How to Explore Taipei: the City of Cultures
A modern and dynamic city, Taipei is distinguished by a tolerant and welcoming spirit that appeals to many travelers. As you stroll through its streets, you will find many influences emanating from Southeast Asia, with Taoist temples and buildings with Japanese architecture.
The capital of Taiwan offers an ultramodern face with its numerous buildings with audacious architecture whose centerpiece, the Taipei 101 tower, constitutes the emblematic skyscraper of the city. This graceful structure, 509 meters high, is distinguished by its bamboo shape.
In a Taipei tour, it is possible to escape noise and bustle thanks to the numerous parks and green spaces. In the Beitou district, you will find one of the hot springs as well as the lush Yangmingshan National Park, a popular spot, especially during the cherry blossom season.
Top reasons to visit Taipei
1. The corridors of history
The National Palace Museum houses the largest collection of Chinese art objects. You can admire paintings, statues, jade, ceramic and bronze pieces, as well as magnificent calligraphy.
2. A city built for its inhabitants.
Taipei is truly a welcoming city thanks to its public transport, its parks and its walks along the banks. Walking trails cover almost all areas and, unlike most other major cities in the world, clean public toilets are always available.
3. The night markets
Taipei's many night markets are rightly appreciated. You can buy clothes, jewelry but also household items as well as delicious food.
4. An authentic culture
Taipei retains its traditions while enjoying a resolutely modern style. Discover the art of tea in specialized salons or even Taoist temples such as that of the city gods in Xiahai, where you can attend the celebration of secular rituals while discovering many traditional works of art.
5. Excellent gastronomy
With delicious and inexpensive street food, most small apartments in the city do not even have a kitchen area since this very popular type of catering makes it unnecessary. The locals prefer to meet in friendly places for meals.
What to do in Taipei?
1. Tchang Kaï-chek Memorial: a commemoration that imposes
Flanked by a concert hall and the national theater, this white-walled building is topped with a roof whose shape is inspired by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The 89 steps of this massive monument in the Place de la Liberté recalls the age of the death of Tchang Kaï-chek, the former President of the Republic of China.
2. Taipei 101: modern icon
Until 2009, this skyscraper was the tallest in the world with its 101 floors and its height of 508 meters. Take its fastest elevator in the world to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds: panoramic views of the metropolis await you.
3. Elephant Mountain: another look at the city
A quarter of an hour's walk from Tower 101, the top of this mountain offers magnificent panoramas of the city. Take advantage of the sunset for the most romantic view and atmosphere.
4. Longshan Temple: through the ages
During Taipei tours, you must this most famous temple in Taipei - which survived the earthquakes and bombing during wartime - is for practitioners of Buddhism, Taoism, and secular Taiwanese beliefs. Next to the Buddhist motifs, you will find a whole family of ancient Chinese gods.
5. Beitou thermal springs: natural jade-colored pool
Just outside the city, the Beitou thermal valley is a geothermal paradise made up of thermal springs. This volcanic crater has attracted residents for centuries thanks to the healing power of waters and spas of all kinds.
