Taipei Hotels

One need only observe the remarkable cityscape makeover in the last several years. Lofty skyscrapers of steel and glass sprout in Taipei likes weeds in a garden. The direct result of ambitious efforts to overhaul the economy into a modern global force, the construction boom has also had parallel benefits for the tourism industry. As a result, Taipei is now one of the most attractive destinations in Asia.

Attractions

Taipei 101 is the most visible landmark in the city. The skyscraper is a giant, with 101 floors (hence the name), records for elevator speeds and unusual pagoda design. This towering icon is one of the many reasons people come to see and travel to Taipei.

National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a tribute monument to the late President of the Republic of China in Taipei. The landmark is within a beautiful park, with the National Theater and National Concert Hall on either end.

The National Palace Museum features a museum and art gallery completely devoted to precious artifacts from ancient China.

National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a spectacular memorial to the Father of Modern China. The de facto museum has become a congregation point in Taipei as a foremost facility for social and cultural events throughout the year.

The Taipei Fine Arts Museum is a paramount exhibition hall in Taiwan for post-1940 works by national artists.

The noble colonial-style National Museum of Taiwan in Taipei is a grand facility that provides a broad education on the history and peoples of the island.

The Shilin Night Market is absolutely mandatory for intrepid tourists to Taipei. The most famous market in the city has just about every item imaginable. The food however, is why most people come, most notably after midnight.

Entertainment

These twin cultural points of interest in Zhongshan District form the veritable heart of classical music, opera and dance in Taiwan.

Traditional Chinese opera and contemporary Taiwanese performance come together at this unique cultural point of interest in Zhongshan District.

This heritage landmark in Zhongzheng District is truly one of a kind and a wonderful venue for Chinese opera, cinema and theatre.

Beitou is the northernmost district of Taipei and one virtually synonymous with hot springs hotels. Home to a Hot Springs Museum in Qinshui Park, the district is easily accessible by Taipei MRT. Qinshui itself features a large hot spring but for a quintessential Beitou experience, grab a therapeutic soak in Hell Valley.

Another hot springs hotbed is Wulai, a handsome town in Taipei County. The popular spa destination has many natural outdoor thermal baths to cure your aches and pains.

One of the most beautiful areas in Taiwan is Yangmingshan National Park. Just northeast of Taipei proper, the park is a combination of verdant mountains and sulphur hot springs. In the esteem of some, Yangmingshan is far and away the best recreation spot outside of Taipei.

Events

Rife with ancient tradition, the Lantern Festival kicks off the lunar New Year with a slate of festive events all over Taipei.

The Taipei International Dragon Boat Festival, normally held in June, is one of the best in Asia. The championship race draws competitors from around the world. Game on, foreign challengers!

The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in September is a lively time in Taipei, with traditional dance and music performances all over the city, in addition to special culinary dishes.

The Golden Horse Film Festival and Awards in November honours Chinese language cinema from outside the mainland. The prestigious event has been around since 1962, with many winners going on to receive international acclaim.

Climate

Taipei has a humid subtropical climate, with the weather ranging from summery hot to very mild, if not non-existent, winter cold. The typhoon season runs from June to October.

• Winter (December to February) 12-21°C
• Spring (March to April) 14-25°C
• Summer (May to September) 21-34°C
• Fall (October to November) 17-27°C