Taipei, Taiwan’s capital city, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, rich in culture and history. Famous for its delicious street food, lively night markets, and stunning temples, the city has something for everyone.
Taipei 101
Among the must-see attractions in Taipei is the Taipei 101 skyscraper, once the world’s tallest building. By taking the elevator to the observation deck, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Standing at 1,671 feet (509 meters) with 101 floors, the building’s high-speed elevator transports visitors to the 89th-floor observation deck. From there, guests can take in the magnificent cityscape and surrounding area. Additionally, the observatory features a glass-floor viewing platform, offering a unique perspective of the city below.
Another exciting destination is Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan), a popular hiking trail providing fantastic views of Taipei 101. The trail is a short hike, taking about 30 minutes to reach the summit. The iconic view from the top is often photographed and admired.
Taipei 101 view from Xiangshan Hiking trailChiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
For history and culture enthusiasts, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a must-visit attraction. Dedicated to the former President of the Republic of China, this national monument features a large statue of Chiang Kai-shek and beautiful surrounding gardens. The memorial hall complex includes the main hall, the National Theater, and the National Concert Hall. In the center of the main hall, Chiang Kai-shek’s statue stands, encircled by a courtyard and watched over by honor guards dressed in traditional Chinese clothing.
Conveniently located in the heart of Taipei, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is easily accessible by public transportation. Open daily to the public, admission is free, though a museum admission fee is required. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, held every hour, is a popular attraction for visitors.
Mengjia Longshan Temple
Another remarkable attraction in Taipei is the Mengjia Longshan Temple. As one of Taiwan’s most famous and iconic temples, it provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the city’s rich cultural and religious heritage. Established in 1738, the temple is dedicated to the goddess Mazu, who protects seafarers and travelers. As a local place of worship and a historic site for visitors, the temple is renowned for its intricate carvings and sculptures, including the largest statue of Mazu in Taipei.
The temple serves as an excellent place to observe traditional religious practices of Taiwan and to learn about the temple’s history and community significance. Visitors can also purchase traditional incense sticks to burn as offerings to the gods.
Night Markets
Taipei’s night markets showcase the city’s food scene and culture. As the sun sets, food stalls offer mouth-watering delicacies.
Notably, Shilin Night Market, one of the city’s most famous, is a sprawling maze of food stalls, clothing boutiques, and souvenir shops. Here, visitors can sample a wide range of Taiwanese dishes, such as oyster omelets, fried chicken steak, and the notorious stinky tofu, a fermented treat that is a must-try for adventurous food lovers.
On the other hand, another popular spot is the Raohe Street Night Market, which features a stunning entrance gate and a picturesque temple at its center. Among its highlights are the pepper pork buns, cooked to perfection in a traditional clay oven, and the array of fresh fruit smoothies and juices, offering a refreshing break from the bustling market atmosphere.
Overall, Taipei is a city with a unique blend of modern and traditional elements, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. It is definitely a place worth visiting!
