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Photo: Outlookxp, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Taipei East Gate is a restored 18th-century gate in Taipei, Taiwan. It gave it name to Dongmen Neighborhood, formerly called Tōmonchō in Japanese period.
中正紀念堂
The memorial hall is a famous but controversial symbol of both Taipei and the Republic of China, as expected of its namesake. Every morning, at 06:00 in the summer and 06:30 in the winter, the nation's flag is raised in the square in front of the memorial. The huge courtyard serves as a place for both national celebrations as well as a platform to voice one's disapproval of the government. The memorial consists of a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, watched over by two motionless honor guards who are replaced every hour in a rifle twirling ceremony. Downstairs, there is a museum. One exhibit is of Chiang's life, complete with his cars and uniforms. The other exhibit is on life under Chiang's rule, focusing on martial law and the suppression of speech and political opposition. Even if you are not into memorials, the gardens, with their Chinese-style ponds, are definitely worth a visit. The grounds of the memorial are also a favorite place for locals to gather and practice martial arts, though you'll have to be there early if you want to see this. Most people begin their work-out at around sunrise, and will have left for the office before 08:00.
國立歷史博物館
This museum is in Taipei Botanical Garden, and is famous for its varied selection of exhibits, including Tang dynasty tri-color pottery and Shang dynasty bronzes.
國立台灣博物館
This museum is in 'Peace Park' (near Taipei Main Station) in a splendid Baroque and Renaissance style building. Opened in 1899, it was Taiwan's first museum and focuses on anthropology and the fauna and flora of the island.
Commemorates the 228 incident that occurred on February 28, 1947, in which locals revolting against Chinese rule were brutally massacred by the Kuomintang. This incident continues to be a key impetus behind the Taiwan independence movement to this day.
台灣大學, or 台大 for short
Taiwan's pre-eminent institution of higher education. The campus grounds are surrounded by several blocks of shops, bookshops, cafes and tea houses popular with students and scholars. Browse through the stalls and booths directly across the street from the main entrance of the university (don't forget there is a lot more just behind the main street), grab a bite or two of the popular snacks, such as fresh fruit, spice-cooked meats, soy goodies, sky-high ice cream cones, sweets, shaved ice, tapioca teas or fresh bread. You can also sample the yummy Taiwanese fried chicken chain Ding Gua Gua. Try a "Gua Gua Bao," a flavorful sticky rice pouch. There are many American fast food restaurants across the street on the right of the University, right next to several wonderful bookshops.
總統府
It was built during the Japanese colonial period as the residence of the Governor-General of Taiwan. It is now the official workplace of the President of the Republic of China. Public access is generally restricted to specific open house days which are published on the web-site.