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District of Taipei, Taiwan
Photo: Chensiyuan, edit by DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The East District (or Xinyi and Daan) of Taipei is the financial and commercial centre of Taipei.
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大安森林公園
The park rests on 26 hectares in central Taipei bordered by Xinyi Road, Jianguo South Road, Heping East Road, and Xinsheng South Road. Due to its size and location, it is also known as Taipei Central Park. Bus lines 15, 52, 235, 278, 284, 20, 22, Xinyi Main Line service this park.
台北探索館
Located just inside the main entrance of Taipei City Hall, this is a good place to know the history and culture of Taipei City.
松山文創園區
in 2011, the park turned into a full fledged art center. Now it is a hub for cultural activities and exhibits. You can walk around the park and see the old structures as well as the new exhibits, restaurants, and the Eslite mall. Within the Eslite mall you can participate in various activities including glass blowing, jewelry and soap making.
國父紀念館
Constructed in the memory of Dr. Sun Yat-sen who is the founding father of the Republic of China. The construction of the Memorial commenced in 1965 in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Sun Yat-sen's birth. It was opened on 16 May 1972, with the majestic architecture and placid landscape covering an area of some 115,500 m². The park named Zhongshan Park marks the front yard of the Hall. On the inside, there is a 19-foot bronze statue of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, watched over during the day by motionless military honor guards, along with a library of 400 seats storing over 1.4 million books. A changing of the guard ceremony is conducted every hour on the hour from 09:00 to 17:00, with a rifle twirling performance. The 100-m long Zhongshan corridor links the main hall to the four large exhibition buildings where contemporary arts and historical articles are frequently on display. The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall has grown into much of a community center, and is much less touristy than the newer and larger Chiang Kai-shek Memorial. There is an auditorium which has weekly lectures and seminars on aspects of art and life. It is also a popular site for public concerts.
臺北 101
(臺北國際金融大樓) is rich in symbolism. This 101-floor, 508-meter high skyscraper is designed to resemble bamboo rising from the earth, a plant recognized in Asian cultures for its fast growth and flexibility. The building is divided into eight distinct sections, with eight being a number associated with prosperity in Chinese culture. The internal architecture of Taipei 101 is similarly awe-inspiring. Pay attention to ornate details on the structural beams, columns, and other elements. It was the world's tallest building from 2004 to 2010, but was soon overtaken by others willing to splurge for bragging rights.
The world's second fastest elevators will zip visitors up to the 89th-floor observation deck in a mere 37 seconds. It's worth taking a ride up, as the views are stunning. The best time to visit would be in the late afternoon when you spend a couple of hours and see both day and night views of Taipei. Don't forget to look toward the middle of the Indoor Observatory, where you'll see the world's largest spherical tuned mass damper (one of three) that keeps the building steady during earthquakes. Also, it is probably best to come early (around 08:55) or you will have to stand in line for 15–60 min.
You can also go up to the outdoor observatory on the 91st floor (while it's possible to go to the outdoor observatory in a wheelchair, the view is negligible, as the concrete railing is too high to see over). Often only the elevator side remains open and you cannot walk a circle—if this is important to you, ask ahead.
永康街
The lanes and alleys around Yongkang Street and Yongkang Park are packed with specialty restaurants, gift shops selling Taiwanese handicrafts, and distinctive cafes. A great place to spend a few hours strolling around.
台北清真寺
The first and largest mosque in Taiwan.
Xiangshan Hiking Trail / 象山步道
A short walk from Taipei 101 in Xinyi District. Very steep steps lead up into a shaded, forested hill overlooking the city. Elephant Mountain, about 200 m high, is one of the Four Beasts Mountains, and paths from here go up to higher peaks in Nangang.
Linjiang Night Market
This night market caters for the more adventurous eaters. The market featuers not only local foods but dozens of exotic delicacies, including inexpensive Malaysian, Japanese and Taiwanese snacks.
愛玉之夢遊仙草
Great Ai Yu Jelly, Grass Jelly, and Tofu Flower desserts. Recommendations: 愛玉綜合冰 (ai yu zong he bing);仙草綜合冰(xian cao zong he bing);豆花綜合冰 (dou hua zong he bing -- warning: this contains peanuts, but you can ask for it without them -- "不要花生" (bu yao hua sheng)). Ai Yu is only found in Taiwan.
Kiki 老媽餐廳
This restaurant serves authentic Szechwanese peppery hot pot.
Innovative vegan meals. Chic and warm environment.
Always busy and popular with Vietnamese expats and locals. Rice noodle soup with spicy beef and curried beef or pork is a specialty.
彭家園
Opened in the 1980s, the food and the decor of the restaurant have not changed since. Known for being more authentically 1980s Hong Kong than most restaurants in Hong Kong today.
銀翼餐廳
Dedicated to old style Yangzhou cuisine.
永康牛肉麵
One of the top-twenty beef noodle shops in Taipei. Yongkang Beef Noodle occupies the former location of Lao-Zhang Beef Noodle, which is now located next to it.
辣王忠麻辣乾麵
The infamous restaurant known for its spicy noodle challenge, with rare people able to pass. If you are a fan of spicy foods, you will enjoy their spicy noodle, with four levels and the Challenge level. The third level is considered very spicy in other Taiwanese restaurants. Anyone interested in the Challenge level must have tried the fourth level, then challenge the Challenge level the next day. The restaurant even offers NTD 500 to those who pass, but know your limit before challenging. This is not a joke. Only a hundred people can pass the challenge in 20 years, while more people have been sent to hospitals after challenging.
Generally considered by expats to be the only edible and best traditional Italian pizza in Taipei.
鼎泰豐
Famous for its steamed pork dumplings. Worth a detour. Several locations in Taipei and worldwide, but this is the main branch. Gets very crowded even on weekdays so book in advance, or go to other branches such as the one under Taipei 101
牛爸爸牛肉麵
The most expensive beef noodle soup to be had in Taiwan. On average this dish costs N$120. Owner Tony Wong has bowls ranging from a few hundred all the way to $10,000. The simple decor belies the intricate process Wong uses to deliver beef noodles for Taipei's foodies.
欣葉蔥花
Taiwanese food. Menu has English.
Located on a back street of busy Renai Rd with a lush garden in front and warm and cozy atmosphere inside. Flavors serves great grilled steaks including rare meat like venison, amazing selection of appetizers in a casual fine dining way.
Kobe steak, rib eye, filet mignon, and many other cuts.
漂亮中式海鮮餐廳
Offers unique, fresh, live seafood and dim sum.
北平都一處
This is the place to go if you crave good Beijing cuisine. Visitors may be surprised to see a large photo of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush on the wall, taken when he ate at the restaurant during his trip to Taiwan in 1994.
香宮
Specialize in Cantonese and regional Chinese cuisines. Dim sum is available for lunch only.
Fresh sashimi and tempura shrimp. Less expensive than most Japanese restaurants of this quality. Clean, comfortable environment.
Whalen's offer delicious Canadian cuisine such as Poutine and Quiche Lorraine, as well as breakfast omelets and waffles. They also offer a variety of beers. Reservation is recommended since the restaurant is considerably small.
Elegant and relaxed interior. Distinctive mismatched furniture. Charcoal gray walls. Warm lighting, Outdoor seating. Excellent coffee. Very friendly and warm service. Dull, elevator music.
For people who prefer the new concept of a boutique cafe, the specialty of this place by far are the 100% Organic Guatemalan quality coffee beverages they offer in a cozy ambient mixed with art fashion and great music. A small but fancy terrace is perfect for enjoying beverages on a fresh day. They also have imported beer, wine, tea, juices and other snacks in their menu, including cheese and Italian fruit cake. They have a multicultural staff fluent in Chinese, English, and Spanish (German and Japanese depending on the day you go), so feel relaxed if Chinese is not your mother tongue as this place is geared for expats and locals that prefer a stronger kind of gourmet organic coffee.
This cafe is famous for having many resident cats living inside of it (49, according to the wait staff). In fact, the owner of this cafe loves cats so much, stray ones are adopted, spayed/neutered, then allowed to live in the cafe. Thus, as you drink your beverage, don't be surprised if cats are checking you out. This cafe is indeed clean despite all the cats, and has tasty mid-range priced desserts and coffee, as well as salads/meals. The cats are friendly, if not always looking for a warm lap to sleep on. The younger cats might jump from lap to lap, just to find a playmate, even if the wiser, older cats do not care for such shenanigans.
A coffee shop and supplier of high quality coffee. Elegant and relaxing interior. Outdoor seating. Cakes and dessert
A Zen minimalist cafe. Spacious. Great coffee. Cakes and snacks
Turkish Cafe
Spacious and light. Outdoor seating at the rear. Excellent Turkish coffee, along with standard coffees. Healthy meals. Turkish interior design and background music.
With an outdoor patio, it's perfect for those who prefer a quieter and less smoky atmosphere. The scene is geared toward the 30+ expats and locals.
One of the hottest night club in Taipei. Often cited as having the best view of the Taipei 101 building. Large and active dance floor. Open all nights, Wednesday night is ladies night with free entry.
Another large and popular nightclub, previously was called Spark but was closed down due to some police controversy.
A quiet bar/restaurant with creative drinks. Your shot may include a helium balloon, a water pipe, fire or dry ice.
One of the most well-known clubs in Taipei. Luxy has two levels: the lower level has a side room playing house/techno and a main room playing hip-hop; the upper level is a lounge with a small dance floor overlooking the main room. Cover charge goes up after 23:00. Get there early to avoid a line.
This club specializes in cocktails and Italian cuisine - both the service and food are excellent. It's popular with locals and expats. Ladies Night is on Wednesday nights.
串門子茶館
A tea cafe in a modern setting, offering a full range of brewing options. Ask to see the private tearoom in the basement.
藤居
A rustic tea house and art studio in the heart of Taipei.
紫藤廬
Wistaria is set in a traditional house, complete with tatami mats, and is a great place to spend an afternoon relaxing with friends and soaking up the atmosphere of Taiwan.
水果樂園
Happy Fruit Juice Bar is a fresh fruit juice bar decorated with a Greek cafe interior. The store is family owned and run by a mom and four sisters. They serve tea, fresh fruit juice, milk pearl tea and other drinks. It's a great place to grab something cool and refreshing on a hot day. Also, Happy Fruit Juice bar's right beside the Mofo burger joint, so it's a perfect place to get a healthy drink to wash down that burger afterwards, or to simply sit down at after a trek through Yongkang St!
富濠飯店
Decent, standard budget hotel without trimmings, but in a desired location, near all the commercial businesses and entertainment avenues.
台北商旅大安館
Calming ambiance is felt throughout this hotel, with soft lighting and muted colour palette adding to the mood. Staff are helpful and professional, and a complimemtary afternoon tea is served downstairs in the internet terminals, making it a perfect stay for the business traveller.
Royal Best Hotel
Spacious and comfortable rooms decorated in a Victorian style decor.
台北馥敦
Tastefully decorated and geared toward business travelers. Very polite and attentive staff. Free wifi in the lobby only, not in the rooms (but rooms do have ethernet ports and cables for laptops, and there is a good business center in the lobby). Surrounded by restaurants and convenience stores.
台北寒舍艾美酒店
One of Taipei's newest international hotels.
台北君悅大飯店
Next to Taipei 101 and Taipei World Trade Center, at the very heart of the New Taipei, a burgeoning business, shopping and entertainment district. Stunning, top end hotel with sleek and modern furnishings. Room service is prompt and delicious.
台北福華大飯店
Centrally located and convenient for MRT. Rooms are spacious with walk in closets and fresh fruit and water is provided for daily. Internet access is fast and free.
香格里拉台北遠東國際大飯店
Asian-inspired interior design that impresses with the attention to detail. 5-star hotel.
Attached to the tower is a large, upscale mall. While most of the stores are from the same brand-names as stores in other major cities around the world, the mall also features several homegrown Taiwanese luxury brands, and even the international brands often have items designed exclusively for the Taiwanese market. Even if you don't plan to buy anything, the open and spacious design of the structure itself definitely makes it worth a visit. A supermarket specializing in imported food items is located in the basement.
新光三越
Xinyi branch of the department store chain, this is the largest department store in Taiwan, occupying four different buildings.
一針一線
A two-storey (first floor and basement) handicraft and local souvenir shop. Stylish and affordable goods. Friendly and very helpful staff.
假日玉市
Located under an elevated expressway, reaching from Renai Road & Jianguo South Road intersection down Jianguo Road, till Xinyi Rd. In addition to jade, flowers and many other kinds of handcrafts and jewelry can be purchased. There are actually three different markets, the Weekend Jade Market, Weekend Flower Market and Weekend Handicrafts Market in this same location. As the names suggest, they are open only on weekends until 18:00.
A wide selection of Buddha statues, prayer flags, Buddhist chanting CDs. Staff speak English.
An interesting and eclectic mix of traditional handicrafts with contemporary souvenirs. Helpful staff.
The East District is fully or partly served by MRT red, blue, green and orange lines, depending on the line. In addition it is also served by a number of bus lines.
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Taipei (Songshan) · International · TSA
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