Taipei 101

Taipei 101 stands as a monumental engineering achievement in Taiwan's construction history. Soaring 101 stories high and reaching a height of 508 meters, the building serves as a symbol of the seamless blend between technological progress and Asian heritage. Infused with Asian elements in a postmodern style, the design prioritizes resilience, capable of withstanding the frequent typhoons and earthquakes experienced in Taiwan. Beyond its towering presence, the building's base accommodates a multi-level shopping mall, a food court, and an array of restaurants and stores.

National Palace Museum

The National Palace Museum has embraced digital innovation for two decades, introducing new media art to highlight significant artifacts and promote cultural inclusivity. Noteworthy projects include the "Scroll Painting Animation" series and the 2016 virtual-reality initiative in painting and calligraphy.

Utilizing video displays, sound, and virtual reality, these endeavors transform priceless museum pieces into engaging new media art, bringing historical scenes to life and immersing visitors in the past. With classic Chinese palace-style architecture, the National Palace Museum boasts the world's finest collection of Chinese cultural treasures. Don't miss a visit to this cultural gem on your Taipei City itinerary.

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park, the closest national park to Taiwan's metropolitan area, features diverse landscapes and abundant ecology, home to many precious conservation animal species, including the endemic Taiwan Blue Magpie.

The Park is adorned with various flowers like plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, peaches, apricots, rhododendrons, and camellias. Spring draws numerous visitors with the blooming cherry blossoms, followed by the calla lilies in Zhuzihu around mid-March, providing a delightful flower-picking experience.

Besides, Xiaoyoukeng in Yangmingshan National Park boasts Taiwan's largest volcanic steam vent area, complete with hiking trails, fumaroles, sulfur deposits, and natural hot springs. Despite its name meaning "small sulfur hole", it is a must-visit destination, offering a serene retreat amidst stunning natural landscapes. This park is a quiet and pleasant stop in the mountains and is worth exploring during your trip to Yangmingshan.

Lungshan Temple

During World War II, air raids damaged the nave of Lungshan Temple in the Mengjia area, but miraculously, the statue of the seated Guanyin Bodhisattva remained unharmed. This incident, considered a 'miracle,' and subsequent propitious signs have contributed to the temple's popularity for traditional worship. In recent years, worshippers from Japan, drawn to Yue Lao, the god of marriage and love, have further increased the temple's bustling activity.

Designed in the classic courtyard “Siheyuan” style, Lungshan Temple features three front gates leading to the main hall. The remarkable spiral caisson ceiling is constructed without a single nail, showcasing impressive craftsmanship. As a national historic site, the temple's beautiful sculptures exude visual and spiritual tranquility, offering visitors insight into Taiwanese folk culture.

Ximending

Situated in west Taipei, Ximending is a highly popular destination for both locals and international travelers. Offering a diverse range of trendy clothing and accessories in Japanese, Chinese, and Western styles, it's often likened to Japan's Shibuya. Renowned for its entertainment options, Ximending attracts a large crowd of young people and adults. Considered Taiwan's trendiest and most favored shopping area, it's a go-to spot for fashion and fun.

Dadaocheng Wharf

Dadaocheng's origins trace back to the migration of Pingpu people from Tongan in Fujian Province, following a conflict in Mengjia (now Wanhua District). Along the Tamsui River, shops and homes flourished over time. As Tamsui Port opened, Dadaocheng emerged as Taipei's primary gateway under Liu Ming-chuan's administration. Commercial activities centered around Yanping North Road and Guide Street, with tea and cloth being the main traded commodities during this vibrant period in Dadaocheng's history.

 

Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf

When you reach Fisherman’s Wharf, you'll spot "Lovers' Bridge" from afar. It's a curved giant arch rising from the water, changing colors in the light. The bridge is a Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf landmark. In the fish market, choose freshly caught seafood for the owner to cook. The shopping and art streets offer creative souvenirs. Couples love the boardwalk and the riverside cafes. As the sun sets, the sky's beautiful colors add to Tamsui's unforgettable charm.

Maokong Gondola

The Maokong Gondola, stretching 4.03 kilometers, is Taipei City's first gondola system. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for a one-way trip and has four stops: Taipei Zoo Station, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and Maokong Station. To ride, simply head to Taipei Zoo Station after exiting the last stop of the Wenhu Line Metro.

Maokong, the final stop, is famous for its tea plantations and shops. Visitors come here to enjoy tea and conversation. Don't miss trying "Tie Guan Yin" or "Wenshan Pouchong tea" in a tea shop. Sampling these teas and enjoying a meal with a view of Taipei Basin makes the trip worthwhile.

Beitou Hot Spring

The hot springs in Xinbeitou are renowned for their high temperature and abundant sources, fueled by the terrestrial heat from the Datun Mountains. Thermal Valley, one of Taiwan's earliest hot spring sources, is notable for its green sulfuric acid spring with a temperature of 85°C and a translucent gray hue.

The hot springs along Beitou Hot Spring Road feature white sulfur water with a pH of 3-4, known as vitriol salt springs. These springs range in temperature from 50°C to 90°C, offering a translucent white and yellow appearance with light acidity.

Beitou's hot spring area has been a popular destination since the Japanese colonial era, surrounded by historic monuments and natural scenic spots. Beitou Museum, Yinsong Building, Xingnai Spring, Beitou Library, Beitou Hot Spring Park, and the Folk Museum are all part of a hot spring route worth exploring.

Beitou Hot Spring Museum

If you're interested in learning about hot spring culture in Beitou, a visit to the Beitou Hot Spring Museum is a must. Originally a public hot spring, the Beitou Hot Spring Museum fell into disuse after World War II. However, with the area's growing popularity, the historic Japanese building was repurposed into a museum. Inside, visitors can explore comprehensive exhibits on Beitou's history, hot spring culture, etiquette, and everything related to hot springs.

Beitou Park

If you are interested in seeing natural hot springs in Beitou, you may go to Beitou Park. Beitou Park, established during the Japanese era, is Taiwan's first hot spring park and one of Taipei's four major parks. It boasts numerous attractions, including a large fountain, a beautiful library, a skating rink, and public facilities. Notably, the park features five small waterfalls with hot spring pools, where visitors can hear the soothing flow of hot spring water and catch a hint of sulfur in the air as they stroll around. 

In addition to these attractions, you can also enjoy a relaxing footbath in some spots and indulge in the comfort of hot spring hotels. Beitou is not only a wonderful destination for travelers to explore Taiwanese hot spring history, but also an ideal place for relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether you're soaking in the natural hot springs, delving into the area's rich history at museums, or simply enjoying a soothing footbath, Beitou offers a memorable experience that seamlessly combines cultural exploration with leisure and wellness.