The flourishing city of Taipei is characterized by its amazing food and friendly people, making it a great place to visit. The west side of the city has narrow city streets with street vendors, while the East side of the city boasts designer boutiques, the Taipei 101 Mall and top restaurants to rival any European city. Further afield, there are beautiful beaches and lush green mountains for hiking and outdoor adventures. Today we’ll explore the things to do in Taipei and some of its best attractions.
Taipei Attraction #1 – Longshan Temple
Start your visit to Taipei at the Longshan Temple – a beautiful structure that is the oldest temple in Taipei. Founded in 1738, this house of worship is dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist form of compassion. Locals frequent the temple to seek guidance on life decisions and may also consult the many fortune sellers in the surrounding streets and alleyways. Other temples worth a photograph are the Confucius Temple with its traditional Minnan-style architecture, and the colourful murals and statues adorning the Baoan Temple next door.
Taipei Attraction #2 – National Palace Museum
The city is a showcase of museums and galleries, but if you can only visit one, make it the National Palace Museum. There are free guided tours in English during the day and headphones for self-guided tours. Make your way through amazing exhibits of books, Qing and Ming dynasty furniture, paintings, carvings and weapons to the delightful Sanxitang Teahouse for refreshments. The highlights of the museum are the ceramics and jade collections, part of the world’s finest collection of Chinese art.
Taipei Attraction #3 – Taipei Eye Show
Still on a cultural theme, the Taipei Eye Show is a performance of Chinese and Taiwanese performing arts. This amazing show includes dance, opera, acrobatics and puppet theatre and is a wonderful way to appreciate the folklore and culture of this progressive country.
Taipei Attraction #4 – Dan Shui Riverside Path
The chance to explore beyond the city is offered with the Dan Shui Riverside Path. The path connects the Tan Sui MRT and the Hung Shu Line MRT and runs through beautiful scenery, passing mangrove swamps bordering the Jilong River. The well-maintained footpath is popular for walking, jogging and cycling and the bridges are stunning – especially the curving Rainbow Bridge.
Matthew Fang’s Flickr Image
Taipei Attraction #5 – Yangmingshan National Park
The Yangmingshan National Park is just north of Taipei and is a beautiful area for relaxing and exploring. Take a towel and bathing suit and take advantage of the Beitou Hot Spring Park nearby, providing hydrotherapy in the mineral-rich thermal springs. The river valley has a series of both public and private pools for bathing and enjoying the views.
Taipei Attraction #6 – Taipei 101
You’ll want to spend some time shopping for souvenirs in Taipei. The towering Taipei 101 tower, the tallest in the world until 2004, has a speedy elevator to the observations decks on the 88th and 89th levels. The lower floors have an exclusive shopping mall for clothing while the Living Mall specializes in brand name goods and sportswear.
Taipei Attraction #7 – Night Markets
More fun, and more bargains can be found on the Night Markets. The best known is the Shilin Night Market where fake designer bags and clothing keep stallholders busy.
Taipei Attraction #8 – Chinese Handicraft Mart
Finally, the Chinese Handicraft Mart on Syujhou Road is a great place to find unusual souvenirs to take home from your thrilling visit to Taipei.
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