TAIPEI 101
For now the 101-storey skyscraper known as Taipei 101 is still considered the world's tallest building, though that's expected to change when the 141-storey Burj Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is completed and occupied later this year.
Taiwanese architect C.Y. Lee built the 508 metre-high, bamboo-shaped Taipei 101. The tower contains a shopping centre, offices and an observation deck, which is reached via the "fastest elevators in the world." It takes just 38 seconds to rise to the 89th floor, where there is a superb 360-degree-view of the city.
NIGHT MARKETS
No visit to Taipei is complete without a trip to one of the many lively night markets. Most sell food, clothes and knickknacks and are open from about 6 p.m. to midnight.
Shihlin is the largest and a good place to sample a variety of tasty Taiwanese snack foods, consult a fortune teller or shop amid the neon lights.
If you're interested in seeing a free show, Raohe tourist night market, which has about 150 vendors and 400 stalls, often stages performances such as Chinese opera.
For adventurous eaters, try exotic Huasi market, where a few of the restaurants serve snake. A handler usually stands outside with one of the live reptiles beckoning customers to come inside. And for vegetarians with strong constitutions, there's stinky tofu.
NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM
As one local put it: "China got the hardware (the Forbidden City) but we got the software (its treasures)." Those treasures, now contained in the recently renovated National Palace Museum, make up the world's largest collection of Chinese artifacts, nearly 650,000 items in all. These were part of the Chinese imperial collection that was brought to Taiwan "for safe keeping" in the late 1940s as Chiang Kai-shek's Nationalists were facing certain defeat by Mao Zedong's Communists. Among the highlights is the Jadeite Cabbage with Insects from the Qing dynasty and a gilded bronze Buddha image from 1782. English language tours are available.
SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL
There's more than one reason to visit this hall, dedicated to Sun Yat-sen, known as the founder of modern China. Lots of people time their visits to coincide with the changing of the guard, which takes place several times a day in a grand entrance dominated by a 6-metre-high bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, who is also referred to as the "National Father."
There are several exhibition rooms including a couple devoted to art and another that traces the career of Sun Yat-sen along with his watches, walking sticks and clothes. Outside on the expansive grounds bordered by hedges and flowers you'll get a slice of local life as children fly kites, teens learn how to break dance and elders practice tai chi.
TEA TIME
Taiwan is world-renowned for its teas and Taipei has lots of opportunities to sample them. A good place is the Maokong Valley in the southeast part of the city where tea plantations cling to the hillsides and several teahouses line a 6-km loop around Jhihnan Rd.
While here, visit the Taipei Tea Display Center to see various artifacts related to tea farming and brewing, and learn how teas are classified. Some popular teas to try include Muzha Tiekuanyin and Wenshan Baozhong.
LONGSHAN TEMPLE
One of Taiwan's most important temples, Longshan was founded in 1738 and has survived several disasters over the years including an earthquake, a typhoon and a wayward bomb during World War II. Often compared to Taiwan's Forbidden City (on a much smaller scale), it's notable for its rich ornamentation and the detail of its stone sculptures and bronze work.
The front hall is reserved for worship of the Buddhist goddess of mercy, while the rear hall is dedicated to Mazu the Taoist goddess of the sea.
You'll often find people in the courtyard holding joss sticks and bowing in prayer. Longshan is located in Wanhua District, which is worth exploring on foot to see attractions such as Herb Lane, Snake Alley and several other temples.
YANGMINGSHAN NATIONAL PARK
Craggy cliffs, spewing sulfur, tranquil lakes and alpine meadows is what you'll find at Yangmingshan National Park, a 40-minute drive from Taipei. And now is a great time to visit. From the middle of February to the end of March cherry blossoms are in bloom and gardens of azaleas and rhododendrons burst with colour.
In May, the park's 151 species of butterflies are at their peak on the mountain tops. But at other times of the year look for them on the Butterfly Corridor, a 3-km trail. And don't miss the sulfurous clouds, which billow out of vents in the earth at the park's Lengshueikeng Fumarole Nature Preserve.
BEITOU HOT SPRINGS
Taiwan is home to dozens of hot springs resorts including several in Beitou, near Taipei. The first hot springs hotel opened here in 1896.
In recent years, the town has experienced a revival with the completion of an MRT (mass rapid transit system) line.
While here, take a dip in the thermal waters at some of the local inns and hotels, visit the Beitou Hot Springs Museum, or drive out to see Hell Valley, a popular local attraction where clouds of steam hang above a bubbling sulfur pit.
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