The 7 Most Interesting Facts about Taipei City

Taipei is the vibrant capital of Taiwan, a city that fuses modernity with tradition, eastern and western culture. Here are 7 of the most interesting facts about this amazing city:

1. Taipei 101 Was the World’s Tallest Building

Taipei 101 was erected in 2004, covering 101 floors and standing tall at 1, 671 feet. It held the title of the world’s tallest building until 2010 when the Burj Khalifa in Dubai surpassed its height. Taipei 101 is still considered one of the most iconic buildings in the city.

2. Taipei is Home to the Second Tallest Skyscraper in Taiwan

Located in the Xinyi District, the Taipei Nan Shan Plaza is currently Taiwan’s second tallest building, with 47 floors and standing 853 feet tall. The building’s design incorporates the concepts of environmental protection and sustainability.

3. The National Palace Museum Holds Asia’s Largest Collection of Artifacts

The National Palace Museum is home to over 700,000 ancient artifacts and artwork, including pieces from China’s imperial past. Visitors can explore the museum’s 3 exhibition halls to discover the rich cultural history of Taiwan.

4. Taipei is Known for Its Night Markets

Taipei boasts some of the best night markets in Taiwan, offering a wide range of street food, clothing, and electronics. Shilin Night Market is one of the most famous and definitely worth visiting to get a true taste of Taiwanese culture.

5. The City is Surrounded by Beautiful Mountains

Taipei is surrounded by a chain of mountains, giving the city a unique landscape. Visitors can take a hike up Elephant Mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the city and Taipei 101.

6. The City’s MRT System is One of the Most Efficient in the World

Taipei’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is one of the most extensive and efficient in the world. It has become an integral part of the city’s transportation network, with convenient access to most of the city’s attractions.

7. Taipei is Filled with Beautiful Temples

Taipei is home to many beautiful temples, the most famous of which is Longshan Temple. The temple’s architecture is a stunning blend of traditional Chinese and Taiwanese styles.

In conclusion, Taipei is a city with a rich history and a vibrant culture that is worth visiting. Whether you’re interested in art, architecture, or night markets, Taipei has something to offer for everyone.

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Taipei City

Taipei City is the capital and the largest city of Taiwan. The city is an amalgamation of intricate temples, century-old Chinese architecture, modern skyscrapers, bustling night markets, and quixotic museums. Taipei is a city that brings the past, present, and future all together. In this guide, we will share the top attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions for tourists who want to explore everything Taipei has to offer.

Attractions

Taipei 101: The first attraction on this list has to be the Taipei 101. Previously known as the Taipei World Financial Center, it once held the title of the tallest building in the world. The building is a marvel of modern engineering and is symbolic of the city’s resilience and innovation.

National Palace Museum: This museum is home to over 700,000 ancient Chinese artifacts and is a must-visit for history buffs. The collections range from delicate jade carvings to ancient calligraphy by renowned emperors.

Shillin Night Market: One of Taipei’s most popular night markets, Shillin Night Market is the perfect place to explore local street food. The market is known for its famous delicacies, including oyster omelets, stinky tofu, and gigantic fried chicken cutlets.

Dining Spots

Din Tai Fung: Known for its signature xiao long bao (soup dumplings), Din Tai Fung has earned a reputation as one of the best international chains of Taiwanese cuisine. Their dumplings are so popular that branches of Din Tai Fung can be found all over the world.

Shin Yeh: This restaurant serves traditional Taiwanese cuisine in a stunning setting. With locations across the city, Shin Yeh’s focus on high-quality food has won them a loyal local following.

Jiufen Old Street: Located outside the city, this hillside village has a unique charm that’s hard to resist. The setting inspired Hayo Miyazaki to create his Oscar-winning animation film ‘Spirited Away.’ Jiufen offers various street food options, including taro balls, mochi, and hot teas.

Cultural Experiences

Longshan Temple: Built-in 1738, Longshan Temple is the oldest and most iconic temple in Taipei City. The temple is open to the public and welcomes visitors looking to observe the temple’s daily rituals and ceremonies.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum: This museum is the first-ever building in Asia that’s solely dedicated to contemporary art. It displays work from Taiwanese as well as international artists from around the world.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: The hall is dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China, Chiang Kai-shek, serving as a famous landmark in Taipei. The structure features traditional Chinese architectural elements and frequently hosts various cultural events.

Local History

Taipei 228 Peace Memorial Park: The park commemorates the tragic event of the 1947 February 28th incident, which led to the persecution of thousands of Taiwanese citizens. The park is dedicated to the victims, and it’s a place to learn about Taiwan’s colonial history and the efforts to achieve democracy.

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall: Built-in 1972, this hall is dedicated to Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China. The hall features a museum showcasing Dr. Sun’s life and achievements.

Fort San Domingo: Located in New Taipei City, Fort San Domingo is an antique Spanish-built fortress. The fort has served as a British consulate, the Japanese government’s office, and is now a museum that provides insight into Taipei’s colonial history.

Off-The-Beaten-Path

Yongkang Street: Known for its vibrant atmosphere and fantastic street food, Yongkang Street is a foodie’s paradise. The street offers a variety of unique food stalls, including some of the best bubble tea shops in the city.

Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail: This trail offers a beautiful view of Taipei City and is a favorite spot for tourists and locals alike. The hike is steep, but once you reach the top, the panoramic view of the city is worth the effort.

Tamsui: Located at the north of the city, Tamsui is a perfect escape from the bustling city for a day trip. The area offers magnificent views of the sea and various historic landmarks, including the Spanish-built Fort San Domingo.

In conclusion, Taipei City has something for everyone. From historical landmarks to modern skyscrapers, local street food, and cultural attractions, Taipei is a city worth visiting. With this guide, you now have a better idea of what to expect and the must-visit spots in the city. Happy exploring!