Title: Taiwan travel
Miki - June 25, 2007 09:55 PM (GMT)
http://www.worldtravelguide.net/country/27...sia/Taiwan.html
Think of Taiwan and the first thing that will spring to mind is probably the 'Made in Taiwan' labels attached to so many clothes purchased in the Western world, which will have no doubt contributed to the perception of Taiwan as some industrial landscape defined by hundreds of factories and warehouses, and precious little else to offer visitors. Taiwan might have been known as one of the 'tiger' economies of Asia, but few people, until recently at least, thought of this small island off the southeast coast of China as a potential tourist destination.
Formerly called 'Formosa' (Portuguese for 'beautiful'), Taiwan was originally inhabited by mainland Chinese until the 17th century, before being occupied by the Dutch and Spanish for a while. It then fell under Chinese rule again for a couple of centuries, before being occupied by the Japanese from 1895 until the end of WW2.
The Chinese Civil War, which had already been in progress for some years, came to a head in 1948. The nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-Shek were defeated by Mao's Communists, and the nationalist leadership, along with thousands of supporters, fled to Taiwan. Here, their political vehicle, the Kuo Min-Tang (KMT) rapidly came to dominate Taiwanese politics. The KMT was spectacularly successful at developing the economy and, in less than a century, Taiwan made a successful transition from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial one. In March 2000, however, the main opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), gained control of the presidency through its candidate Chen Shui-Bian, and for the first time, the KMT was completely excluded from political power.
For all practical purposes, Taiwan has been independent for half a century, but the fledgling democracy is still regarded by China as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland. The political issue of its relationship with China remains a sticking point in international relations, with both sides prone to exchanging rhetoric and political point-scoring on a regular basis. More than 700 Chinese missiles are aimed at the island but the military threat is partly offset by the pivotal relationship between Taipei and Washington (the US, which has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, is nevertheless the main provider of arms to the island - one of the world's big arms purchasers).
2004 was the Year of Tourism in Taiwan and, since then, the country has focused on promoting its historical and cultural treasures in a bid to attract more tourists. Taiwan certainly has plenty to offer, from truly unique scenery to exciting sporting activities and colourful festivals, not to mention the most varied Chinese food on earth (Taipei is a gourmet's paradise, boasting cuisine from every region of China). Boutique hotels and trendy bars have sprung up in a flurry of construction, which culminated in the opening of the 'world's tallest building', Taipei 101.
Taiwan is relatively small (only a little over half of Sri Lanka's size), but its population numbers almost 23 million, making its population density second only to Bangladesh. A gateway to the massive Chinese market, it has a strong relationship with the West and is keen to increase links with Europe.
Think of Taiwan and the first thing that will spring to mind is probably the 'Made in Taiwan' labels attached to so many clothes purchased in the Western world, which will have no doubt contributed to the perception of Taiwan as some industrial landscape defined by hundreds of factories and warehouses, and precious little else to offer visitors. Taiwan might have been known as one of the 'tiger' economies of Asia, but few people, until recently at least, thought of this small island off the southeast coast of China as a potential tourist destination.
Formerly called 'Formosa' (Portuguese for 'beautiful'), Taiwan was originally inhabited by mainland Chinese until the 17th century, before being occupied by the Dutch and Spanish for a while. It then fell under Chinese rule again for a couple of centuries, before being occupied by the Japanese from 1895 until the end of WW2.
The Chinese Civil War, which had already been in progress for some years, came to a head in 1948. The nationalist forces of Chiang Kai-Shek were defeated by Mao's Communists, and the nationalist leadership, along with thousands of supporters, fled to Taiwan. Here, their political vehicle, the Kuo Min-Tang (KMT) rapidly came to dominate Taiwanese politics. The KMT was spectacularly successful at developing the economy and, in less than a century, Taiwan made a successful transition from an agricultural-based economy to an industrial one. In March 2000, however, the main opposition party, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), gained control of the presidency through its candidate Chen Shui-Bian, and for the first time, the KMT was completely excluded from political power.
For all practical purposes, Taiwan has been independent for half a century, but the fledgling democracy is still regarded by China as a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland. The political issue of its relationship with China remains a sticking point in international relations, with both sides prone to exchanging rhetoric and political point-scoring on a regular basis. More than 700 Chinese missiles are aimed at the island but the military threat is partly offset by the pivotal relationship between Taipei and Washington (the US, which has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, is nevertheless the main provider of arms to the island - one of the world's big arms purchasers).
2004 was the Year of Tourism in Taiwan and, since then, the country has focused on promoting its historical and cultural treasures in a bid to attract more tourists. Taiwan certainly has plenty to offer, from truly unique scenery to exciting sporting activities and colourful festivals, not to mention the most varied Chinese food on earth (Taipei is a gourmet's paradise, boasting cuisine from every region of China). Boutique hotels and trendy bars have sprung up in a flurry of construction, which culminated in the opening of the 'world's tallest building', Taipei 101.
Taiwan is relatively small (only a little over half of Sri Lanka's size), but its population numbers almost 23 million, making its population density second only to Bangladesh. A gateway to the massive Chinese market, it has a strong relationship with the West and is keen to increase links with Europe.
Miki - June 25, 2007 10:03 PM (GMT)
kewpie-chan - July 8, 2007 11:43 PM (GMT)
I hope to visit my "grandparents" in Taiwan with my mother before they get too old. (They're not my real grand parents..they were good neighbors of my mother and they loved her so much they "adopted" her as their daughter. They moved back to Taiwan 7 years ago and have been trying to get my mom to come visit.) I've never been to Taiwan and would really love to travel there. Any travel tips for someone whose never been there before (i.e. best time to go, special interest places to see, tasty cuisine, etc.) Thanks! :)
SamIAm - July 10, 2007 11:15 PM (GMT)
How about tasting stinky tofu, one of TK's favourite street snacks? Would love to know what it tastes like.
Sreyda - July 11, 2007 12:19 AM (GMT)
I don't know what stinky tofu tastes like but I smelled it a mile away when I was in HK. I was looking for a garbage dump nearby, until my friend told me it was stinky tofu. I thought about trying it cuz of TK, but I just couldn't...
I haven't been to Taiwan, but apparently all the snacks there must be good, cuz TK likes it and eat lots of noodles at roadside stalls, just carry lots of the pink stuff. Anyways, here's an article from Lonely Planet.........
**********************
Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis clinging to the fringes of an ancient culture; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious mountain range. It has traditional noodles from a 7-Eleven, aboriginal tribes in mini-skirts and a day of temple rituals followed by waterslide rides.
When To Go
As a rule you'll find the best weather in autumn. October and November tend to be mild and dry island-wide and, especially in the southwest, you may catch some residual typhoons from summer. Summer is full-blown typhoon season, consistently hot and sticky, though late-afternoon showers tend to cool temperatures (and tempers) down. Airfares also increase in summer.
If you're heading to the south of the island, December and January are an exceptionally good time to travel. You can still swim, bike, hike and it's hot enough to tan. The best thing, though, is that tourists are few, even in popular resort areas.
Try to avoid major public holidays, especially Chinese New Year (usually early February), when transport will be full, shops and restaurants closed, and hotels unusually expensive. You are best to visit during other colourful festivals such as the Lantern Festival, the birth of the goddess Matsu, Dragon Boat Festival and Teacher's Day.
Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/des...ons/asia/taiwan
I haven't been to Taiwan, but apparently all the snacks there must be good, cuz TK likes it and eat lots of noodles at roadside stalls, just carry lots of the pink stuff. Anyways, here's an article from Lonely Planet.........
**********************
Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis clinging to the fringes of an ancient culture; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious mountain range. It has traditional noodles from a 7-Eleven, aboriginal tribes in mini-skirts and a day of temple rituals followed by waterslide rides.
When To Go
As a rule you'll find the best weather in autumn. October and November tend to be mild and dry island-wide and, especially in the southwest, you may catch some residual typhoons from summer. Summer is full-blown typhoon season, consistently hot and sticky, though late-afternoon showers tend to cool temperatures (and tempers) down. Airfares also increase in summer.
If you're heading to the south of the island, December and January are an exceptionally good time to travel. You can still swim, bike, hike and it's hot enough to tan. The best thing, though, is that tourists are few, even in popular resort areas.
Try to avoid major public holidays, especially Chinese New Year (usually early February), when transport will be full, shops and restaurants closed, and hotels unusually expensive. You are best to visit during other colourful festivals such as the Lantern Festival, the birth of the goddess Matsu, Dragon Boat Festival and Teacher's Day.
Source: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/des...ons/asia/taiwan
kewpie-chan - July 11, 2007 03:11 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (SamIAm @ Jul 11 2007, 12:15 AM) |
| How about tasting stinky tofu, one of TK's favourite street snacks? Would love to know what it tastes like. |
Stinky tofu is an acquired taste....just like natto (Japanese fermented soybeans). Both are very nutritious and good for you. That is, IF you can get over the stink! :ph43r: My co-worker asked me which stinks more: stinky tofu or natto. I told him neither. Anyone whose smelled durian knows that has got to be THE WORST stench ever!! (And yes, kewpie-chan tried to eat durian but couldn't as I was gagging from the smell.) :o
kewpie-chan - July 11, 2007 03:19 AM (GMT)
Thanks for the article Sreyda! My friend (since high school) loves eating at all the street food vendors when he goes back to visit Taiwan. Although lately he doesn't since he complains of ummm Montezuma's revenge. I tease him it's due to him getting old plus he's americanized now. :P
Hmm, maybe I can convince my mom to go make a "pit stop" at Taiwan first then go to Japan in October. Can visit my adopted grandparents in Taiwan and then visit my maternal grandma in Japan. :)
Hmm, maybe I can convince my mom to go make a "pit stop" at Taiwan first then go to Japan in October. Can visit my adopted grandparents in Taiwan and then visit my maternal grandma in Japan. :)
SamIAm - March 1, 2008 12:32 AM (GMT)
Source: New York Times
URL: http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/trave...html?ref=travel
Writer: Edward Wong
Photos: Christie Johnston for The New York Times
March 2, 2008
36 Hours in Taipei, Taiwan
TAIPEI, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, distills the best of what Asian cities have to offer — great street food, crackling night life, arguably the world’s best collection of Chinese art, and hot springs and hiking trails reachable by public transport. With interest in mainland China surging, Taipei — one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Asia — offers a look at a different side of China, one that escaped the deprivations of early Communist rule and the Cultural Revolution. Here is a Chinese culture (some contend that it is uniquely Taiwanese) that practices bare-knuckled democracy and has preserved traditions thousands of years old in a way that was impossible to do on the mainland.
Friday
3 p.m.
1) ANCIENT WAYS
The National Palace Museum (221 Chih-shan Road, Section 2; 886-2-2881-2021; www.npm.gov.tw/en/home.htm) is considered by many to be the finest repository of Chinese art in the world; it houses artifacts dating back to the earliest days of Chinese civilization. The collection includes oracle bones, which have the first known written Chinese ideograms, as well as ritual bronze vessels, Ming Dynasty pottery and jade sculptured into the shapes of cabbage and fatty pork.
5 p.m.
2) TOP OF THE WORLD
But enough of ancient culture, at least for now. Immerse yourself in modern Taipei by going deep into the belly of the tallest building in the world, the 1,670-foot Taipei 101 (7 Xinyi Road, Section 5; www.taipei-101.com.tw/index_en.htm). The first five floors, with stores like Armani, Louis Vuitton and Sogo, should satisfy any shopping urge. Take a high-speed elevator to the indoor and outdoor observation decks, starting on the 89th floor, for unparalleled views of Taipei and its environs. In every direction lie city blocks and avenues winding among concrete-and-glass towers, with verdant hills rising in the distance. Wisps of cloud float past the windows. Beware of vertigo.
Taipei 101 can be seen from a different vantage point at ground level. A woman walks past the reflection of the building in a rain puddle.
7 p.m.
3) OYSTERS IN THE SKY
Dinner is only a few floors away. Go down to the 85th floor of Taipei 101 to feast on traditional Taiwanese dishes at Shin Yeh (886-2-8101-0185). Try the deep-fried oysters and rolls stuffed with taro and shrimp. Set dinners start at about 1,600 Taiwan dollars per person ($50.40 at 31.75 Taiwan dollars to the U.S. dollar). Be sure to make reservations well in advance, ideally several weeks before arriving.
9 p.m.
4) MARTINIS WITH MOOD
Lounge bars have popped up all over Taipei. If you’re in a mood for dessert with your drink, try the bar in the consciously hip People Restaurant (191 Anhe Road, Section 2; 886-2-2735-2288). The attitude starts even before you enter: the double doors have no handles, nor do they open automatically. Figuring out how to get in is only part of the fun. Once inside, walk through the shadowy industrial rooms and take a seat at the bar or in the lounge, where cocktails are served in large glass globes. Next, saunter down the road to Rewine (137 Anhe Road, Section 1; 886-2-2325-6658), whose head bartender has won international awards for his unique cocktails.
Saturday
6 a.m.
5) CHANNELING INNER ENERGY
If you’re heading back to your hotel at dawn, or need some fresh air early in the morning, stop in at the largest public park in the city, Da An Park. It cannot compare to New York’s Central Park in size — the width and length each stretch only a few city blocks — but the smattering of tropical foliage, along with paths meandering across a level green field, endow the park with a serene air. You can watch Taipei’s dedicated tai chi practitioners going through their moves or perhaps an elderly woman doing a sword dance.
9 a.m.
6) STEAMY MORNING
After a quick breakfast at one of Taipei’s many corner bakeries, hop on the subway, called the MRT, to the New Beitou stop, about 40 minutes from downtown. The northern town of Beitou is renowned for its hot springs resorts, some modeled after those in Japan. Walk up the hill to take a soak at one of the newest of the spas, Villa 32 (32 Zhongshan Road; 886-2-6611-8888; www.villa32.com). It has all the atmosphere of a luxury spa in a uniquely Taiwanese setting, with outdoor pools of different temperatures shielded by wooden awnings and the shade of leafy trees. Rent a room for several hours or spend the morning with other bathers in the outdoor pools, separated by gender.
The northern town of Beitou is renowned for its hot springs resorts, some modeled after those in Japan. Here visitors stroll by the public springs.
1 p.m.
7) READING TEA LEAVES
Taiwanese are discerning tea-drinkers, and going to teahouses is popular here. One local favorite is De Ye Cha Chi, near the Shandao Temple MRT station (3-1 Zhen Jiang Street; 886-2-2351-1002). Jars of tea leaves sit against a wall in the quiet dining room, and guests can brew their tea in traditional pots. Try Oriental Beauty, an oolong tea with a naturally sweet taste that was supposedly given its English-language name by the Queen of England after she had a sip. Prices vary, but a pot can cost less than 300 Taiwan dollars.
3 p.m.
8) PLACATING THE SPIRITS
To get answers to weighty life questions, or just to observe traditional Taiwanese religious practices, head to Longshan Temple, on Guangzhou Street in the venerable Wanhua neighborhood of western Taipei. Built in 1738, its main altar houses a statue of Guanyin, the goddess of compassion, but many other gods — some red-faced, others long-bearded — also have their own shrines and worshipers. In the courtyard, Taiwanese burn incense and cast red, crescent-shaped pieces of wood to divine their fortunes.
To get answers to weighty life questions, or just to observe traditional Taiwanese religious practices, head to Longshan Temple in western Taipei. Built in 1738, its main altar houses a statue of Guanyin, the goddess of compassion. Here devotees light candles at the temple.
5 p.m.
9) CINEMA OBSCURA
If your energy is flagging about now, sit down for coffee at the Spot, the favorite art-house cinema of many a Taipei resident (18 Zhongshan North Road, Section 2; 886-2-2511-7786). The white villa that houses the screening rooms, restaurant and bar was once the official residence of the American ambassador. It is one of the most atmospheric buildings in Taipei, redolent of colonial life in the tropics, with lush grounds that shield the villa from the street.
7 p.m.
10) ALL WRAPPED UP
There’s no avoiding Din Tai Fung, a mandatory stop on Taiwan’s restaurant scene (194 Xinyi Road, Section 2; 886-2-2321-8928). This crowded, brightly lit restaurant, with chefs rolling and stuffing dumplings in the front, specializes in xiao long bao, steamed soup dumplings. These are usually associated with Shanghainese cuisine, but the dumplings here are famous for skin that is much more delicate than those of their Shanghainese counterparts. Try the ones with pork, pork and crab meat or purely vegetables. Save room for taro dumplings as a first dessert. A full meal might cost 300 Taiwan dollars a person.
9 p.m.
11) SHAVED ICE
Head around the corner to Yongkang Street, a celebrated eating avenue, for your second dessert: a mound of shaved ice topped with fresh mango, strawberry or kiwi at Ice Monster (15 Yongkang Street). Then stroll along the Street, lined with traditional noodle shops, Japanese restaurants and sweet tofu dessert parlors.
10 p.m.
12) SMALL EATS
Taipei is as modern a city as any in Asia, but traditional night markets thrive in many neighborhoods. The biggest ones resemble beachside boardwalks, with cheek-by-jowl crowds, fun-fair games, knickknack stores selling everything from chopsticks to DVD’s and, of course, every kind of Taiwanese snack food. The liveliest markets are Raohe, by Ciyou Temple in the Songshan neighborhood; Shida, between the Guting and Taipower Building MRT stations; and Shilin, at the Jiantan MRT station.
Another night market is located in the Shida neighborhood. Here a couple selects their dinner from a street stand. The markets are especially lively on weekends, and many shops stay open past midnight.
Food abounds in the city of Taipei and you can find it in many unexpected places. A woman grabs some roasted corn from a taxi during rush hour.
Sunday
9 a.m.
13) INTO THE CLOUDS
Your last day? Take a bus or taxi over to Yangmingshan, the gently sloping dormant volcano that sits in a national park on Taipei’s northern edge. The rangers at the main visitor’s center can give you advice on the dozens of trails. If the weather is clear, consider walking up to Mount Cising, which at 3,674 feet is the highest summit in the greater Taipei basin. The wind-swept high meadows are covered in waves of silvergrass, and the views could well inspire you to start planning your return trip to Taipei.
The Basics
In mid-February, a quick Internet search showed that the cheapest round-trip flights from New York to Taipei for travel in early March cost $800 on Northwest Airlines (two stops) and $930 on United Airlines (one stop). You’ll pay about 1,200 Taiwan dollars ($31.80 at 31.75 Taiwan dollars to the U.S. dollar) to take a taxi from the international airport in Taipei to the city center. A shuttle bus to the main railway station, in the city center and a convenient place for subway connections, costs 120 Taiwan dollars.
Les Suites Taipei is an intimate boutique hotel that has two locations in the city (12 Ching Cheng Street; 886-2-8712-7688; and 135 Da An Road, Section 1; 886-2-8773-3799; www.suitetpe.com). Late last month, the weekend on-line rate for a double at the Da An location started at about $140 a night.
The Grand Hotel, at least architecturally, lives up to its name (1 Zhongshan North Road, Section 4; 886-2-2886-8888; www.grand-hotel.org). Built in Qing Dynasty style, it has been a centerpiece of Taipei’s luxury hotel scene for years, though the location north of the city center is somewhat inconvenient. Late last month, the weekend rate for a double started at 3,990 Taiwan dollars per night.
URL: http://travel.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/trave...html?ref=travel
Writer: Edward Wong
Photos: Christie Johnston for The New York Times
March 2, 2008
36 Hours in Taipei, Taiwan
TAIPEI, the vibrant capital of Taiwan, distills the best of what Asian cities have to offer — great street food, crackling night life, arguably the world’s best collection of Chinese art, and hot springs and hiking trails reachable by public transport. With interest in mainland China surging, Taipei — one of the most underrated tourist destinations in Asia — offers a look at a different side of China, one that escaped the deprivations of early Communist rule and the Cultural Revolution. Here is a Chinese culture (some contend that it is uniquely Taiwanese) that practices bare-knuckled democracy and has preserved traditions thousands of years old in a way that was impossible to do on the mainland.
Friday
3 p.m.
1) ANCIENT WAYS
The National Palace Museum (221 Chih-shan Road, Section 2; 886-2-2881-2021; www.npm.gov.tw/en/home.htm) is considered by many to be the finest repository of Chinese art in the world; it houses artifacts dating back to the earliest days of Chinese civilization. The collection includes oracle bones, which have the first known written Chinese ideograms, as well as ritual bronze vessels, Ming Dynasty pottery and jade sculptured into the shapes of cabbage and fatty pork.
5 p.m.
2) TOP OF THE WORLD
But enough of ancient culture, at least for now. Immerse yourself in modern Taipei by going deep into the belly of the tallest building in the world, the 1,670-foot Taipei 101 (7 Xinyi Road, Section 5; www.taipei-101.com.tw/index_en.htm). The first five floors, with stores like Armani, Louis Vuitton and Sogo, should satisfy any shopping urge. Take a high-speed elevator to the indoor and outdoor observation decks, starting on the 89th floor, for unparalleled views of Taipei and its environs. In every direction lie city blocks and avenues winding among concrete-and-glass towers, with verdant hills rising in the distance. Wisps of cloud float past the windows. Beware of vertigo.
Taipei 101 can be seen from a different vantage point at ground level. A woman walks past the reflection of the building in a rain puddle.
7 p.m.
3) OYSTERS IN THE SKY
Dinner is only a few floors away. Go down to the 85th floor of Taipei 101 to feast on traditional Taiwanese dishes at Shin Yeh (886-2-8101-0185). Try the deep-fried oysters and rolls stuffed with taro and shrimp. Set dinners start at about 1,600 Taiwan dollars per person ($50.40 at 31.75 Taiwan dollars to the U.S. dollar). Be sure to make reservations well in advance, ideally several weeks before arriving.
9 p.m.
4) MARTINIS WITH MOOD
Lounge bars have popped up all over Taipei. If you’re in a mood for dessert with your drink, try the bar in the consciously hip People Restaurant (191 Anhe Road, Section 2; 886-2-2735-2288). The attitude starts even before you enter: the double doors have no handles, nor do they open automatically. Figuring out how to get in is only part of the fun. Once inside, walk through the shadowy industrial rooms and take a seat at the bar or in the lounge, where cocktails are served in large glass globes. Next, saunter down the road to Rewine (137 Anhe Road, Section 1; 886-2-2325-6658), whose head bartender has won international awards for his unique cocktails.
Saturday
6 a.m.
5) CHANNELING INNER ENERGY
If you’re heading back to your hotel at dawn, or need some fresh air early in the morning, stop in at the largest public park in the city, Da An Park. It cannot compare to New York’s Central Park in size — the width and length each stretch only a few city blocks — but the smattering of tropical foliage, along with paths meandering across a level green field, endow the park with a serene air. You can watch Taipei’s dedicated tai chi practitioners going through their moves or perhaps an elderly woman doing a sword dance.
9 a.m.
6) STEAMY MORNING
After a quick breakfast at one of Taipei’s many corner bakeries, hop on the subway, called the MRT, to the New Beitou stop, about 40 minutes from downtown. The northern town of Beitou is renowned for its hot springs resorts, some modeled after those in Japan. Walk up the hill to take a soak at one of the newest of the spas, Villa 32 (32 Zhongshan Road; 886-2-6611-8888; www.villa32.com). It has all the atmosphere of a luxury spa in a uniquely Taiwanese setting, with outdoor pools of different temperatures shielded by wooden awnings and the shade of leafy trees. Rent a room for several hours or spend the morning with other bathers in the outdoor pools, separated by gender.
The northern town of Beitou is renowned for its hot springs resorts, some modeled after those in Japan. Here visitors stroll by the public springs.
1 p.m.
7) READING TEA LEAVES
Taiwanese are discerning tea-drinkers, and going to teahouses is popular here. One local favorite is De Ye Cha Chi, near the Shandao Temple MRT station (3-1 Zhen Jiang Street; 886-2-2351-1002). Jars of tea leaves sit against a wall in the quiet dining room, and guests can brew their tea in traditional pots. Try Oriental Beauty, an oolong tea with a naturally sweet taste that was supposedly given its English-language name by the Queen of England after she had a sip. Prices vary, but a pot can cost less than 300 Taiwan dollars.
3 p.m.
8) PLACATING THE SPIRITS
To get answers to weighty life questions, or just to observe traditional Taiwanese religious practices, head to Longshan Temple, on Guangzhou Street in the venerable Wanhua neighborhood of western Taipei. Built in 1738, its main altar houses a statue of Guanyin, the goddess of compassion, but many other gods — some red-faced, others long-bearded — also have their own shrines and worshipers. In the courtyard, Taiwanese burn incense and cast red, crescent-shaped pieces of wood to divine their fortunes.
To get answers to weighty life questions, or just to observe traditional Taiwanese religious practices, head to Longshan Temple in western Taipei. Built in 1738, its main altar houses a statue of Guanyin, the goddess of compassion. Here devotees light candles at the temple.
5 p.m.
9) CINEMA OBSCURA
If your energy is flagging about now, sit down for coffee at the Spot, the favorite art-house cinema of many a Taipei resident (18 Zhongshan North Road, Section 2; 886-2-2511-7786). The white villa that houses the screening rooms, restaurant and bar was once the official residence of the American ambassador. It is one of the most atmospheric buildings in Taipei, redolent of colonial life in the tropics, with lush grounds that shield the villa from the street.
7 p.m.
10) ALL WRAPPED UP
There’s no avoiding Din Tai Fung, a mandatory stop on Taiwan’s restaurant scene (194 Xinyi Road, Section 2; 886-2-2321-8928). This crowded, brightly lit restaurant, with chefs rolling and stuffing dumplings in the front, specializes in xiao long bao, steamed soup dumplings. These are usually associated with Shanghainese cuisine, but the dumplings here are famous for skin that is much more delicate than those of their Shanghainese counterparts. Try the ones with pork, pork and crab meat or purely vegetables. Save room for taro dumplings as a first dessert. A full meal might cost 300 Taiwan dollars a person.
9 p.m.
11) SHAVED ICE
Head around the corner to Yongkang Street, a celebrated eating avenue, for your second dessert: a mound of shaved ice topped with fresh mango, strawberry or kiwi at Ice Monster (15 Yongkang Street). Then stroll along the Street, lined with traditional noodle shops, Japanese restaurants and sweet tofu dessert parlors.
10 p.m.
12) SMALL EATS
Taipei is as modern a city as any in Asia, but traditional night markets thrive in many neighborhoods. The biggest ones resemble beachside boardwalks, with cheek-by-jowl crowds, fun-fair games, knickknack stores selling everything from chopsticks to DVD’s and, of course, every kind of Taiwanese snack food. The liveliest markets are Raohe, by Ciyou Temple in the Songshan neighborhood; Shida, between the Guting and Taipower Building MRT stations; and Shilin, at the Jiantan MRT station.
Another night market is located in the Shida neighborhood. Here a couple selects their dinner from a street stand. The markets are especially lively on weekends, and many shops stay open past midnight.
Food abounds in the city of Taipei and you can find it in many unexpected places. A woman grabs some roasted corn from a taxi during rush hour.
Sunday
9 a.m.
13) INTO THE CLOUDS
Your last day? Take a bus or taxi over to Yangmingshan, the gently sloping dormant volcano that sits in a national park on Taipei’s northern edge. The rangers at the main visitor’s center can give you advice on the dozens of trails. If the weather is clear, consider walking up to Mount Cising, which at 3,674 feet is the highest summit in the greater Taipei basin. The wind-swept high meadows are covered in waves of silvergrass, and the views could well inspire you to start planning your return trip to Taipei.
The Basics
In mid-February, a quick Internet search showed that the cheapest round-trip flights from New York to Taipei for travel in early March cost $800 on Northwest Airlines (two stops) and $930 on United Airlines (one stop). You’ll pay about 1,200 Taiwan dollars ($31.80 at 31.75 Taiwan dollars to the U.S. dollar) to take a taxi from the international airport in Taipei to the city center. A shuttle bus to the main railway station, in the city center and a convenient place for subway connections, costs 120 Taiwan dollars.
Les Suites Taipei is an intimate boutique hotel that has two locations in the city (12 Ching Cheng Street; 886-2-8712-7688; and 135 Da An Road, Section 1; 886-2-8773-3799; www.suitetpe.com). Late last month, the weekend on-line rate for a double at the Da An location started at about $140 a night.
The Grand Hotel, at least architecturally, lives up to its name (1 Zhongshan North Road, Section 4; 886-2-2886-8888; www.grand-hotel.org). Built in Qing Dynasty style, it has been a centerpiece of Taipei’s luxury hotel scene for years, though the location north of the city center is somewhat inconvenient. Late last month, the weekend rate for a double started at 3,990 Taiwan dollars per night.