Looking for a vibrant and bustling city to explore? Taipei is one of the cities in Asia can’t be missed. As the capital city of Taiwan, Taipei is a megacity located in the northern part of the country.
Taipei offers plenty of places to visit and things to do. From bustling night markets to serene temples, the city has a unique charm that makes every traveler fall in love. Whether you’re interested in exploring deep-rooted history, taste the city’s unique cuisine or taking the sights and sounds of this vibrant metropolis, there are many places to visit in Taipei that will bring the most memorable experience.
Best Time to Visit
Taipei is best to visit in autumn from March and April and in spring from September and October with the most pleasant weather. These months are great for sightseeing and outdoor activities, but the weather can be unpredictable at times with sunny days in the morning but raining in the afternoon. Trust me, you will be eager to get the most out of Taipei when you don’t have to sweat.
If you have the luxury of picking when to travel, avoid the summer from May to October with hot and humid weather. The average temperature is around 26°C and can spike up to 35°C. Also, be prepared for the monsoon season between May and June and the typhoon season from June to September.
During my trip from the end of February to early March, it is light rain on and off throughout the day but I still get to see many sights in the city. The temperature is about 19°C and can go down to 10°C especially during the rainy day. It is a good option to wear a water-resistance jacket or bring an umbrella.
If you don’t mind the crowd and love celebrating local festivals like Chinese New Year, you can visit at the end of January or early February. Accommodation and air tickets tend to be more expensive and always advisable to book well in advance. Another important festival is the Tomb-Sweeping Festival which falls on April 3-6. when people make preparations for their prayers to their ancestors. Buses and flights are quickly booked up and expect to be a little pricey. Many shops will be closed during the two festivals when they travel back to their hometown.
Getting There
By Plane
If you’re traveling from other countries, chances are you will land at Taoyuan International Airport (Airport Code: TPE) at Terminal 2. This large airport is located 42 km from Taipei city and there are several ways to reach the city center.
Taoyuan Airport MRT makes the connection easy with the Express train (直遠車) and Commuter train (普通車). The fare for both trains is the same for NT$150, with prices calculated based on the distance. The trains travel from Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to Taipei Main Station. The Express train only makes 4 stops and takes 35 minutes to the city. If you are making any stop that does not covered on the Express line, you will need to take the Commuter train to your destination which takes 50 minutes on this journey. From Taipei Main Station, you can then take MRT to your accommodation.
You can use an EasyCard or iPass for the train and other public transport in the city. The EasyCard is sold at Taoyuan Airport MRT service counter on the way walking to the MRT station for NT$500 with NT$400 pre-loaded and ready to use.
By High Speed Rail (HSR)
Taipei is well connected with impressive bullet trains called High-Speed Rail (HSR) to other cities along the west coast of Taiwan. You can take HSR train to Taipei from Nangang, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan and Zuoying (Kaohsiung). It takes just 1.5 hours to travel from Taipei to Kaohsiung.
Tickets can be bought from Taiwan HSR website 28 days before departure. It is a little expensive but you can enjoy up to 35% off if you buy an early ticket. Once you arrive at Taipei Main Station, you take the MRT to your final destination.
Getting Around
By MRT
Taipei has one of the most efficient and comprehensive metro systems in Asia. There are 5 metro lines in the city with some stations being interconnected. MRT is accessible to most attractions just a short walking distance from the station. The trains are clean, safe and reliable with services run between 6 am to 12 am. Be sure to have your EasyCard or iPass to save time buying the printed ticket.
By Bus
Another way to explore Taipei city is to commute by the local bus. The city is seamlessly integrated with an extensive urban and suburban bus network. It is pretty easy to travel around if you do a little homework and figure out how to navigate. Google Map will be your best friend to guide you through which bus to take and where and when to get off the bus.
I am impressed with the bus service here as they are so reliable and punctual. Punctual as in the bus do arrive the minute as stated from the real-time digital timetable at the bus stop. Do use EasyCard or iPass when riding on these buses for your convenience.
By YouBike
I love to do something different when traveling elsewhere and Taipei (or Taiwan in general) can do just that. There are these cute bicycles called YouBike that can ride around to explore the city. I first rode the YouBike in Taichung and found it easy and safe to use. The same goes to Taipei.
YouBike can be found in many public areas in the city center and you can use the app to locate the bike stations. You can rent a bicycle with a small fee to cycle from one location and drop it off at a different place. It is safe to cycle along the road as long as you stay on the pathways for bicycles.
Before renting the bike, check if the tires are firm with air and the brakes are tight. Also, test if the bell is working by giving it a twist if it rings fully. Lastly, see if the seat is adjustable, and if there is something wrong, turn the seat around to signal YouBike workers to fix it and other cyclists will not use it.
Once everything is good, swipe your EasyCard or iPass on the sensor zone and wait for the green light to flash. Then, pull out the bike and enjoy the ride. It will be charged NT$10 every 30 minutes during the first 4 hours. After 4 hours, it goes up to NT$20 every 30 minutes and increases to NT$40 every 30 minutes after 8 hours.
After cycling, use the app again to locate the nearest bike station. Simply slide the bike back into the station dock and you should hear a beeping and a blue flashing light. Then, swipe your card again and the station light will turn green, displaying the amount deducted from the card with the remaining balance below.
Fun things to do for 3 days in Taipei
Taipei is a huge metropolis filled with exciting things to do. The city is home to many traditional temples, incredible architecture, beautiful gardens and parks and fantastic Michelin restaurants to tasty street food.
Ideally, you can spend 3 days to get the taste of Taipei city. But if possible, I highly recommend extending your stay for 2 days to take two day trips to Jiufen and Shifen, and Yehliu and the coastal area. There are many lush green landscapes and gorgeous ocean views on the northern parts of Taiwan.
Enjoy the spectacular night city views from Elephant Mountain
One of the fun outdoor activities to do in the heart of Taipei is hiking the Elephant Mountain. Locally known as Xiangshan Mountain (象山), the hiking trail is easily reachable from downtown Taipei and is always packed with locals and tourists who love to enjoy nature. It is one of the “Four Beasts” of Nangang Mountain along with Lion Mountain, Leopard Mountain and Tiger Mountain.
There are two viewing platforms. The first platform offers beautiful views of the city skyscrapers where you can take photos of Taipei 101 in the background. The trail is rather steep and consists of uphill stairs all the way. It took me 20 minutes to climb from the trailhead to the first viewpoint. If you are not too fit, it might take you 30- 40 minutes to reach.
The second viewpoint with the boulder also has the best city view and is covered with lush forest. The pathway here flattens out and much easier to climb to this second platform.
The Elephant Mountain Trail is safe to walk even at night because there are lights along the entire trail. Most of the trail is shaded by trees, but there are some exposed sections and lookouts.
Address: 110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District
Getting there: Take MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Red Line to Xiangshan Station. Then take Exit 2 and follow the signs to the entrance of the hiking trail. It will take you about 20 minutes to get to the entrance
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entrance fee: Free
Savor yourself with street food in Shilin Night Market
Shilin Night Market (士林夜市) is the largest and most popular night market in Taipei. Food vendors sell almost every Taiwanese street food, drink and desserts in the bustling night market. So come here hungry around 6 pm to fill your tummy with late-night snacks or dinner.
Wander around the market before choosing what to eat and drink since there are a whopping 539 food stalls selling many traditional foods and delicacies. Be prepared to get your sensory overload with unfamiliar scents of food, bright neon lights and the sea of people.
Operating as a fresh fish market in 1909, Shilin Night Market is also a one-stop shop for fresh food, dried food, electronic gadgets, clothing and anything else you could ever come to mind. There are arcade areas and karaoke rooms to get you entertained.
Getting there: Take MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Red Line to Jiantan station and walk about 70 m to the night market
Opening hours: Daily from 4 pm to 12 am
Visit National Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall
To kick start the first day in Taipei, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (國立中正紀念堂) is the perfect starting point. The grounds known as Liberty Square cover 25 hectares, are home to some exquisite gardens, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the National Concert Hall and National Theatre.
The main highlight of the square is the Memorial Hall built in 1980 to pay tribute to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek 4 years after his death. He was a political and military leader of the Chinese Nationalist Party, who ruled Taiwan as President of the Republic of China.
The roof of the hall resembles the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and the wall structure resembles the Egyptian pyramids. Inside the hall houses the impressive 6.3 m high bronze statue of the former leader and an extensive permanent exhibition. There are relics and photo displays related to his life and the complex history of Taiwan.
Don’t forget to witness the changing of the guards that takes place every hour from 9 am to 4 pm. The only exception is on Wednesday when you can watch the ceremony from 10 am to 6 pm. These guards put on quite a show unlike any other places I had seen.
Address: 100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District
Getting there: Take MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Red Line or Songshan-Xindian Green Line to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station
Opening Hours: The Memorial Hall opens daily from 9 am to 6 pm except on Chinese New Year and 228 Peace Memorial Day
Entrance fee: Free
Enjoy Xiao Long Bao in Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐) is well-known in many parts of the world and is famed for their soup dumpling called Xiao Long Bao. It feels like haven’t been to Taiwan without eating this appetizing soup dumplings in this renowned restaurant around the world.
With 9 stores across Taipei alone, there is one Din Tai Fung at their Xinsheng Branch, just 3 blocks from its original store that only allows take-out. The queue is exceptionally long with a 30-minute wait even after I got there 15 minutes after the store opens.
After the staff brought me to my seat, I was served with a menu which has an extensive range of Taiwanese dishes. The entire menu is sort of up-sell their Xiao Long Bao, which is the reason everyone really comes here to eat. There are a variety of dumplings including the original ones or with chicken or pork inside.
I have their delicious dry noodle with minced pork in bean sauce and the 5-pieces pork Xiao Long Bao. It is so good that ended up having another 5-piece original Xiao Long Bao.
One of the most iconic symbols of eating in Din Tai Fung is watching the small army of dumpling makers work their way making dumplings at a fast pace by the quantities. Dressed in sporting white shirts, white aprons, white caps and masks, they retain their traditional hand-made method to produce a heap of dumplings and can taste the difference in the texture.
Here are the 4 steps on how to eat Xiao Long Bao
- Put soy sauce and vinegar into the bowl with sliced ginger. Our waitress said 1 part soy sauce to 3 parts vinegar would be best
- Take the Xiao Long Bao and dip it into the sauce
- Then put the dumpling into your spoon, and poke a hole in the wrapper of the dumpling to release the juices
- Finally, eat it while it is still warm
Travel tips: Come to Din Tai Fung as early as possible because the queue and waiting time can be very long. When I leave the restaurant, the waiting time is 3 hours.
Visit Confucius Temple
The Confucius Temple (臺北孔子廟) was built to honor Confucius who is known as one of the greatest philosophers and teachers of all time. He has long been recognized in China for his unparalleled contribution to ancient Chinese classic studies.
Created by the famous craftsman Wang Yi-shunt, it imitates the original Confucian Temple in Qifu, Shandong of China. Such value of his simplicity can be seen through the dominant characteristic of his temple. There are no guardian deities painted on the doors or any stone lions at the entrance. As you walk around the temple, notice that the columns, doors and windows are also different as they bear no inscription.
Instead, 108 decorative studs protrude from the wood, which follow ancient rites to show respect to the great sage. The motto of this temple is “Educate without discriminating”, a Confucian quote that shows the willingness to teach anyone who wants to reach for it.
Address: No. 275, Dalong St, Datong District, Taipei City
Getting there: Take MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Red Line to Yuanshan Station
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 8.30 am to 9 pm
Entrance fee: Free
Explore Dalongdong Baoan Temple
Located next to Confucius Temple, Dalongdong Baoan Temple (大龍峒保安宮) is a Chinese folk religion temple built in 1804 by clan members who immigrated from Tong-An, a county from Xiamen, Fujian. The temple is dedicated to a Taoist folk religion deity known as the Bao-Sheng Emperor where people pray for good health. It was recognized by the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2003.
Lord Bao-Sheng was known in his life as Wu Tao who resided in Fujian during the Song Dynasty in the year 979. He is well knowledgeable in traditional medicine and Taoism and is credited for performing several medical miracles and helping people in his profession as a physician. He decided to stay in the mortal world rather than enter nirvana to help people who suffered from diseases and sickness. For his dedication, he became deified as a Taoist deity known as the “Protector of Life”
During my visit to this temple, I got to witness the rituals and prayers performed by the locals on Saturday. Although there is light rain throughout the day, individuals or families brace the weather and gather around the canopies, they carry plates of food and fruits as an offering to their god and pray for good health and peace.
Address: No. 61, Hami St, Datong District, Taipei City
Getting there: Take MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Red Line to Yuanshan Station
Opening hours: Daily from 6 am to 9 pm
Entrance fee: Free
Stroll along Tamsui Old Street
Located alongside Tamsui Harbor, Tamsui Old Street (淡水老街廣場) is a scene of historical atmosphere. This traditional street is teeming with food stalls that sell local food. Some of the must-eat delicacies here are iron egg which originated from here, A-gei, fried squid and other seafood.
There are a lot of things happening in the narrow street with tons of shops selling different types of handicrafts, toys, trendy clothes and souvenirs.
Walk along the promenade near the Old Street to enjoy the breathtaking views of Tamsui River and the cool breeze from the sea. Across the river is one of the famous Bali Old Street reachable by ferry from Tamsui Ferryboat Wharf.
Getting there: Take MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Red Line to Tamsui Station
Opening hours: Shops open daily from 9 am and close between 6-8 pm
Have a night out in bustling Ximending
Ximending (西門町) is one of the most popular hang-out places and is marked as the most prominent shopping area in Taipei. It’s the first and largest pedestrian-zoned area in the city that attracts mostly the younger crowds with an array of activities and entertainment.
This lively pedestrian shopping district is home to hips of cheap eats and quirky-themed restaurants at every corner of the street. With countless stalls around Ximending, some of the must-have street foods are the famous rice noodles from Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodle, the enormous fried chicken from Hot Star Large Fried Chicken, small sausage in big sausage and bubble tea from Xing Fui Tang. If you aren’t sure where the stalls are, just look for the long queue and it will lead you to this popular food.
The labyrinth streets and alleys offer a huge selection of mostly Japanese and Taiwanese fashionable clothing and accessories. Enthusiastic youngsters love to dress up in cosplay fashion of amine characters. There are also amusement arcades, movie theatres, karaoke joints and department stores selling electronics, cameras, cosmetics and souvenirs. If you’re lucky enough, you will encounter with crowds gathering to watch street performances including the “Joker” who makes weird but grand show in the middle of Ximending intersection.
With massive neon lights and flashy giant screens lit up, the area gets a special buzzy vibe that can be compared with the vibrant city of Shinjuku in Tokyo and Dotonbori in Osaka. It is also a popular spot for cultural activities especially during Chinese New Year and themed decorations.
Getting there: Take MRT Songshan-Xindian Green Line or Bannan Blue Line to Ximen Station
Pay respect at the historical Longshan Temple
Step into one of Taiwan’s largest and oldest Longshan Temple (艋舺龍山寺). This temple is the most famous temple that you have to visit when traveling to Taipei. It became a National Historic Monument in 2018.
The Longshan Temple was built in 1738 as the spiritual center for immigrants to Taiwan during the Qing Dynasty. They carried the incense pouch from the temple of their hometown to seek the deities’ blessings. A settlement was formed in Banga and asked the Guanyin Bodhisattva of the temple in Fujian to divide her spirit and carried to Taiwan.
The temple was refurbished a few times after a major earthquake and rainstorm. In 1919, the beams and pillars were rebuilt by Monk Fuzhi using his savings of 7,000 dollars after being eaten by termites. The restoration has shaped the present look of the temple today. The Front Hall, the Grand Hall and Back Hall are divided into worship rooms, containing more than 100 statues of gods and goddesses and house 7 incense burners.
During WWII, the Main Hall was destroyed but the statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva was still sitting on the lotus seat solemnly. The people seek refuge under the goddess’s lotus seat. Since then, the goddess’ power and grace have become known to people.
The locals worship both Buddhist and Taoist deities here. You can walk through the scene where a large group of locals chanting Buddhist songs and worshiping the gods. Students pray to get good grades and the adults pray to find their soulmates and protect them from evil spirits.
Address: No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Getting there: Take MRT Bannan Blue Line to Longshan Station
Opening hours: Daily from 6 am to 9.30 pm
Entrance fee: Free
Explore Bopiliao Old Street
Just a 10-minute walk from Longshan Temple lies an interesting Bopiliao Old Street (剝皮寮歷史街區). The street is one of the most preserved historic and cultural areas in Taiwan. It was once the busiest and most prosperous commercial district in Taipei during the Qing dynasty when merchants lived and conducted coal trading business here.
You will see different architectural styles of these heritage buildings here due to the influences of different colonization from Southern Fujianese, the Qing dynasty, the Japanese and Western countries. Many buildings had now been converted into art galleries, art schools and small museums.
Address: Lane 173, Kangding Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Getting there: Take MRT Bannan Blue Line to Longshan Station
Have breakfast at the famous Wang’s Broth
Located at the vibrant Huaxi Street Night Market, Wang’s Broth (小王煮瓜) is famed for their authentic steamed minced pork with pickles in broth and ‘black gold’ braised pork rice (卤肉饭-lu rou fan). The recipe was invented by the owner’s father when he established the shop in 1975. The store got a Michelin Bib Gourmand Award for their braised pork rice.
To make preparations at the shop, the staff season the pork with soya sauce, pepper, salt, fried garlic, fish surimi and sweet potato starch before marinating it overnight. The chunky pieces of pork give the strip a more robust flavor. The broth is made one day before it is served, using flavorful stock by boiling the pork bones with rock sugar for four hours. Then, pickled cucumber is added to underscore the umami of the liquid.
The restaurant boasts a modern space with both indoor air-conditioned and outdoor seating. It is usually packed with customers craving for their irresistible steamed minced pork. People do come and go, so it won’t take long to get seated. I enjoy their flavorful braised pork rice with shredded bamboo shoots as a side dish. The portion is quite feeling and the price is very affordable.
Address: 108, Taiwan, Taipei City, Wanhua District, Huaxi St, 17之4號攤位153號
Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 9.30 am to 8 pm
Browse through the shops at Ximen Red House
The Red House (西門紅樓) was built in 1908 as the first government-built public entertainment and shopping center in Taiwan. It was repurposed as the center of the city’s creative art scene. Designed by Japanese architect Kondo Juro, you will be greeted at the entrance of “Bagua” shaped Octagonal Display Hall.
Spend your time inside to explore several independent shops selling hand-made handicrafts, jewelry, homemade cookies and jam, coffee and unique themed clothing on the ground floor and some artworks and paintings as well as a theater on the second floor.
Address: No. 10號, Chengdu Rd, Wanhua District, Taipei City
Getting there: Take MRT Songshan-Xindian Green Line or Bannan Blue Line to Ximen Station
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday opens at 11 am and closes between 8 pm and 10 pm
Take a glance of Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall
Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall (国父史迹纪念馆) was established in 1972 by President Chiang Kai-shek as a tribute to the Father of the Nation, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen. He was the first president of the Republic of China and the leader of the Chinese National Party (KMT).
This memorial hall has a small Japanese-era wooden house located in the compound of Yixian Park that displays interesting artifacts, historical relics and exhibitions about Dr. Sun’s life and his accomplishments from the Xinhua Revolution. There is a performance hall, an auditorium and a library with more than 300,000 books.
The grounds are surrounded by a beautiful Japanese-style garden with simple nature, a great place to relax in the middle of the concrete jungle of Taipei. There is a huge pond right in front of the main entrance, filled with Koi fish, tree-covered benches and a pavilion with a plaque in remembrance of Dr. Sun.
It is interesting to see how people use that space for leisure and sports. The area is surrounded with different outdoor activities with teenagers breakdancing, meditation groups, old ladies practicing yoga and some artists painting the beautiful scenery around on the weekends.
Address: No. 505號, Section 4, Ren’ai Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Getting there: Take MRT Bannan Blue Line to Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Station
Opening hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
Entrance fee: Free
Marvel the spectacular Taipei 101
Taipei 101 Tower will be one of the highlights of Taiwan’s trip.
Built in 2004, Taipei 101 Tower was the tallest skyscraper in the world for almost 6 years and remains the highest building in Taiwan at the height of 509 m. Its unique design is based on the continuously growing bamboo stern, making it the first skyscraper to have a traditional Asian aesthetic. The height of 101 floors symbolized the renewal of time and the arrival of a new century.
Unfortunately, Taipei was raining most of the time during my trip. The staff advises that it is not worth going to the top for the city views. Luckily, the weather was fine on the last day of my trip and get to admire the building.
But to reach the 89th floor of Taipei 101, it takes just 37 seconds on one of the fastest elevators in the world to enjoy the panoramic views of the city skylines. At the observatory, don’t miss out on the 730-ton Damper that stabilizes the structure during typhoons and earthquakes.
Below the tower are dozens of fashion boutiques and some finest dining restaurants. If you don’t have a chance to eat at the original Din Tai Fung in Xinyi district, there is one store in this luxury shopping mall just next to the exit of the MRT station (Make sure you make a reservation first before going to Taipei 101 or go shopping).
Address: No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Rd, Xinyi District, Taipei City
Getting there: Take MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Red Line to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station
Entrance fee: NT$600 (Purchase a ticket with a specified time in advance to get to the observation deck. Do come to Taipei 101 30 minutes before the scheduled time you booked)
Relax at 228 Peace Memorial Park
Taipei 228 Peace Park is the oldest park in the city built during the Qing Dynasty. This lovely place is not far from the Presidential Palace and the National Taiwan Museum. The park has a monument dedicated to the memory of nearly 10,000 people who were sacrificed on 28 February 1947 when they fought against a corrupt Chinese government that took office after the end of World War II.
Address: No. 3號, Ketagalan Blvd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Getting there: Take MRT Tamsui-Xinyi Red Line to NTU Hospital Station
Opening hours: 24 hours
Entrance fee: Free
Treat with sweet local dessert at Ron Museum
Tucked in Wingsheng Road of Zhongshan district, Ron Museum (榕美樹館) is one of the lovely dessert shops worth visiting that is located next to a park between Zhongshan and Shuanglian Station. The store is easily mistaken as a gift shop or art gallery from its looks outside and took me awhile to spot the cafe.
This minimalist-style store served their signature tofu pudding paired with sweet potato balls, taro balls, grass jelly cake and unsweetened sugar water. You can get this bowl of mouthwatering dessert for just NT$90 and indulge it in a cozy atmosphere with a simple decoration of white walls, cement floors and a few paintings.
There are other desserts including soybean cake and peanuts peanuts and various toppings to pick like pearl barley, light brown sugar sago, red beans, brown sugar tapioca and chia seeds. With over 50 years of tradition, their tofu pudding is made with non-GMO soybeans and daily ground soymilk. Their sweet patooties and premium taro are sourced directly and freshly prepared daily.
Address: 104, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongshan District, Lane 66, Minsheng W Rd, 21號一樓
Opening hours: Daily from 12 pm to 9 pm
Fill your appetite at Roche Night Market
This is said to be Taipei’s oldest night market. It’s a single pedestrian lane spanning about 600 m and it goes along Roche Street between 2 ornate gates. Here, you’ll find an array of quaint shops and stalls that serve food, snacks, and other items. There are a handful selection of food stalls including 6 Michelin food in this night market.
Some foodie lists to include here are the famous Fuzhou black pepper bun (at the main entrance of the night market), boneless crispy spare ribs, stewed ribs or lamb chop in medicinal herbs, rice cake, stinky tofu and pig blood cake.
Also, be sure to stop by at Ciyou Temple at the end of the market to watch the lights lit up in the evening. which opens daily from 8 pm to 9.45 pm.
Getting Here: Take MRT Songshan-Xindian Green Line to Songshan Station
Opening Hours: Daily from 5 pm to 12 am
Admire the Presidential Office Building
The Renaissance-style Presidential Office Building was built during the Japanese colonial rule as the Governor General’s office. Since its completion in 1919, it has been the center of political power for nearly a century. The building was five stories tall, with a central tower rising to a height of 60m, making it the tallest structure in Taiwan during the old days.
The building was rebuilt in 1946 after severe damage caused by bombings that raged for three days during World War II, It has served as a Presidential Office ever since the government from the Republic of China moved to Taiwan in 1949.
The Presidential Office Building was renamed “Chieh Shou Hall” which means “long live President Chiang Kai Shek” to celebrate the 60th birthday of the late president. Although it has been the Presidential Office since 1950, it was not until 2006 that its name was officially changed to “Presidential Office”, reflecting the actual use of its name
Traveling to Taiwan Soon?
If you are planning to come to Taiwan, here are the posts to give you some ideas on the best things to do in the fascinating country. Here are some cities and towns you can visit in Taiwan and the delicious Taiwanese food worth trying:
- Jiufen and Shifen
- Yehliu and Beyond
- Taichung
- Sun Moon Lake
- Taiwanese Food
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