It’s go big or go home when it comes to Taipei landmarks. Launch to the top of a bamboo tree-inspired tower at Taipei 101, or try to count the number of spirit tablets at the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine. Significant places to visit in Taipei aren’t always the oldest, but each are guaranteed to be steeped in Chinese beliefs and ancient traditions.
AGODA EXTRA: Once the world’s tallest building – and still the world’s tallest “green” skyscraper – Taipei 101 was built to withstand typhoon winds and life-threatening earthquake tremors. Good thing because the tower stands just 660 feet (200 meters) away from a major fault line!
1. Rocket to the top of a world-famous skyscraper at TAIPEI 101
Take in Taipei after a 37-second ride to the 89th floor of Taipei 101. The building officially is known as the Taipei International Financial Center, and its distinct architecture, which resembles a bamboo tree, represents fast growth and flexibility in Taiwan’s economy and culture. Discover why the tower is divided into eight sections, and view the largest spherical tuned mass damper in the world. (It’s what keeps the tower from toppling over.) While the tower lost its status in 2010 as being the tallest skyscraper in the world, it still claims to be the tallest “green” skyscraper on the planet, and also it contains the world’s second fastest elevator.
Check In to Tango Hotel Taipei XinYi, Step Out to Taipei 101
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2. Find delightful activities and plenty of nature at CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL
Touring a memorial might sound like a yawner, but the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall offers dozens of activities guaranteed to put some pep in your step. Dedicated to long-time leader and former President of the Republic of China Chiang Kai-shek, the memorial grounds feature sprawling gardens and pavilions, walking paths, ponds and exquisite Chinese architecture. Pass under a ceremonial archway to enter Liberty Square, where the memorial hall is located, and plow up 89 steps to ogle at a bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek himself. Exhibition halls detail Chiang’s life and showcase everything from his official cars to his personal calligraphy. Catch a weekend art workshop, or go early to join locals in a martial arts practice.
Check In to Wallsun HOTEL, Step Out to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall
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3. Send the kids to camp, or view artifacts of a hero at NATIONAL SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL
Dedicated to the founding father of the Republic of China, the National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall features a year-long display of presidential memorabilia, a 19-foot-tall bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and even a library. Stroll through colorful gardens in Zhongshan Park before catching a ballet performance or concert nearby in the Eslite Performance Hall. Weekends bring educational lectures, and children’s camps and courses take place at different times throughout the year.
Check In to At Boutique Hotel, Step Out to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
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4. Watch the changing of the guard, and honor fallen revolutionaries at NATIONAL REVOLUTIONARY MARTYRS’ SHRINE
One of the main draws to the National Revolutionary Martyrs’ Shrine is the hourly changing of the guard, but beyond the main gate, you’ll find a multi-faceted complex that offers spectacular Chinese architecture as well as a poignant dose of history. Embedded into the façade of the shrine are more than 350,000 spirit tablets honoring Kuomintag soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Chinese Civil War and related political events. Tour the Sanctuary and Shrine Portal, as well as Drum Tower, Bell Tower and the Wing Rooms, to find educational displays and rotating exhibits, or take a breather while getting lost on the lavish grounds surrounding the main hall.
Check In to Green World SongJiang, Step Out to Zhongshan District
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5. Go vogue in Taipei’s art and entertainment district at THE RED HOUSE
Originally built as Taipei’s first public market, The Red House now heads up the city’s art scene and is a prominent hangout for Taipei’s LGBT community. Enter the complex through the historic eight-sided, red brick building to discover The Red House Market for Artists & Designers. Continue on to 16 Creative Boutique to browse local art shops, and catch a daily performance in Riverside Red House Theater Performance Hall. Weekend artist markets take place in North Square, where you’ll also find local boutiques and trendy cafés. Head to South Square when the sun goes down to find Taipei’s hottest bars and risqué shops.
Check In to Hotel Riverview, Step Out to The Red House
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