Overview
Take a trip to Taipei on your Taiwan Vacation
Taipei is the capital city of the island Province of Taiwan, ROC (Republic of China). Located on the northern tip, on the Tamsui River, Taipei is the political, economic, and cultural centre of Taiwan, a major stopover on Taiwan vacations.
Situated in the Taipei Basin, the city of Taipei offers scenic beauty with its various mountain ranges bordering this thriving metropolis, including Citing Mountain, the highest (extinct) volcano in Taiwan, located in Yangmingshan National Park.
Founded in the 18th century, Taipei sits only 25kms southwest of Keelung, a port city on the Pacific Ocean, and became an important destination in the 19th century for overseas trade, as the Qing Dynasty declared it as the island’s capital. Taipei continued to thrive under Japanese rule in 1895, and then again in the 1980s when the economy started to take off.
Downtown Taipei is culturally divided into east and west. The west features older city life, with its narrow streets and roadside vendors, whereas the east is the more modern side, featuring classy malls, chic boutiques, and trendy cafes and restaurants on a Taiwan vacation.
Taipei’s most recognizable landmark is Taipei 101. This skyscraper features 101 floors and was the world’s tallest building from 2004 - January 4, 2010, when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Another impressive structure in Taipei is the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, a monument built in memory of the former president of the Republic of China, Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, and a gathering place for events.
Along with its modern vitality, Taipei features temples, shrines, and museums dedicated to its history and traditions. A thriving economy, safe streets, entertaining nightlife, plenty of shopping, and endless eateries, all make Taipei an exciting destination to visit on a Taiwan vacation.
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The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival, held during the annual Taiwan Lantern Festival, is an extraordinary tradition with nearly 150 years of tradition.
Taiwan is developing their national basketball and baseball leagues. Travellers looking for foreign sports experiences can enjoy these exciting events in basically every major city in Taiwan.
Taiwan isn’t just Taipei—there are many important cities worth visiting, like Tainan, which is known for its rich history and temples. Kaohsiung, a vibrant port city with modern attractions and cultural sites, is another highlight worth visiting.
I absolutely love Taiwan's amazing food, especially at night markets like Shilin in Taipei. I also really enjoy the mix of modern city life with the country's rich culture, which you can see in skyscrapers like Taipei 101.
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