TAIPEI, TAIWAN – FROM TOWERING SKYSCRAPERS TO LUSH MOUNTAINS AND NATURAL HOT SPRINGS

Taipei is the capital and largest city of Taiwan, an island nation in East Asia. Located in the northern part of the island, Taipei has a population of approximately 2.7 million people and covers an area of 271.8 square kilometers.

Taipei is a modern and bustling city with a rich cultural heritage. It is known for its impressive skyline, night markets, street food, and historical landmarks. Some of the most popular attractions in Taipei include the Taipei 101 skyscraper, which was once the tallest building in the world, the National Palace Museum, which houses a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts, and the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, which is a tribute to the former president of Taiwan.
Taipei is also famous for its food culture, which includes a wide variety of street food, night markets, and traditional restaurants. Some of the most popular dishes include beef noodle soup, stinky tofu, bubble tea, and pineapple cake.
The city has a well-developed transportation system, including a modern metro system, buses, and taxis. The Taipei Metro, also known as the MRT, is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to get around the city.

Experiences for Tourists
There are many experiences that tourists can enjoy in Taipei. Here are some popular ones:
- Visit Taipei 101: Taipei 101 is a must-visit attraction in Taipei. This 101-story skyscraper offers stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. Visitors can take the high-speed elevator to the observatory on the 89th floor and enjoy the panoramic views.
- Explore night markets: Taipei is famous for its night markets, which offer a wide variety of street food, souvenirs, and entertainment. Some of the most popular night markets include Shilin Night Market, Raohe Street Night Market, and Ningxia Night Market.
- Visit museums: Taipei is home to many museums, including the National Palace Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts in the world. Other popular museums include the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, and the Taipei City Museum.
- Relax in hot springs: Taipei is surrounded by natural hot springs, which offer a relaxing and therapeutic experience. Visitors can soak in the hot springs and enjoy the beautiful scenery at places like Beitou Hot Springs and Wulai Hot Springs.
- Hike in the mountains: Taipei is surrounded by beautiful mountains, which offer a range of hiking trails for all levels of experience. Some popular hikes include Elephant Mountain, Yangmingshan National Park, and Maokong Mountain.
- Experience the culture: Taipei is home to many traditional temples, such as Longshan Temple and Confucius Temple, where visitors can learn about Taiwanese culture and religion. Visitors can also participate in traditional activities like calligraphy, tea ceremonies, and paper cutting.

Top Attractions and Must Visit Places
Here are some of the top attractions and must-visit places in Taipei:
- Taipei 101: Taipei’s most iconic landmark, Taipei 101 is a must-visit for its observation deck with stunning views of the city.
- National Palace Museum: One of the world’s largest museums of Chinese art, the National Palace Museum has a vast collection of ancient artifacts and artwork.
- Longshan Temple: One of Taipei’s oldest and most famous temples, Longshan Temple is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese architecture.
- Beitou Hot Springs: A popular destination for its hot springs and scenic beauty, Beitou is a must-visit for those looking for relaxation.
- Taipei Zoo: One of Asia’s largest zoos, Taipei Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including pandas, koalas, and elephants.
- Ximending: A trendy shopping and entertainment district, Ximending is a must-visit for its street food, fashion, and nightlife.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A landmark monument in Taipei, the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is surrounded by beautiful gardens and offers a glimpse into Taiwan’s political history.
- Elephant Mountain: A popular spot for hiking and taking in panoramic views of Taipei, Elephant Mountain is a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Taipei Fine Arts Museum: A leading museum of contemporary art in Asia, Taipei Fine Arts Museum has a vast collection of modern and contemporary art.
- Shilin Night Market: One of Taipei’s most famous night markets, Shilin Night Market is a must-visit for its street food, souvenirs, and games.
- Maokong Gondola: A scenic gondola ride that offers stunning views of Taipei and leads to the tea plantations and teahouses of Maokong.
- Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: A tribute to the father of the Republic of China, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a beautiful example of modern Chinese architecture.
- Huashan 1914 Creative Park: A former industrial complex turned creative park, Huashan 1914 is a must-visit for its art galleries, performance spaces, and trendy cafes.
- National Taiwan Museum: The oldest museum in Taiwan, the National Taiwan Museum has a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits that explore the island’s history, culture, and natural environment.

Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Taipei depends on personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. Here are some factors to consider:
- Weather: Taipei has a subtropical climate with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The best time to visit for comfortable temperatures and lower humidity is from October to December.
- Events and Festivals: Taipei hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival. The Taipei International Flora Expo is also held every few years and showcases beautiful flowers and plants from around the world.
- Tourist Crowds: Taipei can get crowded with tourists during peak season, which is from June to August. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to November.
- Outdoor Activities: If you plan to do outdoor activities such as hiking or visiting hot springs, the best time to visit is from November to March when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.