| VITAL INFORMATION | |
| Population | 3,000,000 |
| Languages spoken | Mandarin |
| Currency | New Taiwan Dollar (NT), 1 NT = 0.03 USD |
| Average temperature | 72F year-round |
| High season | All year |
Everyone who travels to Asia has a list of must-see cities and sights that probably includes the obvious hot spots of Hong Kong, Shanghai and perhaps Singapore, but many overlook a tucked-away gem that lies just about 100 miles off the southwest coast of China.
The mountainous island of Taiwan, and more importantly, the city of Taipei, is becoming the newest Asian destination to make its mark on international travelers. Mixing traditional Chinese architecture, rural vistas and city life, this newly emerging city has more to offer than you might think, and it packs an unexpected amount of diversity into a relatively confined space.
The city of Taipei is nestled in a mountain-rimmed river basin and is split by two rivers, the Tamsui and the Keelung. Because of its unique location, this bustling metropolis gives visitors the ability to hike in the morning, shop all afternoon and dance the night away, all without ever leaving the city. The rustic allure, enviable climate and booming economy will leave even the pickiest traveler with plenty to see and do in this perfectly modern yet exotic vacation destination.
Check into the Grand Hotel for an affordable yet elegant three-night stay with spectacular views of the Keelung River Valley. The hotel is topped by the largest classical Chinese roof in the world and is shaped like an ancient Chinese palace, complete with traditional gardens. While it has the look and feel of the ancient Orient, don't be alarmed: The Grand is fully equipped with all the modern conveniences you'll need.
Day 1: From temples to shops
Start your tour of Taipei in the historical district of Wanhua, the oldest area in the city, which still retains the stamp of the distinctive “old Taipei.” In addition to being places of worship, the temples in this region of Taipei are often works of art in their own right. The biggest draw here is Lungshan Temple. Originally built in 1738, this is the most colorful and popular temple in Taipei; it is definitely worth a visit.When taking in the sights of the temples, remember that they aren't tourist destinations per se, and a quiet and respectful manner is required. If you plan on taking pictures, be sure to get permission if your shot will capture a monk or temple worker. Keep your eyes peeled as you tour the city, because temples of all shapes and sizes are tucked away in every corner, and sometimes the most impressive are those you stumble upon by accident.
Venture to the edge of this historic area to pay a visit to Hsimenting, a much more urban setting that displays modern culture at its full potential. This area is the place to be for the young and hip generation of Taiwan, as it offers up a large variety of stores, theaters and restaurants that are perfect for ducking in and out of on your way down the street.
Hsimenting has undergone a recent redevelopment phase; many of the streets in the area have been closed to traffic and the area is now a large, open-air pedestrian concourse. Complete with a performance stage at the center, Hsimenting draws in the youth of Taipei with outdoor musical performances, buskers, jugglers, and all manner of entertainment to pass the afternoon.
After a little shopping, head over to another landmark, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Built for the first president of Taiwan and featuring a huge bronze statue commemorating him, the monument is in Chinese style and features a changing of the guard every hour that is a popular sight for tourists.
Stroll around the extensive sculpted gardens and two goldfish ponds until you come across the National Concert Hall and the National Theatre, the home of your evening's entertainment. The performance schedules at these two venues vary throughout the year, and shows include traditional Chinese opera, puppetry, dance, and contemporary music.
After soaking up some culture, head over to the Shih Lin Night Market for dinner and a shopping experience you won't soon forget. Variety and bargain hunting meet in this busy market filled with food, entertainment and shopping. Just about anything under the sun can be found here, whether you're looking for some local cuisine to fuel your spending or a unique souvenir to commemorate your travels. Open until 2 a.m., this is the largest and one of the oldest markets in Taiwan. As it draws a seemingly endless parade of locals and tourists, it is the perfect place for people watching.
For the ultimate voyeur's experience, stop in at one of the many karaoke night spots to get a taste of the local talent. Look for signs saying KTV (the local short-form name) and step inside for a quintessential Taipei experience. If you're shy, many establishments offer private rooms for small groups to cut down on the public humiliation factor, and most in this area offer up English language choices to cater to the student and tourist contingent.
After belting out a few tunes of your own, head over to the Blue Note to see how it should really be done. The home of cool jazz in Taiwan, the Blue Note has a great record collection of classics and a great track record of live performances.
Day 2: Nature knows best
After the bustling downtown core of Taipei, your second day should be spent enjoying the more natural wonders of this diverse island. Heading out of the city to Yangmingshan National Park, which covers an astounding 11,456 hectares, will give you a chance to stretch your legs and see the unspoiled nature that is so prized in Taiwan. Popular among locals and tourists, the park has it all: cherry blossoms, hiking trails, a stunning view of more than 20 extinct volcanoes, and the perpetually intriguing hot springs.The park has specially designed trails for each season and a variety of different interests, including tours to major geological and archaeological sites. Stop by the visitor center to learn about the natural history of the area and narrow down your destination choices before heading out for a hike. Because of the rough terrain, the park has no large mammal residents, but instead boasts incredible bird, small mammal, flora, and butterfly populations.
The best medicine after a long hike is a trip to the famed therapeutic hot springs, of which there are plenty in the park. Containing high sulfur and mineral content, the spring waters are renowned for the treatment of a variety of skin ailments, arthritis and stress-related conditions. The Beitou area has the most concentrated geothermal activity and boasts some of the most popular hot springs in all of Taiwan. Enjoy a good soak in the steaming hot springs set amid stunning natural scenery, and you will experience what is a routine activity for many of the health-conscious Taipei elite.
While heading back into the city, stop by the home of the most extensive collection of Chinese artifacts in the world at the National Palace Museum. The museum's collection began in the 10th century and continues to grow with nearly 700,000 pieces in the archives to date. It contains most of the important artifacts that detail the 5,000 years of Chinese history and is composed mostly of items that were formerly the property of the Imperial Family, including pottery, bronzes, sculpture, calligraphy, and paintings.
A visit to Asia World Shopping Centre or the Breeze Centre -- or both -- is a great way to use the rest of your evening. Prada and Burberry can be found alongside local retailers, and every shopper is sure to find a way to flex his credit card muscle.
For dinner, head over to Napoli, an Italian bar and restaurant that also claims to be the undisputed hot spot for live underground rock ‘n’ roll in Taipei. If live music isn't your thing, a good time can always be had at the enormous Kiss Disco, which caters to the local rave scenesters.
If you happen to be in town for a full moon, keep an eye out for signs advertising the epic Full Moon Party, which is held to commemorate each and every full moon. The venues are always changing, always unique and always worth the ticket price.
Day 3: Reach new heights
Start your final day in Taipei by taking in one of Taiwan's crowning modern achievements, Taipei 101, which is the world's tallest building at 101 stories and 1,671 feet. Shoot up to the observation level in the fastest-ascending elevator in the world -- at 37 miles an hour -- for a panoramic view of Taipei and the surrounding countryside. Built to resemble a bamboo stalk, this unique building also houses an upscale mall and a food court in the lower levels, making it perfect for a morning shopping trip and a leisurely lunch.No trip to Taiwan would be complete without some shopping devoted entirely to electronics and the latest gadgets. For an unrivaled selection, you have to head over to NOVA, the high-tech mecca of Taipei. Four stories and over 130 individual stores sell computers, PDAs, phones, cameras, and everything else that is technology-related. At this mega mall, prices are around 10% cheaper than standard retail -- with further discounts given to those paying cash.
To complement the modern tone of your day, take in the sights at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, the largest modern art showcase in Asia. Devoted to the promotion and display of contemporary art in a variety of forms, the collection here is thoroughly representative of the arts movement of both Taiwan and the surrounding countries.
For dinner, try a traditional Taipei beerhouse. While they don't have a rich and storied past, the beerhouses are a favorite nighttime venue of the Taiwanese, and they go along perfectly with the famous late-night markets. With kegs delivered right to your table, beerhouses offer a relaxed environment, and many places, like the popular Apocalypse Now, have full menus in addition to extensive beer selections.
After dinner, end your visit by exploring the Combat Zone, an area so named because of its interesting beginnings: Most of the establishments in the area were first opened during the Vietnam War when the main U.S. base in Taipei was nearby. Now catering mainly to locals and expats, the densely packed neighborhood is a goldmine of small, intimate drinking joints.
visit while it’s hot
Taipei isn't for the traveler who is looking to lounge by a pool and sip fruity drinks. It is definitely a city that demands attention and participation. For those who are ready to dive right into everything, the exciting attractions this undiscovered destination has to offer will surely leave a lasting impression, so you'll want to go before the word gets out and Taipei's secluded charms aren't so mysterious anymore.Resources:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/
http://www.passionasia.com/
http://www.travelnotes.org/
http://www.go2taiwan.net/
http://www.iexplore.com/
http://www.asiatravel.com/taiwan/taiinfo1.html
Taipei Travel Guide
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