Taipei Travel Guide
(http://www.hoteltravel.com/taiwan/taipei/guides/sightseeing.htm)

Taipei Overview
1. History 2. Weather 3.Business Hours 4. Cautions 5. Electricity 6. Health 7. Language 8. Currency 9. Customs 10. Etiqutte 11. Visas 12. Tourist Information Offices

The lively Taiwanese metropolis of Taipei is known around the world for its well-developed infrastructure and economic success. The city boasts a wealth of tourist attractions that include Japanese colonial architecture and Qing dynasty temples that reflect a fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, and animistic elements.

Taipei is an important air traffic hub for visitors to the region. China Airlines and EVA Air both have their headquarters here, and regularly shuttle passengers between Southeast Asia, North America and Europe.

The wisest tourists incorporate Taiwan into a tour of East Asia, as there is a stunning assortment of traditional architecture and excellent museums located throughout the city. Long Shan Temple is a favourite attraction, representing classic Taiwanese architecture. Worshippers here observe an interesting assortment of religious rites that extend far beyond typical Buddhism.

Taipei is also a paradise for shoppers, with several rambling market areas emanating from the city centre. Shilin Night Market is the most popular place for locals and tourists to shop, but there are number of other shopping districts such as Ximending Market and the leviathan Taipei 101 shopping mall.

Several local museums catalogue the region's history, cultural diversity and ecological endowments. Some of the most notable institutions include the National Palace Museum, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, National Taiwan Museum and the Miniatures Museum, all of which pack in fascinating items.

Taipei's accommodation offerings are endless. Large, chain hotels offer internationally renowned five-star service alongside more economically-minded offerings that cater for mid-range travellers. A wonderful assortment of restaurants is also onsite to provide local dishes and international favourites alike.

Taipei is a world-class holiday destination with excellent public transportation links to connect visitors with outlying attractions. Despite all of the modern touches, visitors don't have to travel far before they've found themselves buried in the forested mountains, a world away from rush hour traffic.

History

Archaeological records indicate that Taiwan's first settlers lived here some 30,000 years ago, though current inhabitants didn’t descend from these ancient peoples. The aboriginal tribes that live on the island today descended from ancient Polynesians whose boats landed here some 4,000 years ago.

Chinese historical records indicate that the island may have been known to Chinese dynasties as long ago as the 3^rd century, although it was largely ignored since it was not seen as a strategic outpost. Han settlers from mainland China arrived in the 1200s, marking the beginning of Taiwan’s place in world politics.

Portuguese traders arrived in the 16^th century and added the island to their conquests in the Pacific Ocean. This paved the way for Spanish and Dutch colonists, who made a brief appearance in the 1600s and succeeded in converting some aboriginal tribes to Christianity before being driven off by mainland Chinese forces.

Unstable mainland politics kept China from developing Taiwan, and it wasn't until the 1800s that the island began to build any significant infrastructure. Japanese colonists began a series of invasions and ultimately wrested Taiwan from the Qing dynasty in the late 19^th century. The coming decades saw the development of railroads and other industrial strides alongside Taipei's rise to power as the island's capital city.

After WWII, Taiwan was ceded to the Republic of China. Chiang Kai-shek fled the communist uprising on the mainland and spearheaded a powerful campaign on the island. He ruled Taiwan through a harsh single-party military regime. A transition into pluralistic democracy didn't come until Chiang Kai-Shek death, when power passed to his son.

Today, Taipei is the cultural nexus of a prosperous nation that has preserved a great deal of its history and culture. Buddhism and Taoism are practiced throughout metropolitan and rural areas alongside fanciful festivals that have been held for millennia under the lunar phases of the Chinese calendar.

Weather

Taipei's semi-tropical climate is typically hot and humid throughout most of the year. The rainy season reaches its peak between May and September, though there is also a substantial amount of precipitation from February until April. Even outside of the official rainy season, consistent bouts of rainfall are normal. 

The hottest months are July and August, when highs average at around 35°C. At this time of year, sightseeing around Taipei can be strenuous, so most tourists try to avoid these warmest months. Temperatures are considerably cooler in January, when midnight lows reach lows of around 13°C. The best time to visit is in the late autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is at a minimum.

Seasonal typhoons occasionally sweep through during the summer. August and September are the most likely months for a severe storm to pass through. Flight cancellations can be a problem for visitors during these months.

Business Hours

Banks: 09:00 to 15:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday; 08:30 to 16:30, Saturdays; 08:30 to 12:00, Sundays
Government Offices: 08:30 to 12:30 and 13:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 10:00 to 21:00 Monday to Sunday
Shops: 09:00 to 22:00, Monday to Sunday

Cautions

Taipei, along with the rest of Taiwan, is recognised as a very safe place to travel. Decades of economic prosperity and constant development have given way to a well-adjusted, modern metropolis that poses minimal concerns for visitors.

If you are unfortunate enough to become the victim of a crime in Taipei, you can contact the office of foreign affairs to be put in contact with an English-speaking law enforcement officer (phone: +886 3 524 2103).

Although they rarely pose a great threat, natural disasters and inclement weather do occur on occasion in the city. Typhoons make seasonal appearances, though visitors and citizens of Taipei are given ample notice in the unlikely event that the storm comes ashore.

This region is also positioned in the Pacific Ring of Fire, and seismic activity is common. Though this usually amounts to little more than a tremor, outright earthquakes occasionally strike. However, buildings codes in Taipei are very strict, with most structures outfitted to safely weather strong quakes. 

Violent crime is virtually non-existent within Taiwan's tourism circuit. Visitors rarely have to deal with intimidating or threatening behaviour, let alone with muggings. However, the ambient feeling of safety in Taipei sometimes causes tourists to drop their guard and become susceptible to pick-pockets and purse snatchers.

The easiest way to avoid inadvertently parting with your valuables is to limit what you carry. Abundant ATMs and excellent banking infrastructure means that you'll need very little cash while spending time here in Taipei. Whatever you decide to carry along with you should be tucked into a money belt or otherwise concealed beneath a layer of outerwear.

Electricity

110 volts, 50 hertz

Health

Taipei enjoys some of the best medical infrastructure in a country that has surpassed many Western nations in the calibre of its medical facilities. Taiwan's ability to naturally quarantine itself has given this island community the opportunity to completely eradicate some viruses like malaria. All of this works in tourists' favour, creating a clean and healthy travelling environment that poses very little risk.

Proof of immunisations may be required of travellers before a visa is issued however most Western travellers are waived this requirement. The exception is travellers arriving from regions known to be affected by yellow fever, who must demonstrate proof of vaccination. Immunisation against Japanese encephalitis is also recommended.

Tap water should be regarded as unsanitary. Boiling water before drinking is an impractical step for travellers and other short-term visitors, making bottled water the best choice for convenience. Milk is typically unpastuerised, so visitors may wish to drink pasteurised powdered milk as an alternative.

Secondary contact with water can sometimes upset stomachs or otherwise make tourists ill. Beware of fresh produce, especially fruit which should be washed and peeled before consumption. Ice should also be avoided; however, factory-processed ice (cylindrical with a hollow shaft) is safe to consume.

Language

Taiwan's official language is Mandarin Chinese. While the mainland dialect is unanimously employed throughout the metropolitan area, regional dialects are spoken in rural areas across the country. In some ethnic minority villages, Mandarin is rarely used. Visitors to Taipei are pleased to find a high level of English proficiency, particularly within sectors of tourism and business. Many travellers make a point of carrying a card with the name and address of their hotel written in Mandarin to show taxi drivers.

Currency

The official currency of Taiwan is the new Taiwan dollar (TWD). While the old dollar (pre-1997) occasionally crops up in circulation, it is often not accepted by merchants and restaurants. The new dollars display a larger bust on the front of the banknote. These are issued in increments of TWD 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Meanwhile, coins cover smaller increments of 1, 5, 10, and 50.

Currency Exchange

The banking infrastructure in Taipei is excellent, and multiple forms of currency are traded by financial institutions and money lenders. For this reason, most travellers wait to do their bank when they arrive in Taipei, where local exchange rates typically trump international rates. Travellers' cheques can also be exchanged at banks, and they're also usually accepted by the larger hotels.

Cash is rarely an issue in Taipei. ATMs are abundantly located throughout the city, where internationally-branded debit cards are accepted. Banks will also issue cash advances against credit cards in many cases. The only time cash becomes important is when travelling into outlying villages and rural areas, where merchants are less likely to accept credit or debit cards.

Customs

Import and export of the following items is restricted: antiques and national treasures, illicit drugs, some prescription medications and firearms (including toy or model pistols). If you are concerned about an item you intend to carry with you, contact your nearest Taiwan consulate or embassy for more information.

All those entering Taiwan are required to fill out a customs declaration form. Duty free allowances (per person) are as follows: 200 cigarettes or 25 cigars; one still camera and one video camera; gifts not exceeding TWD6,000; and up to one litre of alcohol. Restrictions on the import and export of foreign currency are relatively lax, although customs officials require you to declare the amount you're carrying.

Etiquette

A greeting in Taiwan usually consists of a simple nod of the head. Prolonged intermingling with Japanese culture has also left its mark on Taiwan, and it's not uncommon to see Japanese-style bowing in the course of formal greetings. Within the business community, Western-style handshakes are more prevalent.

Since the feet are the lowest part of the body, they are regarded as dirty in Taiwan. Your shoes should be taken off before entering a home or religious site. In most cases, there will be several sets of slippers at the threshold of a house, providing you with an alternative to walking around bare-footed.

Opposite of the feet, the head is regarded as an especially sacred part of the body. Taiwanese will not intentionally touch someone else's head in the course of casual interactions. Even young children's heads should not be touched, as this may offend the parents.

The act of giving small gifts is a central part of Taiwanese culture. There are several taboos with regards to gift giving to avoid, however, locals usually forgive any unintended social lapses.

Generally anything reminiscent of death or dying should be carefully avoided. Even writing a person's name in red ink is considered bad luck. Shoes are a distasteful gift, as they are said to speed a person into the afterlife. Pointing at mausoleums or cemeteries supposedly summons ghosts and should also be avoided. Whistling after dark is considered bad taste, as it calls ghosts to the whistler.

Dining Etiquette
Taiwanese food has a great deal in common with Japanese and mainland Chinese cuisine. Pork is the most prevalent land-based meat, favoured over beef due to an aversion to eating beasts of burden. Fresh seafood also finds its way into a variety of dishes.

Rice is the mainstay of Taiwanese cuisine, and it manifests itself in several different ways. Beyond the simple bed of white rice that accompanies many dishes, rice is also ground into flour and used to make rice noodles, which is then served in a light broth with ground pork balls.

Chopsticks are the primary eating utensils, though many restaurants in touristy areas also have forks and spoons available upon request. When using chopsticks, refrain from inserting them into a bowl of rice such that they protrude into the air. This social faux pas is reminiscent of burning joss sticks and ominous last rites.

Tea is served before, during and after every meal, and also fills in the gaps throughout the day. In a restaurant, you can indicate to your server that a teapot needs to be refilled by removing or unhinging the lid. A threefold tap on the table is a nice, non-verbal way of thanking your server.

Tipping is uncommon in Taipei, and is only necessary in upscale establishments that deal heavily with foreigners. At times, a modest fee for service may be added to the bill.

Visa and Passports

The changeable nature of visa regulations means visitors should check regulations with their local Taiwan embassy before finalising travel arrangements.   

Tourist visas in Taiwan cover a period of stay not exceeding 30 days. Visas are issued on arrival for citizens of most Western nations, and the tourist need only show proof of return travel arrangements, such as an outbound air ticket. Customs officials may perform a quick criminal history check, and the visa processing fee must be paid in new Taiwanese dollars.

Extensions are not typically available for tourist visas. In some instances, it may be possible to arrange a visa that covers a stay of up to 90 days, but this sort of visa must be applied for at a Taiwanese embassy in your home country in advance of travel. All visitors must possess a passport that is valid for at least six months after their date of entry to Taiwan.

Tourist Information Offices

The headquarters for the Taiwan Tourism Bureau is located in Taipei on Jungshiau E road. This is a good place for visitors to launch a tour of the city, as the facility is equipped with knowledgeable staff and ample information to help plan your stay. Phone: +886 2 349 1635.

Taipei Sightseeing

1. Top Things to See 2. Top Things to Do

Top Things to See

Taipei and the surrounding countryside are filled with attractions that can keep visitors engaged for days. The city's metropolitan centre is rich with memorials and period structures that chronicle the city's colonial period and ensuing involvement with the Republic of China. Heading into the hinterland, tourists can explore the beautiful countryside in a series of nature reserves and national parks.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 
The Memorial Hall was originally built to honour former president Chiang Kai-shek and holds several mementos, a library and a statue dedicated to him. The memorial sits on well-landscaped gardens that adjoin the National Concert Hall and National Theatre. The large, primary building has an octagonal roof and sports all the colours of the Republic of China's flag. A flight of 89 steps (Kai-shek lived to the age of 89) ascend to the entrance of the main hall. Phone: +886 2 2938 2300.

The Grand Hotel 
This five-star hotel opened in 1952 and has since blossomed through a series of expansions and improvements into the icon landmark that it is today. Four years after the hotel opened, a lounge, swimming pool and tennis court were added. In 1968, the Grand Hotel was named by Fortune magazine as one of the top 10 hotels in the world. Perched on top of the Grand is the world's largest classical Chinese roof, giving it the distinct air of a Chinese palace.

Hot Springs 
There are several naturally-occurring hot springs around Taipei. Hell Valley is a popular site where sulphur springs bubble and boil. The hot springs at Hwa Yi Chuen are also worth visiting, and this site's geyser is its main attraction. Peitou Hot Springs Park receives the most visitors with its informative museum exploring the science and history of the region’s geothermal springs.

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Presidential Office Building 
Located in Zhongzheng district across from the city's East Gate, this grandiose building was constructed under the patronage of the Japanese colonial government. The building itself was damaged during WWII, and the Chinese Nationalist Party began restoration in 1947. Architecturally, the building reflects a blend of Baroque, neo-Classical and Renaissance influences, and an 11-storey tower looms over the Presidential Office.

Sungshan Nature Reserve 
The hills of this nature reserve are sparsely populated by a few rustic temples that reward ambitious hikers with a candid window into Taipei's religious culture. There are four mountains in the reserve: Lady Finger, Tiger's Head, Elephant Mountain and Nine-Five Peak. The latter is the tallest at a height of 1,066 feet. Buses from Taipei's city centre carry visitors inside the park and drop them at Sheng'en Temple.

Taipei 101 
This skyscraper will remain the world's tallest building until the completion of Burj Dubai skyscraper in the United Arab Emirates. The structure stands at a height of 1,474 feet and has one of the fastest-ascending elevators in the world. There are several observation areas, including open-air lookout decks that offer outstanding panoramas of the city. The annual spectacular New Year’s fireworks display, launched from atop the 101, is a highly celebrated event.  Website: www.taipei-101.com.tw/.

Tienhsiang 
This popular scenic area is home to part of the Taroko Gorge, a natural landmark that draws a number of spectators from Taipei and beyond. Before the Central Cross-island Highway was built in the 1960s, this area was synonymous with the aboriginal Tupido tribe that lived here. Today, it has become something of a natural resort area with a five-star hotel (Grand Formosa Taroko) and the Hsiangteh Temple with its pagoda. The temple grounds are connected to the highway by a swaying suspension bridge, under which a hot spring feeds carbonated water into the river.

Yangmingshan National Park 
Located on the outskirts of Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park is named after a military official and scholar who lived under the Ming dynasty's rule. Chiang Kai-shek's summer home was located here, and there a number of other notable buildings throughout the park. These green, grass-covered mountains are known for their hot springs, snakes and cherry blossoms. Hiking trails in the park wind through extinct volcanic peaks (including Seven Star Mountain) and provide access to the Wuchih Mountain Military Cemetery.

Website: www.ymsnp.gov.tw/html/engnew/index.htm.

Top Things to Do

Explore the magnificent gorge - The Taroko Gorge stretches for 12 miles in Tienhsiang, offering visitors some of Taipei's most spectacular scenery. Follow the suspension bridge across the river and visit the Eternal Spring Shrine that was built in memory of the 450 labourers who died while constructing this highway.

Have a picnic at Yangmingshan National Park. This park has it all: hot springs, volcanic craters, seasonal cherry blossoms and waterfalls. There is an assortment of wildlife to view within the park limits. The park is also outfitted with picnicking facilities, making it an ideal daytrip destination for families and couples.

Pamper yourself at a spa.The abundant hot springs around Taipei have fostered a strong community of spas and saunas. There's something in every price range, from simple public bathing areas to lavish, five-star facilities. Both hot springs and cold-water mineral springs are incorporated in these treatments.

Pick a basket of peaches. The Village and Orchards area is located in Ba Ling in nearby Taoyuan county. Between the months of April and August, many of the orchards in this area invite customers to come and pick their own fruit. This is a great activity for the entire family.

Take a tour by train. One of the best sightseeing railways around Taipei is the rural Ping Hsi Line, which starts in Jui Fang and ascends through the rugged countryside to Ching Tung village. From here, you can return by bus or train, making a stop at Shi Fen along the way to see the waterfalls.

Visit the Lin Antai House. One of the hallmark sites of Taipei, this home was built under Qing dynasty rule during the late 18th century. This is the best kept historic house in town, with some fabulous wood and stone carvings.

Watch a snake handler. Huahsi Night Market is home to a peculiar Snake Alley with a number of reptilian attractions. Daring snake handlers lure spectators by groping live cobras while snake soup and snake bile are both on the menu. Visitors can also purchase an aphrodisiac made from a cobra's gall bladder.

Taipei Transport

1. Airports 2.Public Transport

Airports

Taipei's Taoyuan International Airport is the primary international gateway for visitors to Taiwan, but it also serves as a major hub for transport to the eastern region of Asia. Flights to and from this facility connect Taipei with destinations across Southeast Asia, Europe, the Pacific Islands and North America. There is also a strong current of domestic traffic routed through the airport. 

Airlines operating flights at Taoyuan International include Taiwan's two biggest contenders: China Airlines and EVA Air. All Nippon Airways, Dragonair, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Northwest Airlines, Thai Airways and United Airlines also operate here. Weather usually isn't a problem for flights in and out of Taipei, though seasonal typhoons may lead to cancellations.

The dual-terminal facility will soon see the addition of a third terminal specialising in international traffic. Comprehensive facilities are available for passengers, with restaurants, duty-free shops, and banking and business facilities well-located throughout both terminals.

A complimentary airport shuttle connects the two terminals. Transportation to the city centre consists of city buses and taxis and takes approximately 40 minutes. A high-speed rail line to downtown Taipei is being planned.

Songshan Domestic Airport, located northeast of Taipei city centre, is the regional domestic airport and has excellent public transport links to central Taipei.

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Public Transport

 Transportation links throughout Taiwan are thorough, and it is possible to reach Taipei directly via public transportation from a number of cities across the island. The major bus companies are United Highway Bus and Kuo Guang Bus, both of which ply multiple routes island-wide. Most of the major bus companies operate from the main bus terminal.

Travelling by train is an extremely popular way of getting around Taiwan. There are two train stations in Taipei: Songshan Station to the city's east and Taipei Train Station at the city centre. Multiple trains depart daily to every region of Taiwan, and departures usually operate according to a reliable schedule. High-speed bullet trains travel to destinations across the west coast.

Local transport in Taipei well catered for with a variety of options. Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) trains operate six efficient lines throughout the metropolitan area. It's possible to prepay by purchasing an EasyCard, and cardholders receive the added benefit of a 20 per cent discount on public transportation. These cards can be recharged at the station or area convenience stores.

If you purchase an EasyCard, be sure to use it when boarding local buses as well. Two-leg journeys through Taipei that begin on the metro and the completed by bus are heavily discounted for EasyCard holders. Buses display their destinations in English on the outside of the vehicle and payment is sometimes required before boarding, while it is otherwise settled when disembarking. Follow the lead of locals if you're not sure when to pay.

Metered taxis are easily hailed throughout Taipei. As drivers are rarely proficient at speaking English, it is wise to have your destinations written in Mandarin before boarding. Hire cars and scooters can also be arranged in Taipei. Some visitors also hire bicycles at daily or weekly rates, though heavy traffic can make cycling downtown treacherous.

Taipei Events and Festivals

October

Double Ninth Festival: this event is held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, and special attention is given to respecting the community's elders at this time. Families join together to celebrate, and chrysanthemum blossoms are a recurring motif. A special cake is eaten on this day, and many residents of Taipei head out into nature to climb hills, a long-standing tradition on this occasion

Taipei Activities

1. Children 2. Cultural 3. Dining & Shopping 4. Outdoor

Children’s Activities

Taipei's modern infrastructure has found a number of ways to accommodate families with children. Facilities and amusement parks designed especially for younger visitors are particularly popular, but there are also a number of natural landmarks and national parks that consistently score high with children. Travel agents in Taipei can help organise excursions to any of these attractions. 

Formosa Wonder World 
For a day of mainstream, holiday fun, take your children to Formosa Wonder World. This facility is located along the West Coastal Highway, which is accessible by taxi or hire car. This amusement park has five waterslides, one of which is the longest in the region and takes 20 minutes to ride. A particularly thrilling ride, Jet Stream, sends thrill-seekers through a 65 foot plunge in only three seconds. Another thrilling waterslide, found in the Bermuda Triangle sector, spans nearly 1,000 feet and includes a free-fall followed by an intense spiralling slide into the pool below. Low-key rafting rides and wading pools are on hand for those who prefer leisure over adrenaline. Website: www.fww.com.tw/.

Youth Park 
Taipei Youth Park is the city's largest recreational area. It sits alongside the Xin Dian River in a peaceful, urban green space. Facilities include tennis courts, a swimming pool, basketball courts and a skating rink. The park grounds have several sculptures and other works of art on display, and a few picturesque pagodas peek up over the trees that line the park's perimeter. The park is a favourite place for leisurely afternoons spent kite-flying and Frisbee-throwing. Although the park becomes busy at weekends and holidays, the facilities are large enough to provide solace for anyone seeking relief from the crowds. Phone: +886 2303 2451.

Cultural Activities

The city of Taipei is a cultural treasure trove with numerous museums and temples that catalogue the region's artistic, religious and natural history. Many ancient buildings date to the 16^th and 17^th centuries, while much of Taipei's modern infrastructure was begun by Japanese colonists who favoured the architectural styles of the West. Further, the religious practices of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism are alive and well in Taipei, and temples serve both as architectural gems and active places of worship.

Confucius Temple 
Construction of this ancient religious site was begun in 1665 under the Qing dynasty's patronage. The grounds originally housed the island's first national school sponsored by the Chinese mainland, and were also the site of the Taiwan Prefecture College. A series of renovations have preserved the temple's architecture and to this da, visitors can view the East Ta Cheng Arch and Stone Arch of Higher Learning. A number of traditional ceremonies are held on the temple grounds to preserve traditional Confucian rituals.

Longshan Temple 
This place of worship was built in middle of the 18th century and survived a series of fires, earthquakes and bombings through the subsequent centuries. Citizens of Taipei have always been quick to renovate and rebuild the iconic temple, which blends the religious rites of Matsu, Buddhism and Taoism. Originally constructed by settlers from China, this is an excellent place to witness Taiwan's modern religious practices. The main hall of the temple holds several statues of the Buddha, around which countless candles burn in spaces rented by worshippers. Having a personal candle set in Longshan Temple brings perpetual good luck to worshippers.

Martyr's Shrine 
This shrine was built in 1969 to honour those who have given their lives for the Republic of China. The shrine covers a large parcel of land, and the buildings are modelled after the palaces of the Ming dynasty. The front gate, located on Bei An road, is guarded by two armed military officers who stand still for the duration of their watch. Once every hour, these soldiers are relieved with an elaborate changing of the guards ceremony that attracts crowds of spectators. The president of Taiwan arrives every year in a great show of regalia to honour the nation's martyrs.

Miniatures Museum 
One of Taipei's quirkier museums, the Miniatures Museum opened in 1997 under the patronage of Lin Wen-ren and his wife. His exhibits run the complete spectrum of miniature artwork and include more than 150 doll houses and dioramas, most of which originated in Europe and North America. The exhibits also feature a number of scaled-down, antique boats and automobiles. Occasional hands-on model-building workshops are offered for children. The Miniatures Museum is located on Chiankuo North road and is accessible via the MRT Muzha Line and a subsequent 10-minute walk. Phone: +886 2 2515 0583.

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National Taiwan Museum 
This is Taiwan's oldest museum, built by Japanese colonists in the early 20th century. Built in the Greek style with 32 Corinthian columns, the museum was recently designated a National Heritage site by Taiwan's Ministry of Interior. The museum includes a permanent exhibit dedicated to the flora and fauna of the island, with several sections exploring the offshore marine environment, indigenous animal life, and high-altitude ecosystems of the interior regions. This facility is easy to find, as it sits close to the Taipei Railway Station where virtually all of the city's transportation links terminate. ‘
Website: www.ntm.gov.tw/eng/.

National Palace Museum
The impressive art galleries of this museum hold one of the world's most impressive collections of ancient Chinese artefacts and artwork. Recently renovated, this museum was reopened late in 2006 and now has even more to offer visitors. Some of its most celebrated artefacts include the painting One Hundred Horses, a fascinating copy of the Qingming Scroll, the Jade Cabbage; and the Meat-Shaped Stone, a fancifully stratified piece of agate that resembles a sizzling piece of soy-basted pork. Phone: +886 2 2881 2021.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum 
Opened in 1983, this was the first modern art museum in Taiwan. This facility boasts an excess of 3,000 works of art, most of which were created by local artists in the decades following WWII. The facility strives to focus on a particular style or medium each year. The museum also hosts classes and lectures covering subjects such as calligraphy, ceramics and sculpture. Tours in English, French and Spanish are available. Phone: +886 2 2595 7656;

Website: www.tfam.gov.tw.

Dining & Shopping

Shopping enthusiasts are well catered for in Taipei, with a number of upscale department stores selling brand name products sitting alongside lively night markets throughout the city. Locals are avid shoppers, and strolling through a market is a cultural experience in itself.  

Larger boutiques and department stores specialise in clothing, cosmetics, internationally-styled jewellery and home furnishings. Meanwhile, the sprawling street markets are home to a dizzying array of goods ranging from lacquer-ware and hand-painted lanterns to musical instruments and handmade shoes. Sea-grass mats are ideal for beach-bound tourists, and there are countless souvenir-style items like colourful handbags, jade jewellery, fine stationary and personalised engraved chopsticks.

Shilin Night Market in the city district of the same name is open in the late afternoon and receives its first influx of customers when school is dismissed and hungry students head to the snack and noodle vendors for a bite to eat. This market is busiest after dark, however, typically between 20:00 and 23:00, though some shops remain open well after midnight.

In the 1930s, Ximending Market area served as Taipei's arts and theatre district, though it has since grown popular with teenagers shopping for up-to-the-minute fashions and trendy accessories. The Taipei Underground Market beneath Civic boulevard is as much a tourist attraction as it is shopper's haven.

Xinyi District offers a more cosmopolitan shopping experience. Headlined by the Taipei 101 monolith, this area is home several large-scale shopping malls including the Mitsukoshi shopping complex, New York Shopping Mall and Eslite Bookstore.

Taipei is also home to an equally impressive range of restaurants and bars. While Chinese cuisine is the most prevalent option for diners, there are numerous venues serving Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, and European fare. The finest establishments are located in Taipei's eastern district, particularly along Anhe and Dunhua roads. The expatriate community located in Tienmu is the best place to begin a search for quality international favourites.

Centuries ago, Han immigrants from the mainland brought traditional Chinese cooking styles with them, as did Japanese colonists. The abundant seafood regularly hauled in by fishermen has also always played its part in local cuisine and visitors can expect to see steamed grouper, oyster omelettes and milkfish porridge on the menu.

Rice is a principal ingredient in most local dishes, whether served as a side dish or ground up as flour and used in rice noodles or dim sum. Some of the best local snacks can be found at the night markets, where street-side vendors sell their products at fantastic prices. Be sure to sample a few bowls of noodles—typically served in a light broth with balls of pork or seafood. 

Vibrant and colourful snacks are as fun to look at as they are to eat. Sweet treats include pineapple cakes, shortbread and sweet dumplings. Children are particularly fond of pearl milk tea, a sugary iced tea filled with novel 'pearls' made of sweetened rice flour which can be sucked up through an extra-large straw. 

Outdoor Activities

Taipei's hinterland was formed by long-dead volcanoes, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the gentle, rolling hillsides that crest at altitudes of just over 1,000 feet. Well-marked hiking and cycling trails criss-cross the countryside, and there are a number of national parks and nature reserves where the ecosystem is relatively unspoilt. Meanwhile, there are many miles of coastline that offer tourists a chance to swim and sunbathe or gear up and go scuba diving. Paragliding and surfing are also increasingly popular sports. 

Cycling 
Cycling is a reasonable way to get around Taipei's city centre. Although bike lanes are provided in many areas, this mode of transportation can be treacherous during rush hour traffic. The best cycling conditions are found as you head out of town, where tour guides plan cycling sightseeing tours into nature. If you prefer to head your own independent excursion, you'll probably want to start exploring along the Dan Shui Riverside Cycling Path. This well-maintained path begins at the Tam Sui MRT station and continues across the river into one of the nation's last remaining mangrove swamplands. Cyclists share the path through this nature reserve with joggers and walkers.

Hiking 
There are a number of excellent hikes in Taipei's surrounding countryside. Seven Stars Mountain (Taipei's highest peak) is one of the most popular places to get started. Yangmingshan National Park is another great place to get out and explore nature. It is possible to leave your vehicle at Yangming Park and hike to the top of the local summit where hikers are rewarded with some phenomenal panoramic views of the surrounding hillside. It is also possible to arrange horseback rides in some of the parks, where inexperienced riders can arrange lessons while veterans of the sport can hire an animal out for an afternoon ride.

Water Sports 
Visitors who come to Taipei during the summer enjoy a whole gamut of water-based activities and sports. White Sand Beach is a wonderfully secluded spot outside of Tamshui, and is best reached by hire car. This stretch of sand doesn't have as many of the volcanic rocks that make swimming treacherous in other places. A strong surfing community has established itself at Honeymoon Bay. 90 minutes drive outside of Taipei. While the swift currents here can make swimming difficult, they're ideal for surfing. Meanwhile, tour guides in Taipei city centre can arrange water sport adventures including boat hire, paragliding sessions and diving equipment.