See and Do in Taipei
Taipei has plenty for expats to see and do during the evenings and weekends. The city offers everything from ancient temples to night markets to amuse the newly arrived and the long-time veteran alike. Here's five key attractions in Taipei for foreign residents to explore for starters.
Taipei 101
Until 2009 Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building. Although it’s since been superseded, it remains the grandiose centre of Taipei’s financial district. It resembles a massive pagoda and towers above the city skyline at an impressive 1671 feet (509m). The building is the city’s undisputed chief landmark and visual reference point. Visitors can take a trip up and down in one of the super-fast lifts, and once atop can enjoy astounding views from the observation deck. The levels of the building contain many shops and restaurants helping to make this a weekend destination for many locals and expats alike.
www.taipei-101.com.tw
Address: 3/F 45 Shi Fu Road
Tel: (2) 8101 8899
Shilin Night Market
This is Taipei's biggest and most exciting night market, and it’s an essential visit for expats. This is more than a shopping destination; it is an entire cultural experience that reveals much of the city’s hidden and traditional character. As the sun sets, thousands of stalls and stores open to sell everything from clothing to pets, DIY tools to paper fans, and just about anything you can imagine. There are also plenty of games and fun to be had, and a wonderful array of food on offer.
Address: Chung Shan North Road, Section 4
Tel: (2) 2349 1635
National Palace Museum
As an antidote to the overdose of modernity that can often overpower those who have just relocated to Taipei, expats should visit this excellent museum for a vast collection of ancient Chinese artefacts and artwork. The National Palace Museum displays the bulk of what was relocated here from the Forbidden City in Beijing with Chiang Kei Shek’s move to Taipei. Look out for the famous 'Jade Cabbage' (a piece of jade carved to resemble a cabbage head), and a celebrated example of the Qingming Scroll.
www.npm.gov.tw
Address: 221 Chih-shan Road, Sec. 2, Shih-lin
Tel: (2) 2881 2021
Longshan Temple
Taipei has kept its ancient traditions alive and well alongside its more modern side. One of the city’s most famous temples is Longshan, dedicated to Guanyin the Goddess of Mercy. First built in 1738 to serve as a place of worship for Chinese settlers, it has survived earthquakes, fires and American bombs during its various incarnations. The architecture is a fine example of traditional temple styling.
Address: 211 Guanghzhou Street
Taipei Zoo
Taiwan has its own unique species and specimens happily housed in the Taipei Zoo. See the flying fox, Asiatic Black Bear and the Chinese Pangolin among other local stars. The animals are kept in their natural habitat zones, such as the Asian Tropical Rainforest section, desert area and even African savannah. In total the zoo covers 165 hectares, includes an extensive indoor area, and is consistently rated for its humane practices and advanced scientific practices.
english.zoo.taipei.gov.tw
Address: Hsinguang Road, Muzha
Tel: (2) 2938 2300
Recommended sightseeing in Taipei
Taipei 101Until 2009 Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building. Although it’s since been superseded, it remains the grandiose centre of Taipei’s financial district. It resembles a massive pagoda and towers above the city skyline at an impressive 1671 feet (509m). The building is the city’s undisputed chief landmark and visual reference point. Visitors can take a trip up and down in one of the super-fast lifts, and once atop can enjoy astounding views from the observation deck. The levels of the building contain many shops and restaurants helping to make this a weekend destination for many locals and expats alike.
www.taipei-101.com.tw
Address: 3/F 45 Shi Fu Road
Tel: (2) 8101 8899
Shilin Night Market
This is Taipei's biggest and most exciting night market, and it’s an essential visit for expats. This is more than a shopping destination; it is an entire cultural experience that reveals much of the city’s hidden and traditional character. As the sun sets, thousands of stalls and stores open to sell everything from clothing to pets, DIY tools to paper fans, and just about anything you can imagine. There are also plenty of games and fun to be had, and a wonderful array of food on offer.
Address: Chung Shan North Road, Section 4
Tel: (2) 2349 1635
National Palace Museum
As an antidote to the overdose of modernity that can often overpower those who have just relocated to Taipei, expats should visit this excellent museum for a vast collection of ancient Chinese artefacts and artwork. The National Palace Museum displays the bulk of what was relocated here from the Forbidden City in Beijing with Chiang Kei Shek’s move to Taipei. Look out for the famous 'Jade Cabbage' (a piece of jade carved to resemble a cabbage head), and a celebrated example of the Qingming Scroll.
www.npm.gov.tw
Address: 221 Chih-shan Road, Sec. 2, Shih-lin
Tel: (2) 2881 2021
Longshan Temple
Taipei has kept its ancient traditions alive and well alongside its more modern side. One of the city’s most famous temples is Longshan, dedicated to Guanyin the Goddess of Mercy. First built in 1738 to serve as a place of worship for Chinese settlers, it has survived earthquakes, fires and American bombs during its various incarnations. The architecture is a fine example of traditional temple styling.
Address: 211 Guanghzhou Street
Taipei Zoo
Taiwan has its own unique species and specimens happily housed in the Taipei Zoo. See the flying fox, Asiatic Black Bear and the Chinese Pangolin among other local stars. The animals are kept in their natural habitat zones, such as the Asian Tropical Rainforest section, desert area and even African savannah. In total the zoo covers 165 hectares, includes an extensive indoor area, and is consistently rated for its humane practices and advanced scientific practices.
english.zoo.taipei.gov.tw
Address: Hsinguang Road, Muzha
Tel: (2) 2938 2300
