Sightseeing in Taipei
You don’t need to go to mainland China to experience traditional Chinese culture or take pictures of traditional Chinese sites. Instead, the city of Taipei offers some of the best Chinese-related sites in a more compact form. The island of Taiwan lies south of the mainland, and many Taiwanese people are Chinese migrants from the mainland. Taipei is an excellent tourist destination for those interested in immersing themselves in Chinese culture, and it offers multiple venues for any tourist to visit.
Taipei 101 (Photo by Chris)
Spiritual connections
Eastern religion has long been a source of interest for foreigners. Evidence of spirituality in Taiwan can be found in Taipei’s ancient temples. The Lungshan Temple (No.211 Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District Taipei, +886 2 2302 5162) is a great place to begin your journey into Taiwanese spirituality. The distinctly Chinese-style building is a masterpiece of Taoist design and shows Chinese architecture at its best. Built by the Ching dynasty, it is now classified as a historical site as well.
Lungshan Temple (Photo by Guillaume Paumier)
The world’s second tallest building
Our cosmopolitan world demands business excellence, and the city is no exception to this rule. Taipei 101 (No. 7, Hsin Yi Rd. Sec. 5, Taipei 110, +886 2 8101 8899, website) is the perfect place to observe the rising business sector of Taiwan. At one time the world’s tallest building (now second to the Burj Khalifa in Dubai), it boasts of 101 floors with different attractions for the whole family. The main attraction is on the 89th floor, where the Observatory is housed. From here, you can get a great panoramic view of the city. You can also relax at the exquisite Mall located on the first five floors.
Nature at its finest
Nature lovers can visit Yangminshan National Park (Jhuzihhu Rd., Beitou District, Yangmingshan,Taipei 11292, +886 2 2861 3601, website) for a completely unique experience. The vast nature park includes 11,455 hectares spanning five mountains, with hot springs in various places in the reserve. Every visitor to Taipei must experience the vastness and the beauty of this pristine park. The abundance of wildlife and vegetation is set to provide maximum tourist value for everyone.
Yangminshan National Park (Photo by rinux)
To immerse yourself even more in Taiwanese nature treats, the Lung Nai Tang Hot Springs (244 Kuangming Rd., Beitou, Taipei, +886 2 2891 2236) is another site you must visit. There are several hot spring facilities in Taipei, but this was its first bath house, having been built in 1896. Its legacy continues today as one of the grand old bath houses in the city.
Those who want to extend this bathing experience to a learning one can visit the nearby Beitou Hot Springs Museum (2 Chungshan Rd., Beitou, Taipei, +886 2 2893 9981). The building was actually built in 1913 as a hot spring bath house. It was then used for numerous other purposes before being renovated in 1998. It was then that the building was renamed. It contains different information about hot springs in Taipei, including interesting scientific knowledge and the history of the surrounding area. A visit to this museum makes for a complete hot spring experience.
Beitou Hot Springs Museum (Photo by Johnny Trane)
Tourist options
The government of Taiwan offers multiple options for tourists. The Travel Service Center (1F-4, No.240, Dunhua N. Rd., Songshan District, Taipei 105, +886 2 2717 3737, website) assists everyone who wishes to visit Taipei. It offers general information about Taiwan and tourist publications. The Tourism Bureau (9F., No.290, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da-an District, Taipei 10694, +886 2 2349 1500, website) can extend more help with its toll free hotline (0800 011765). Its website features popular destinations and gives tourists options in travel and lodging.
From its fine natural beauty to its exquisite architecture, Taipei never ceases to provide its visitors with delight. Whether you are a nature lover, a historian, or a tourist, Taipei is the place for you.
Tourist assistance
Travel Service Center
- Address: 1F-4, No.240, Dunhua N. Rd., Songshan District, Taipei 105
- Tel: +886 2 2717 3737
- Opening hours: Daily 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tourism Bureau
- Address: 9F., No.290, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da-an District, Taipei 10694
- Tel: +886 2 2349 1500
Destinations
Lungshan Temple
- Address: No.211 Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District Taipei
- Tel: +886 2 2302 5162
Taipei 101 Observatory
- Address: No. 7, Hsin Yi Rd. Sec. 5, Taipei 110
- Tel: +886 2 8101 8899
- Opening hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; subject to change during holidays
- Cost: Adults—NT$400; Children below 12 years old—NT$370; Group of 20 or more—NT$350
Yangminshan National Park
- Address: Jhuzihhu Rd., Beitou District, Yangmingshan, Taipei 11292
- Tel: +886 2 2861 3601
- Opening hours: Lengshueikeng Visitor Center and Cingtiangang Visitor Center—9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Jingshang Camping Area—open 24 hours
Lung Nai Tang Hot Springs
- Address: 244 Kuangming Rd., Beitou, Taipei
- Tel: +886 2 2891 2236
- Opening hours: Daily 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Cost: NT$70 per person
Beitou Hot Springs Museum
- Address: 2 Chungshan Rd., Beitou, Taipei
- Tel: +886 2 2893 9981
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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