway system is identical to the one

Taipei impressions
A movie which presents Taipei, from www.younghlee.com...taipei taiwan

Scooter ride in Taipei
Scooter ride in Taipei - one handed....Scooter ride taipei taiwan

Fly over the Taipei Maokong Gondola
Fly over the Taipei Maokong Gondola in Google Earth...Taipei Maokong Gondola Google Earth

2006 Taipei 101 Fireworks (decent quality) 台北101煙火秀(畫質...
Taipei 101 Fireworks show 1/1/2006 (2005/12/31 New Year's Eve celebration) video shot from my apartment rooftop - 台北101 煙火

2007 Taipei 101 Fireworks - 2007 台北101煙火秀
Another year! Taipei 101 Fireworks show 1/1/2007 (2006/12/31 New Year's Eve celebration) video shot from my apartment rooftop -

Taipei 101, Taiwan. Tallest Building in world lift/ elevator
Taipei 101, Taiwan. Tallest Building in world lift/ elevator...Taipei 101 Taiwan elevator lift

Taipei 101 (Taiwan) view from the Top
Taipei 101 is currently the tallest building in the world. This is a view of and from the observation deck...Taipei 101 Taiwan

Taipei MRT Muzha line
when one of the days went to citycenter by MRT , liked to record some scenes around...Taipei MRT Muzhaline

Taipei Cycle 2007
//www.bikebiz.com & http://www.quickrelease.tv...bicycle taiwan Giant Topeak Jango Dahon folding pedal taipei

taipei 101
my trip to taipei 101 (the world's tallest man-made structure)...taipei tall taiwan video

Taipei 101 Firework 2007
Taipei 101 Firework in 2007/01/01. Shot in XinYi Junior High School....Taipei 101 Firework 2007

2006 Taipei 101 Fireworks (smaller version) 台北101煙火秀(較小...
Taipei 101 Fireworks show 1/1/2006 (2005/12/31 New Year's Eve celebration) video shot from my apartment rooftop - 台北101煙火

Taipei by night
Just Taipei by night......taiwan taipei night

The Rich Jade boutique in Taipei
to this day, jade is a stone of much value and significance. In Taipei, Taiwan, jade artifacts are crafted so as to convey history, symbolism

Taipei Tower
Scared of heights, this will make your legs feel like jelly! Taipei 101 has been one of the worlds tallest building since 2004. With 101 stories above

Taiwan Taipei Yang Ming Mount (Learning English)陽明山
Introduction - Taiwan Taipei Yang Ming Mount 陽明山...台灣陽明山taiwan taipei Yang Ming Yangming mount english travel tour

2007 New Year Taipei 101 Fireworks
2007 New Year Taipei 101 Fireworks...2007 New Year Taipei 101 Fireworks

Nearest places of interest:

Taipei 101
Taipei Songshan Airport
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
Longshan Temple

Taipei Zoo
Hualien Airport
Jhongli City
Sun Moon Lake