Taipei, China

Taipei, China

The provincial capital and largest city of China's Taiwan province is located at the center of the Taipei Basin in the northern part of Taiwan Island. It's one of the major Chinese-speaking hubs outside Mainland China.

Getting around

• Taipei 101

  The 508-meter-high building which contains 101 floors above the ground and 3 floors underground is one of the tallest manmade structures on the face of the earth. It's outfitted with the world's fastest elevator which climbs at a speed of 1010 meters per minute. The observation deck on the 86th floor affords great views of the entire city.

• Taipei National Palace Museum

  This 198-acre splendid modern museum of typical Chinese imperial palace style boasts a huge collection of over 700,000 exhibits, many of which were possessions of the Qing's imperial family.

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

  In memory of Chiang Kai-shek, the former President of KMT-led Republic of China (1911-1949), this charming park area is Taipei's very much visited attraction. A traditional Chinese pailou (lavishly adorned gate) leads to a massive square on which stands Chiang Kai-shek's memorial hall.

• Shilin Night Market

  Crowded with purveyors of snacks from all parts of China, it's great for night revelers looking for culinary adventures. Long queues build up sometimes.

• Eslite Bookstore

  It's a cultural icon of modern Taipei, offering a wide array of the most recently published books and ingeniously designed items.

  
  
  
• Danshui

  The main appeal of this small town lies in its laidback life. Stores line the banks of a peacefully flowing river. Cruise from one food stall to another for an authentic taste of the local lil' eats. The Fisherman's Wharf is the best site for memorable moments of the glorious sunset.