Things to do in Taipei

The soaring Taipei 101 Tower is the capital's greatest engineering feat and one of its best-loved sights. It's also the city's international financial centre. Another popular attraction is the National Palace Museum. Through its collection of ancient artefacts and artwork, it showcases some fascinating aspects of Chinese culture. For travellers interested in spirituality and religion, a visit to the Longshan Temple is a must.

As the sun goes down the night markets open up. They're usually packed with tourists and bargain-hunters who throng the alleyways in the heavy, humid night air. Taipei has many bars and nightclubs as well. If the city becomes too stifling, visitors can relax at one of the spas in the northwest, which utilise the Beitou area's hot springs. Hikers can enjoy the Yangmingshan National Park.

Taipei 101 photo

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is the city's financial centre and was once the world's tallest building. Designed to resemble a gigantic bamboo stalk, it is Taipei's major landmark, with observation d…

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is the city's financial centre and was once the world's tallest building. Designed to resemble a gigantic bamboo stalk, it is Taipei's major landmark, with observation decks on the 88th and 89h floors. The building's lift takes a thrilling 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89-th floor, where a spectacular view of the action-packed city awaits visitors. Decent restaurants and some of Taipei's swankiest malls make up the lower levels. It's also worth noting that the building incorporates the number eight, considered lucky in Chinese culture, through the eight sections of the outside building.

Shilin Night Market photo

Shilin Night Market

Taipei's biggest and best night market is not just for shopping. Instead, it is a cultural experience that every visitor should enjoy. The action begins when the sun sets and thous…

Shilin Night Market

Taipei's biggest and best night market is not just for shopping. Instead, it is a cultural experience that every visitor should enjoy. The action begins when the sun sets and thousands of stalls and stores open for business, selling everything from clothing to pets, souvenirs and DIY tools. It's wise to visit with an empty stomach, given the array of tempting treats on offer. Among many other things, visitors can try oyster omelettes, Shanghai-style fried buns, sticky tofu and Shilin big sausages.

National Palace Museum photo

National Palace Museum

Taipei's National Palace Museum houses an astonishing collection of Ancient Chinese artefacts and artwork. Representing over 5000 years of Chinese history, it is the largest and pe…

National Palace Museum

Taipei's National Palace Museum houses an astonishing collection of Ancient Chinese artefacts and artwork. Representing over 5000 years of Chinese history, it is the largest and perhaps finest collection of Chinese art in the world. The collection was once displayed in Beijing's Forbidden City and was moved to Taipei as a result of the Chinese Civil War. Visitors can view world-famous exhibits such as the 'Jade Cabbage' (a piece of jade carved to resemble a cabbage head), and a valuable copy of the Qingming Scroll.

Website www.npm.gov.tw

Longshan Temple photo

Longshan Temple

Longshan is one of the most popular temples in Taipei. Dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, it is an excellent example of the architecture commonly seen in Taiwan's…

Longshan Temple

Longshan is one of the most popular temples in Taipei. Dedicated to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, it is an excellent example of the architecture commonly seen in Taiwan's older buildings. Chinese settlers built it in 1738 and its troubled history has seen it destroyed several times. To date, it has suffered damage by earthquakes, fires and even American bombers during World War II. Undaunted, Taipei residents have rebuilt it each time and it remains very much in use.

Taipei Zoo photo

Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including local Taiwanese species such as the flying fox, Formosan black bear and Chinese pangolin. Arranged into different habitat secti…

Taipei Zoo

Taipei Zoo is home to hundreds of animals, including local Taiwanese species such as the flying fox, Formosan black bear and Chinese pangolin. Arranged into different habitat sections that contain their native species, the zoo lets visitors see African savannah wildlife, tropical rainforest creatures and more in context. Visitors should set aside at least three hours to take everything in. The zoo has shifted its focus away from being a living museum and is running several conservation projects that span cities, counties and countries.

Website https://english.zoo.gov.taipei/

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park photo

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park is the pride of Taipei. Built in memory of the former Taiwanese President, the walled complex contains an impressive, pyramid-shaped monument to Chian…

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park is the pride of Taipei. Built in memory of the former Taiwanese President, the walled complex contains an impressive, pyramid-shaped monument to Chiang Kai-shek and is also home to the National Concert Hall and National Theatre. Everything stands inside a lovely park, which is fronted by a vast plaza where folk performances or other events often take place. The Memorial is the main venue for Taipei's famed Lantern Festival, Shangyuan, which draws thousands of lantern-carrying revellers to mark the Chinese New Year.