Taipei City Guide
Cultural Attractions
The Xingtian Temple is one of the most famous temples within all of Taiwan. The building is extremely busy as there are sometimes over twenty thousand locals and tourists who visit the temple each day. However the traditional architecture, intricate detail and vivid colours make this an ideal place to visit regardless of the crowds. The Longshan temple is another popular temple; it is one the oldest temples within Taiwan and has an extremely traditional exterior. There are bronze dragons, wood carvings and a massive Buddha statue to marvel at during your visit.
The Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence used to be closed to the public; however people can now walk around and enjoy the flowers and lawns within its grounds. The gardens are extremely popular with wedding parties due to their romantic and relaxing feel. Each garden has a different style ranging between Eastern to Western – these include the Shilin Garden Zone, the European Garden and the Oriental Court. Along your walk you can observe such beauties as bridges, ponds and eastern decorations.
Natural Wonders
It is worth visiting the Yangmingshan National Park during your time away; there are volcanic formations to explore as well as fragrant flowers to enjoy during all four seasons. This is a great place for families, friend and hikers to visit as there are areas for all walking abilities. You can also enjoy viewing the natural beauty that exists within Taiwan as there are spots which showcase expanses of green scenery.
Maokong is another extremely popular attraction as the area is well known for its tea industry. The area also has beautiful views across the entire city; there are cafes and restaurants where you can sit outside and sip on good quality tea whilst enjoying the sights on offer.
There are also a few hot springs which tourists love to dip into. The Beitou hot springs contain three different types of Sulphur; the waters contain gentle white sulphur, erosive green sulphur or red-brownish iron sulphur. This is also close to many of the tourist attractions within Taipei, making it the perfect place to relax after an exhausting day of sightseeing.
Shopping
Within Taipei, you can enjoy shopping during both the night and day. Taipei 101 is a skyscraper which hosts a number of establishments and companies. You can spend a day shopping in the department stores and then enjoy a meal within one of the restaurants that offer panoramic views across Taipei. Ximending is another great spot as tourists can visit Taiwanese stores and boutiques; there is also the Guanghua Market which sells technological and electrical devices at low prices.