Taipei is the capital of Taiwan, a thriving island with a rich cultural tradition, as well as one of the region`s most dynamic economies. Taipei is a fascinating blend of old and new, a centre of government, business, finance, fashion and culture, where the only constant is change.

 

National Palace Museum

Widely acknowledged as the world`s finest collection of traditional Chinese art, long-term exhibits at the National Palace Museum include ceramics, jades, bronzes, lacquer ware, painting, calligraphy, and textiles, with short-term exhibits changing periodically to accommodate a vast collection of archived material. Works are labeled in Chinese/Japanese/English. Interpreters and self-guided cassette tours available.

Shihlin Night Market

On the weekend, thousands swarm this threadbare network of alleys lain with bins of cheap clothing, shoes, watches, gadgets etc. Try one or two of the local delicacies or pet a Pekinese puppy. The market is conveniently across the street from the Chientan MRT station.

Yangmingshan National Park

Just north of Taipei, the pine-covered mountain crags and sweeping vistas of this national park recall traditional Chinese landscape paintings. Dotted with hot springs and home to a unique collection of indigenous flora and fauna, the park is an ideal destination for hiking, a pleasant nature getaway any season of the year.

Lungshan Temple

This Ching dynasty temple is a monument to traditional architecture, and remains a thriving centre of traditional Taiwanese culture. Hundreds of devotees pass through its doors each day to pay homage to over 100 resident deities, surrounded by colourful and intricate carvings in wood and stone. A true taste of old Taipei.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

One of Taipei`s most enduring landmarks and just a short walk from the hotel, this monument honouring Dr. Sun Yat-sen features an exhibition on his life, as well as world-class art exhibits at the Chung Shan Gallery. The surrounding park is also a popular recreation spot for Taipei residents, from joggers to tai-chi adepts.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

The imposing Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall occupies the place of honour in a park-like setting of 250,000 square metres, and contains exhibition rooms, a film theatre, two art galleries, a library and an audio-visual centre. Surrounded by landscaped gardens and ponds, and fronted by an immense open square, the site also holds the palatial National Concert Hall and National Theatre. An oasis of tranquility in bustling Taipei.