Overview
Taipei is the most prosperous city in Taiwan. Like other international metropolises around the world, people in the Taipei Metro hurry along with a fast-paced rhythm, afraid of missing every moment of change in this city. However, beneath its dazzling exterior, the alleys and lanes of Taipei reveal that a cursory glance cannot capture its diverse charm; the weathered walls tell stories of its history, while the humble street vendors emphasize that food is the foundation of life.
HIghlights
- Taipei Palace Museum: Rich treasures, highlights include Meat-Shaped Stone, Jadeite Cabbage, worth exploring.
- Taipei 101, once world's tallest, stands out; fireworks, observatory views are must-sees.
- Ximending: Trendy hub with boutiques, food, history, & graffiti, a blend of youth & past.
- Maokong: Named for stream, ride gondola, breathe fresh air, enjoy Taipei views from cafes.
Ximending, known as Taipei's "Harajuku" and a haven for "Japanophiles," is the epitome of youth subculture and a popular destination for international backpackers. It's also a renowned movie street where premieres are held, and almost every weekend, small concerts, autograph sessions, album launches, and various movie promotions and street performances can be seen. Adjacent to the Ximending pedestrian street stands the Ximending Red House, a cultural and artistic hub that has become a famous cultural landmark in Taipei.
The Presidential Office Building, with its Post-Renaissance architectural style, opens its first floor to the public from Monday to Friday. On the first Saturday of each month, the second and third floors are also open for close-up visits. To visit the Presidential Office, reservations must be made through the official website or by phone after arriving in Taiwan. On the day of the visit, visitors must bring their entry permits, dress formally, and pass through strict security checks before entering. Guided tours are available free of charge, lasting approximately one hour.
Yongkang Street, located on Section 2 of Xinyi Road in Taipei City, between Jinshan South Road and Xinsheng South Road, is a famous food street known for its many restaurants and snacks nestled in its alleys. It's a popular dinner spot for Taipei residents. After dinner, as night falls, climb up Elephant Mountain to enjoy the night view of Taipei.
Start your day at Zhongxiao East Road, the most familiar street in Taipei and a favorite among Taiwanese dramas, where you can enjoy the laid-back Taiwanese lifestyle. Then, walk to Huashan 1914 Creative Cultural Park, located on Zhongxiao East Road and formerly known as Taipei's first brewery. This park serves as a base for Taiwan's artistic community, often hosting various exhibitions, lectures, and performances. It has even hosted concerts by singers like Tiffany Hsu, Cheer Chen, and Hu Xia. Apart from concerts, other artistic performances usually last for a short duration, sometimes just a day. Some exhibitions require tickets for entry, so it's advisable to check the official website for information before visiting.
After having lunch nearby, proceed to the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in the heart of Taipei. The memorial hall is divided into five main areas. A bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen stands on the southern side of the first floor, with a guard-changing ceremony held at every hour, lasting about 15 minutes. It's a comprehensive venue for leisure, art appreciation, and cultural performances, often attracting photographers to capture its scenes.
The Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, formerly the Songshan Tobacco Factory, showcases Taiwan's cultural creativity and has become an internationally renowned stage for cultural innovation.
In the evening, visit Raohe Street Night Market, one of Taipei's famous night markets with over 400 stalls. Whether it's tofu pudding, oyster mee sua, herbal pork ribs, or Turkish-style ice cream, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable culinary experience. At the entrance of Raohe Street Night Market, you'll find the Tzuyu Temple, dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea. If time permits, take a moment to visit.
In the morning, visit the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, where the architecture is solemn and dignified. Every hour, there is a ceremonial guard changing, which is a very solemn and grand event lasting a total of 10 minutes. After the ceremony, you can approach and take photos from outside the barrier. Large-scale artistic performances are occasionally held here. After about an hour of exploration, take a ride to the National Palace Museum in Taipei. You can choose to have a meal nearby before entering the museum. The museum does not allow bags inside, but provides free luggage storage services. The souvenir shop is located on the lower level of the first exhibition hall, offering items such as the popular "I know" stickers inspired by Emperor Kangxi's notes on Weibo, and Youyou Cards shaped like the Mao Gong Ding. The museum also has its own online store with the same prices as in the shop, but with an additional shipping fee. If you visit on a weekend, you can enjoy wonderful performances by various artists in the evening.
After leaving the museum, around 4 or 5 pm, you can walk to the Shilin Official Residence, a two-story western-style villa that was once the residence of Chiang Kai-shek, surrounded by a beautiful environment. Shilin Night Market is mainly divided into two sections: one is the commercial street centered around Yangming Theater and Cicheng Temple, and the other is the food street. After a day of exploration, take a stroll through the night market and enjoy some local snacks.
In the morning, head to the Taipei City Zoo, also known as the Muzha Zoo, where the animals live in their native habitats, resembling a pristine forest. The zoo is quite expansive, so it can be tiring to explore the entire park in a single day. It's recommended to selectively visit the highlighted exhibits to experience the essence of the zoo. The zoo offers two transportation routes: one is a train line that runs between the main station next to the Koala Exhibit and the Aviary Station; the other is a bus line that operates between the Aviary Station and the Maokong Gondola's Zoo Station, allowing for transfers between the two lines. The admission fee is 60 New Taiwan Dollars.
To visit Maokong, you can choose to take the hiking trail or ride the gondola. For the adventurous, the "Maokong Eye" crystal cabin offers a 360-degree panoramic view as the entire cabin is transparent. If you opt for the hiking trail to Maokong, you can not only enjoy the scenery at a leisurely pace but also avoid the crowds. The trail winds through andesite and pine wood plank roads, surrounded by lush greenery, chirping birds, and buzzing insects, providing a serene experience. On the way from the zoo to Maokong, you'll pass by Zhinan Temple. If you're interested in seeing Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals who each displayed their unique skills in crossing the sea, you can make a stop there. There is no admission fee for Maokong, but the gondola ride is charged separately. Gondola fares are as follows: 70 New Taiwan Dollars for one stop, 100 New Taiwan Dollars for two stops, and 120 New Taiwan Dollars for three stops.
Ningxia Night Market is a favorite among locals, offering snacks with a strong Taiwanese flavor. In the evening, take a ride back to Ningxia Night Market to savor the most authentic Taiwanese cuisine.