Arts and Culture in Taipei
Taipei is a bustling cosmopolitan city with deep traditional Chinese roots. The capital of Taiwan since 1894, the city is best known for being at the center of Chiang Kai Shek’s Kuomintang government. The Taiwanese culture is one of proud nationalism and fervor. It is a culture which offers a taste of one of the oldest civilizations in the world and celebrates its participation in the modern world.
National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (Photo by supermow)
Museums
Its rich history, however, does not begin in 1894, when it became the capital. The area that Taipei now occupies was the home of Ketagalan tribes since before the 18th century. This gives Taipei more than 200 years of cultural history. Ancient Taiwanese history goes back even further than that. If you want to jump into that part of history, the National Palace Museum (No.221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei 11143, +886 2 28812021, website) is the place to visit. Founded in 1925, it features rare pieces of calligraphy, ceramics, and books from the Sung, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties—a history that extends all the way back to 960 A.D.
National Palace Museum (Photo by Tydence)
The founding of the Republic of China was the most significant chapter in Taiwan’s history, and nothing pays better homage to its founding father than the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (No.505, Sec.4, Ren-ai Rd., Taipei 110, +886 2 27588008, website). Its tribute to the late military leader is splendid, with the building itself an architectural masterpiece. You can view artifacts chronicling the emergence of Taiwan as a nation, stroll through the Sun Yat-sen Library, or find items at the Gift Shop to bring home as a memento of your journey.
National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall (Photo by Chen YC)
The story of Taipei and Taiwan, however, would not be complete without Chiang Kai-shek, the leader of the Nationalist forces who fled to Taiwan in 1949. His death in 1975 spurred the development and construction of the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall (No.21, Zhongshan S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei 10048, +886 2 23431100, website) as a tribute to the fallen leader. The life and times of Chiang are showcased in this extraordinary museum, which features his vehicles from 1955-1972, as well as images from his childhood and his military, political, and personal life. It also includes a recreation of Chiang’s presidential office and a wax figure of the leader. This is a must-see for students of contemporary Taiwanese history.
Culture in Taipei
The National Theater and Concert Hall (10048 21-1 Chung-San S. Rd., Taipei, +886 2 33939888, website) is the foremost destination for live performances. Since its opening in 1987, the NTCH has been visited by dozens of heads of state. It plays a significant role in the encouragement and development of musical arts, having been the stage for such renowned performers as Placido Domingo, Yo-yo Ma, Jose Carreras, the San Francisco Symphony, and many others. It is also a frequent performance venue for the National Symphony Orchestra. A performance in NTCH is a treat to the avid music lover.
The Red House (Photo from Google images)
Another interesting place to soak in Taiwanese culture is The Red House (No.10, Chengdu Rd., Wanhua District, Taipei 108, +886 2 23119380, website). It is a performance venue, public market, and historical site rolled into one. The structure was built in 1908 and contains the Octagon Building, the Cruciform Building, and the South-North Square. Its classification as a Class III historical site adds to its legend. Not only can you find some of the finest performances and films here, but you also get to immerse yourself in the first public market in Taipei.
The Taipei Zhongshan Hall (No. 98, Yenping S. Rd., Taipei, +886 2 23813137, website) was founded in 1928 by the Japanese as a tribute to Emperor Hirohito. It now stands as one of the most distinguished historical and cultural centers in the city.
A Taiwanese Opera at Taipei Zhongshan Hall (Photo by bradkuo)
The city also encourages the arts through several annual occasions. The Lantern Festival features the ancient Chinese art of lantern-making. Instituted in 1997, it has become one of the top art celebrations in the city. The Taipei Film Festival (website) opens from June to July and offers an opportunity for Taiwanese filmmakers to showcase their talents. The Taipei Arts Festival (website) encourages continuous art education and has been celebrated since 1999.
Taipei offers the best of cosmopolitan urbanity and traditional Taiwanese culture. The richness of its culture is an object of pride for the Taiwanese people, and rightfully so. The vast collection of cultural and historical artifacts in its museums, as well as the time-tested traditions that gave rise to those artifacts, is surely a treat for tourists and historians alike.
Destinations
National Palace Museum
- Address: No.221, Sec. 2, Zhishan Rd., Shilin Dist., Taipei 11143
- Tel: +886 2 28812021
- Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Extended evening hours Saturday 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Regular admission fee: NTD 160
- Free entrance on January 1, May 18, September 27, October 10, and Lantern Festival celebration days
National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
- Address: No.505, Sec.4, Ren-ai Rd., Taipei 110
- Tel: +886 2 27588008
- Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Closed on the eve and first day of the Lunar New Year
National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
- Address: No.21, Zhongshan S. Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei 10048
- Tel: +886 2 23431100
- Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
National Theater and Concert Hall
- Address: 10048 21-1 Chung-San S. Rd., Taipei
- Tel: +886 2 33939888, website
- Tours of venue: Monday to Friday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Red House
- Address: No.10, Chengdu Rd., Wanhua District, Taipei 108
- Tel: +886 2 23119380
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Closed Mondays
Taipei Zhongshan Hall
- Address: No. 98, Yenping S. Rd., Taipei
- Tel: +886 2 23813137
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