Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei City is the economic, political, and cultural center of Taiwan. As the capital city, Taipei is a metropolis of bustling shopping streets and modern buildings, full of diverse and dynamic culture. It is also home to many night markets, including the huge Shilin Night Market, known for its variety of delicious street food. The number of night markets, tea houses, Chinese restaurants, massages, spas, etc. is by far the largest of any city in Taiwan, making it a good choice for those who want to enjoy Taiwan in a small amount of time.
Two Major Airports, Gateway to the Skies
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is one of the largest airports in Taiwan, and is the gateway not only to Taipei but to the whole of Taiwan.
Taipei Songshan Airport has only one international terminal and few international flights, but its greatest strength is its proximity to downtown Taipei and the 16-minute MRT ride to Taipei Main Station. It does not have as many stores as Taoyuan Airport, but it does have a good selection of souvenir shops and restaurants.
National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum, built in 1965, was modeled after the Forbidden City in Beijing. It houses a carefully selected collection of historical artifacts, including calligraphy, paintings, bronzes, porcelains, jades, lacquerware, sculptures and other antiques, totaling more than 690,000 pieces, making it one of the world’s largest collections. It is one of the four largest museums in the world, along with museums in the United States, England, and France.
Opposite the NPM is the Zhishan Garden, a park that recreates classical Chinese garden art. The park consists of eight scenic spots, including the Lanting Pavilion, the Curved Water Fountain, the Cottage, the Songfeng Pavilion, the Bixiao West Bridge, the Brush Brush Pond, and the Listening Nightingale, all of which are filled with the elegant beauty of Chinese gardens.
Taipei's Landmark, Taipei 101
Taipei 101 is a 101-story skyscraper, hence the name. It is 509.2 meters tall and has five underground floors. It is a modern building with all glass walls, but its outline is inspired by the traditional image of a pagoda and bamboo joints. The elevators can ascend at a speed of 60.6 kilometers per hour, reaching the 89th floor (382.2 meters above the ground) from the first floor in 39 seconds.
The first basement floor to the sixth floor are 101 shopping mall where many famous brands are gathered.
Enjoy the Night Market Gourmet
When you visit Taiwan, you cannot miss the night markets. The lively atmosphere, the mouth-watering aromas, and the delicious food…. Perhaps this is one of the reasons why everyone is fascinated by Taiwan.
Shilin Night Market is the most famous night market in Taipei, and the largest and most famous not only in Taipei but in all of Taiwan.
Ningxia Night Market, located in the center of Taipei, is smaller in scale but well worth a visit. The sidewalks are narrow because of the cramped rows of food stalls, and many people jostle to get back, but the food here is not to be missed!
The Raohe Street Tourist Night Market has a longer history than the Shilin Night Market and attracts many visitors, both local and tourists.
Jiufen, a Fantastic City
If you take a short trip from Taipei and climb up the mountain, you will find a wonderful view. Many of the alleys, stone stairs, restaurants, and other buildings from the Japanese colonial era still remain. Since the town is located in the mountains, there are many stairs. Many old buildings stand side by side, and the retro-looking scenery is very popular among tourists. There are many food stalls lined up along the stairs, so you can enjoy them to the fullest. Among them, don’t miss the teahouses, which look fantastic at night.
