Welcome to Taipei! 7 Must-See Attractions
Taipei is the capital of Taiwan and a fascinating city where history and modern culture intertwine. When many people think of "Taipei," the first thing that comes to mind is probably the grand modern architecture like Taipei 101, the downtown area, and the night market. As a tourist destination with easy access to transportation, you can enjoy completely different atmospheres depending on where you visit, from temples and historical buildings to modern shopping malls. Of course, as you all know, Taipei is also known as a gourmet city. There is a wide range of food options, from street food at night markets to first-class restaurants. It is also very convenient to access, about 40 minutes by MRT from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.
In this article, we will introduce 7 must-see tourist attractions in Taipei. If you learn about the charm and unique stories of each one, you will be able to experience the deep charm of Taipei. If you are planning to visit Taipei in the future, be sure to refer to this article!
Shilin Night Market: A food hub
Taiwan is all about night markets! Among them, Shilin Night Market in Taipei is one of the most famous and largest night markets in Taiwan. This place can be called a "treasure trove of food", where you can enjoy a variety of foods from traditional Taiwanese cuisine to new fusion cuisine. Representative dishes include "large intestine bag small intestine" (sausage wrapped in glutinous rice), "chicken platter" (Taiwanese fried chicken), and "Tang Hulu", which is also famous in Japan. Dozens of stalls are crowded together, each one offering unique dishes that make the most of their own characteristics. Night markets not only sell food, but also traditional Taiwanese handicrafts, accessories, and clothing, so they are very popular with locals and tourists alike, and are especially crowded on weekends.
Address: Shilin Night Market - Google Maps
Taipei 101 : An Asian Landmark
Taipei 101 is a skyscraper in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, with a height of 508 meters and 101 floors from ground to roof. It was the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010 , but is now the 8th tallest building. It is famous for its fast elevators, which can reach the 89th floor from the 5th basement floor in just 37 seconds. One of the most unique experiences you can have at Taipei 101 is to see the world's largest "Tuned Mass Damper". This huge golden sphere plays an important role in preventing the building from collapsing, as Taiwan is an area prone to earthquakes and typhoons. Of course, there are observation decks on the upper floors, so why not go up to the observation deck on a clear day and get a panoramic view of Taipei city?
Address: Taipei 101 - Google Maps
Ximending: A mecca for youth culture and shopping
Ximending is one of the most popular areas in Taipei's downtown area. This area, located just a few steps from MRT Ximen Station, is also known as the "Harajuku" of Taipei. Ximending is bustling day and night, and has everything from shopping to gourmet food. What catches your eye is the row of fashionable clothing stores, accessory shops, and even cute Taiwanese general stores. If you're looking for souvenirs during your trip to Taipei, this is a must-see! Of course, you can also enjoy a wide variety of Taiwanese street food. You can taste local dishes such as Taiwanese bubble tea, fried foods, and Xiaolongbao. In addition, it becomes even more lively at night, with many food stalls and street vendors, so it is fully possible to enjoy nightlife, so if you visit Taipei, why not visit Ximending, which is almost always bustling with tourists and local young people?
Address: Ximending - Google Maps
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: History and Culture
If you visit Taipei, you can't miss the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. This huge structure was built to commemorate Chiang Kai-shek, the first president of the Republic of China. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is deeply connected not only to Taiwanese history but also to Chinese culture. Inside the hall is a bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, and the changing of the guard ceremony that takes place every hour is worth seeing, and many tourists take pictures of this moment. The architecture itself is very beautiful, and there are also beautiful gardens and ponds on the premises, so once you step inside, you will feel a sense of tranquility as if you are away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is very pleasant to just stroll around, but the Memorial Hall also has a history museum where you can learn more about Taiwan's history and Chiang Kai-shek's achievements. It is located right next to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall MRT station, so it is very easy to access. It is a must-see attraction to include in your travel schedule. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a place where you can feel the history and culture of Taiwan at once.
Address: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall - Google Maps
Longshan Temple: a spiritual oasis in the heart of Taipei
Longshan Temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Taipei. Built in 1738 , the temple is located in Taipei City's Wanghua District and is very popular with tourists and locals alike. Longshan Temple also enshrines many gods from various religions, making it easy for people of different faith backgrounds to visit. It is close to the Longshan Temple MRT station, so it is very accessible. There are also many night markets and local shops in the area, so visiting Longshan Temple is a great opportunity to experience the local culture. If you are visiting Taipei, be sure to visit Longshan Temple, where history and culture live.
Address: Longshan Temple - Google Maps
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Danshui Fort San Domingo: Taipei's Historic Fortress and Dutch Heritage
Fort San Domingo is a historic military facility located in the Danshui district of Taipei City. The name "Fort San Domingo" comes from the fact that it was once built by the Dutch, and "Hongmao" was the name the Chinese used to refer to Westerners. It was built during the Dutch colonial period and was later used by Spain, the Ming and Qing dynasties, and Japan, giving it a colorful historical background. It is made of red bricks and its attractive exterior is still well preserved. In particular, the castle tower offers a panoramic view of the beautiful sunset, making it a popular photo spot. In recent years, it has become a popular tourist destination, and is a must-see, especially for those interested in history and architecture. Danshui Fort San Domingo is also close to other tourist attractions such as Danshui Old Street and Fisherman's Wharf, so you can visit multiple attractions in one day.
Address: Tamsui Fort San Domingo - Google Maps
Xiangshan: Taipei's natural and scenic paradise
Elephant Mountain is a friendly hiking spot located near the center of Taipei City. It is very popular with locals and tourists alike, especially at sunset, when many people come to enjoy the spectacular views. The view from Elephant Mountain offers a panoramic view of Taipei 101 , the surrounding skyscrapers, and even the distant mountains. The mountain is famous for the "Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail," which is easy enough for beginners to tackle. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top, but there are several observation decks along the way, so you can enjoy the spectacular views as many times as you like along the way. There are also tea houses and local restaurants scattered around the area, so you will have no trouble finding a place to eat or rest after the hike. Why not visit once and experience the beautiful scenery and nature for yourself?
Address: Xiangshan - Google Maps
summary
The seven tourist destinations introduced in this article are each places where you can experience the charm of Taipei from a different angle. Each tourist destination has a wide variety of transportation options and is easily accessible from within the city. This means that even in a short time, you can enjoy the multifaceted charm of Taipei in a condensed form. Through eating, seeing, and experiencing, Taipei is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. Taipei is a fascinating city that you will never forget once you have visited it. We hope this article will be helpful when you visit Taipei. Be sure to experience its diverse charms for yourself!
