Taipei was the second stop of my November 2007 trip to East Asia, and one of the most important stops for me. The album is below:

http://travel.webshots.com/album/560322882VQQwHu

I wanted to go to Taipei for a long time as I have heard many things about this city since I was young. I did find the city to be quite “gritty”. However, I really enjoyed my time over there and would hope that this album will assist people when they decide to go to Taiwan.

I spent around three and a half days there. I enjoyed the following:

- grand Chinese architecture of Chiang Kai Shek Memorial (I think there are plans to rename this), Sun Yet Sen Memorial, Martyrs’ Shrine and the Grand Hotel. These buildings are very imposing, far bigger than I thought, impressive and very colourful!
- great Taiwanese temples and traditional homestead – like the Longshan Temple and the Lin-An Tai Homestead. The architecture of Longshan Temple is intricate and ornate.
- some examples of Japanese colonial architecture, like the Presidential Office Building.
- interesting night markets with cheap, delicious food. That was how I fed myself…I also had a few servings of smelly tofu.
- Taipei 101 – besides the modernity and shopping, the food court was great!
- the day trip to Taroko Gorge. The scenery is really beautiful, truly a wonder of the island.
- Wulai aboriginal dance show. It was a bit touristy but the scenery was beautiful and the costumes were very colourful.
- Taipei Metro – easy to use and get me to most of the places I wanted to go.
- Last but most important the National Palace Museum – a must for people who are interested in Chinese Art. It houses the largest collection of Chinese artefacts in the world and I am glad to see a sampling of this great collection!

Thanks and hope you enjoy my photos/ trip report.

Ben

Great photos, Bencito! Thanks for sharing. I also enjoyed my two visits to Taipei, and I also saw the major sights that you mentioned.

Did you get to see the variety show Taipei Eye? I thought it was delightful.

I am a New Yorker, and while at Longshan Temple I met a Taiwanese man who was from ... New York (Queens)! Imagine: What are the odds?

Anyway, thanks again for sharing the photos. They brought back nice memories.

Hi Easywalker,

No I did not see the show Taipei Eye. Thanks for letting me know. Maybe next time!

Glad that you had a great time in Taiwan and thanks for sharing your interesting experience at the LongShan temple.

Thanks for posting your pictures. What area did you stay in and can you recommend a hotel? We will be in Taipei for 3 - 4 days in October.
Jane

Hi Jane,

I stayed at the HI Hostel right across the main Taipei Train Station - very convenient, within easy walking distance to many attractions and the MRT (metro).

IMO, this board is more upscale and that is why I did not mention where I stayed...unfortunately this may not help you with your hotel search. (I love coming to Fodors for info and browsing though ;o))

I do recommend to look into a hotel that is close to the metro system, as this will make getting around easier. Most of the attractions I listed can be reached by metro. However, the Grand Hotel, Martyrs' Shrine and the National Palace Museum are not close to a metro station and you do need to take the bus to get there.

Please let me know if there are any questions. I hope that you will have a great time in Taipei.

Ben

Try Les Suites Taipei - very lovely. We stayed there, and it is mentioned in last week's NYTimes article, 36 Hours in Taipei. Take a look at that article, as well as the United Hemispheres Magazine one called 3 Perfect Days in Taipei (part of a series). You'll find both online.

There is also a Grand Hyatt, Regent, Sheraton and The Sherwood to consider. They are all excellent hotels.

Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Just be sure to have your address written in Chinese.