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Taipei 101City/Region: Taipei
The Guinness Book of Records certified Taipei's grandiose financial center, known as Taipei 101, as the world's tallest building in October 2003. It will soon be overtaken by a new building under construction in Dubai, however (due for completion in 2009), but at more than 1671 feet (509m) high, designed to resemble a towering pagoda, this building will likely remain not only the city's major landmark, but also an awesome tourist attraction, for generations to come. A trip up and down in one of
the super-fast lifts takes only minutes, and the view from the top observation deck is of course spectacular. The lower levels are crammed with shops and restaurants.
Address: 3/F 45 Shi Fu Road
Phone Number: (2) 8101 8899
Website: www.tfc101.com.tw
Transport: Taipei 101 is the core of the Hsin-Yi Master Planned Area and is connected to neighboring buildings by pedestrian skyways. Shuttle buses run to and from the City Hall MRT station, and it is served by multiple bus routes from all areas of the city
Hours: Daily 10am to 10pm (last entry at 9.15pm)
Admission: NT$350 (adults), NT$320 (children under 110cm tall). Group concessions available
Shilin Night MarketCity/Region: Taipei
Taipei's biggest and best night market is not just for shopping; it is an entire cultural experience that should not be missed by any visitor to the city. The action lights up when the sun sets, with thousands of stalls and stores selling everything from clothing to pets, souvenirs to DIY tools. In addition there are games and plenty of fun to be had, and it is wise to go with an empty stomach because of the array of tempting treats on offer. Cuisine of all sorts beckons with delicious aromas.
Address: Chung Shan North Road, Section 4
Phone Number: (2) 2349 1635 (Tourism Bureau)
Transport: MRT Jiantan Station, or any one of numerous buses
Hours: Late afternoon to early morning hours daily
National Palace MuseumCity/Region: Taipei
Those who want to soak up some Chinese culture in serious style will be awed by the vast collection of ancient artifacts and artwork at Taipei's National Palace Museum. The collection forms the bulk of what was once on display at the Forbidden City in Beijing, moved to Taipei as a result of the Chinese Civil War. Recently re-opened after extensive renovations, the museum houses some world-famous exhibits like the 'Jade Cabbage' (a piece of jade carved to resemble a cabbage head), and a valuable copy of the Qingming Scroll.
Address: 221 Chih-shan Road, Sec. 2, Shih-lin
Phone Number: (2) 2881 2021
Website: www.npm.gov.tw
Transport: MRT Danshui Line to Shilin Station and then bus R30 (Red 30). Other routes that will take you to and near the Museum plaza are buses 255, 304, Minibus 18 and Minibus 19
Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm. Free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm daily
Admission: NT$160, concessions available
Longshan TempleCity/Region: Taipei
Of the many temples in Taipei, the Longshan Temple, dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, is one of the most popular and represents an excellent example of the architecture commonly seen in older buildings in Taiwan. It was built in 1738 to serve as a place of worship for Chinese settlers, and has had a troubled history, being destroyed several times by earthquakes, fires and even American bombers during World War II. Undaunted, Taipei residents have rebuilt it each time, and it is now still very much in use.
Address: 211 Guanghzhou Street
Hours: Daily 6am to 10.20pm
Taipei ZooCity/Region: Taipei
Meet the local Taiwanese animals, like the flying fox, Asiatic Black Bear and the Chinese Pangolin in the Taipei Zoo. All these species, and hundreds of others, are happily housed in the zoo, which provides a fun day out for everyone. Arranged in habitats like an Asian Tropical Rainforest section, desert area and even African savannah, the zoo, founded in 1914, covers 165 hectares and includes an extensive indoor area.
Address: Hsinguang Road, Muzha
Website: english.taipei.gov.tw/zoo
Transport: MRT Muzha Line, Taipei Zoo station. Cable cars connect the zoo with Maokong and Zhinan Temple
Hours: Daily 9am to 5pm (closed on Chinese New Year)
Admission: NT$60 (adults). Concessions available
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial ParkCity/Region: Taipei
Pride of Taipei, the magnificent Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park is a walled complex built in memory of the former Taiwanese President. It contains an impressive pyramid-shaped majestic white monument to Chiang Kai-shek, capped with a blue-tiled roof, as well as the National Concert Hall and National Theater. All stand inside a lovely park, fronted by a vast plaza where there are often folk performances or other events being held. The Memorial is also the main venue for Taipei's famed Lantern Festival, Shang Yuan, which draws thousands of lantern-carrying revelers to mark the Chinese New Year.
Address: South Road, Chungshan
Transport: MRT lines Danshui-Xindian, or Beitou-Nanshi, alighting at the CKS Memorial Hall Station
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