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Sightseeing and Attractions

Taipei City

HOW TO GET THERE
 

Taipei is Taiwan's largest city as well as its economic, political, and cultural center. It is a modern cosmopolitan metropolis with a lively and diversified face, filled with exuberance. Its buildings provide much of the diversity, and visitors who are fond of historic sites and old streets will not want to miss the work of traditional master builders evident on Dihua Street in the Dadaocheng area or the Longshan Temple in the Wanhus district, as well as other places. The internationally renowned National Palace Museum has an inexhaustible collection of precious historical Chinese arts and artifacts that no visitor can afford to miss; Taipei is also home to many other fine museums, including the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, National Museum of History, and Postal Museum. On the city's outskirts, the Yangmingshan National Park has unique volcanic terrain, a rich variety of forest vegetation, and an extensive network of hiking trails, making it a popular destination for visitors from the Taipei area and elsewhere. Yangmingshan is one of the places in the Taipei area where you can indulge yourself in a hot mineral bath; for the pleasure of relieving the exhaustion of a day's travels, you can also go to the hot springs of Beitou or Wulai. Taipei also has the largest zoo in Asia, where you can see the rare Formosan black bear, cuddly koalas, and stately king penguins. The city's comprehensive rapid transit system takes you quickly to the zoo or just about anyplace you might want to go in the metropolitan area.

NATIONAL PARK

• Yangmingshan National Park
  Historical Background : Yang Ming Park is located in the north of Beitou. Yang Ming Shan was called Tsaoshan (Grass Mountain) during Japanese occupation of Taiwan, because it was covered with grass and seldom visited. After World War II, the KMT government renamed the mountain Yang Ming Shan and built a park here. Yang Ming Park is the only park in Taiwan that has volcanic geography and hot springs. It is next to Sha Mao Shan and Chi Hsing Shan with Ta Tun Shan on the right and Kuan Yin Shan in front. The magnificent mountainous scenery and comfortable weather have made Yang Ming Park a perfect summer resort. Total area of the park is 125 hectares, designed in traditional Chinese style. The natural beauty of the part has won it the reputation as urban forest and the Taipei garden.
  Cultural Highlights : The park is characterized by a large clock made of flowers with a diameter of 22 feet. Water runs around the flower clock and music is played every hour. The clock is the characteristic of Yang Ming Park. Opposite the clock is a statute of late president Chiang Kai Shek; on both sides of the statue are the cypresses planted by president Chiang himself. The Hsin Hai Kuang Fu Lo was completed in 1971, right in the center of the park. In addition, there is a statue of Wang Yang Ming, the famous Chinese scholar in the 17th century.
   

AMUSEMENT PARK

• Chinese Movies Culture City
  A tour of the central motion picture corporation's cultural city is like shuttling back and forth through a time tunnel one moment. Your with dinosaurs during prehistoric times.....and the next. In the contemporary motion picture era. The trip spans millions of years, and is both real and unreal. During your journey, you may meet movie stars, who will not only pose for pictures with you, but sign autographs as proof of your trip wonders never cease on this journey. The cultural city is located on Chihshan road in the Taipei suburb of Shihlin. It is a link in the chain of tourist attractions that include Yangmingshan National Park, Shuanghsi park, The National Palace Museum, and The Saint's Falls. The roads leading to these resorts are always crowded on weekends and holidays. The cultural city offers both modern and ancient scenes, and is both educational and, entertaining, within its' walls, families having a great time are a common scene. The cultural city's facilities include the world of fantasy... The cave of terror... The hall of dinosaurs... The hall of waxworks... The all-around panoramic screen movie theater... And, The action movie theatre. If you should grow a little tired during your tour of the city, simply cross the city moat. And head up to the city gat for a lock into the distance, where you'll view what life was like in ancient times. A leisurely stroll through these ancient streets enables you to see ancient shops and inns, and the imposing mansions of kings and generals. The central motion picture corporations cultural city connects the ancient and modern worlds. It is, indeed a treasure trove of know ledge and information and since it is so near, why not pay a visit and see for yourself guaranteed you won't be disappointed.
   

• Guandu Nature Park
  Walking south from Guandu Temple you will reach Guandu Nature Park . In this park you can find many migratory birds such as wild geese and snipes and also many birds endemic to the area.
   

• Shihlin Official Residence
  Located on Jhongshan North Road, the Shihlin Official Residence was the former home of the late President Chiang Kai-shek. In 1996, it was placed under the care of the city government and partially opened to the public, lifting the veil of mystery that had hung over the estate for nearly half a century. The expansive and elegant garden has a romantic European feel, with rose beds and tree-lined paths, making it a popular place for taking wedding photographs. A long flight of steps offers a panoramic view of Chihsing Mountain and is a favorite spot for couples.
   

FARM / SCENERY

• Guandu Temple
  About a 15-minute walk from Guandu MRT Station is the Guandu Temple. The temple, first built in 1661, is dedicated to Matzu, goddess of the sea. Beside the temple is a kind of Buddhist chapel dedicated to the Buddhist goddess of mercy, Guanyin of Thousand Arms and Eyes. Outside the temple there are numerous stalls selling products such as spirit money used in religious observances, as well as snack foods and souvenirs. The hillside above the temple provides excellent views of the river and the mangrove swamps. The dike that stretches from Guandu in both directions toward Taipei and Danshuei is an ideal place to take a stroll or enjoy the scenic beauty afforded by the wide expanse of the river. Founded in 1661, this is the oldest Matzu (goddess of the sea) temple in northern Taiwan; its original name was "Ling-shan (Mt. Ling) Temple," since it is located atop Mt. Ling. According to legend, in 1895 three old banyan trees standing at the temple's entrance died suddenly during the same night; local residents believed that this might have been a message from Matzu warning of impending disaster- and sure enough, the area was soon occupied by the Japanese.
  
  Guandu temple is filled with exquisitely carved dragon pillars, stone lions, and wall sculptures. Even the door gods are in the form of relief carvings, in contrast to the usual paintings. The rafters and beams are also beautifully carved and painted. On the main altar sits an image of Matzu, the benign expression on her face in sharp contrast to the fierce visages of the guardians who flank her, Eyes that See a Thousand Miles and Ears that Hear on the Wind. To the right of the temple is an 80 meter Buddha cave, at the entrance of which is a symbolic mortar that is supposedly able to suppress all evil. The sides of the cave are lined by 28 devas, and at the rear is a thousand armed, thousand-eyed Guanyin, or goddess of Mercy. To the rear of Guanyin is the cave's exit-and a fine river view.
   

• Maokong
  Maokong is located in the southwest of Gatou Mountain in Wunshan District of Taipei outskirts. It is facing the shield of more than 500 meters high. It is said that tea farmers from southern China came her to open teahouses. Later, the teahouses declined and customers no long came. The domesticated cats ran away and thus the place was called "Maokong". However, Maokong has developed its unique sightseeing and tea tasting industry because students of nearby Chengchi University frequently hold activities here and the students' nightlife brings about prosperity in the region. The tea farms here are famous for Bochon tea and Taiguan Ing. There are many teahouses with diversified styles. They are good places to visit no matter during day or night. In the daytime, there are tea trees and hills forming green scenery. Many citizens visit the place by taking the mountain tracks. After dusk, Maokong is like an enchanting, mysterious lady. Colorful light bulbs are lit in front of every building. Visitors taste tea, chat with each other and admire the nightfall. Sometimes groups of young people have parties and the laughter brings a touch of vigor to Maokong. The tea farms (open for sightseeing) are scattered around Lane 34, 38, 40 of Shihnan Road, Sec. 3, and the former half of Shihnan Road, Sec. 3. Most tea farms provide tea tasting or meals. Recently, the sightseeing industry blooms here. Many residents develop other means of livelihood other than tea farming. For example, they raise mountain chickens or provide country cuisine. Visitors coming here may also want to try the delicious dishes.
   

• Taipei Chingshan Temple
  Built in 1854, this temple is home to the god King Chingshan. According to legend, fishermen from Huian in mainland China brought the god's image to Taiwan; when they carried it past Old Street (today's Hsiyuan Road) they suddenly found themselves brought to a halt; the god refused to move any further. Throwing the oracle blocks to find out what the matter was, the god's devotees discovered that he wanted to stay there, where they later built the temple. An epidemic was raging at the time, but prayers to King Chingshan were sure to bring a recovery; thus the god's grateful devotees increased, and they contributed money to build a new temple-the one that exists today. The temple is home to two guardians, General Hsieh Pi-an and Fan Wu-ti. In the early days the chains in their hands were often heard clanging in the temple and the streets nearby, or the generals were seen patrolling the streets. Thus there were very few thieves in the neighborhood. The celebration marking the birthday of King Chingshan is held on the 22nd day of the 10th lunar month (Dec 10, 1998; Nov 29, 1999; Nov 17, 2000). On that day all of the other temples in the area also celebrate the occasion, helping make it one of the most interesting festivals in Manka. The approach to this temple takes you past some of Manka's most interesting architecture. Sec. 2 of Kueiyang Street, which stretches between Chingshan Temple and Chingshui Temple, is lined with red-brick shops in the Taisho-style. These were built during Japan's Taisho reign period (1912-1925), a time when Japan administered Taiwan as a colony.
   

• Taipei Chingshui Temple
  This temple, also known as the Divine Progenitors Temple, was constructed in 1787 when seven images of Divine Progenitors were brought over by immigrants from Anhsi. The most powerful of these is believed to be the Penglai Divine Progenitor, also called the "Nose Dropping Divine Progenitor". Legend has it that when a disaster was about to happen the nose of this image would fall off as a warning to his devotees, and would resume its position only after the calamity was over. Chingshui Temple's long history is reflected in its decoration. As you enter the temple you are greeted by a pair of large dragon pillars in front of the central doors of the front court; the brick carvings on both sides of the outer wall date from the late 18th century and early 19th century, making them the oldest pieces of art in the temple. Also of interest are the inscriptions of Ching Dynasty reign periods on the beams, stone walls, and dragon pillars. Chingshui Temple has been called the most characteristic example of mid-Ching temple architecture in Taiwan.
   

• Taipei Confucius Temple
  The Taipei Confucius Temple is right across Talung Street. This temple honors one of the greatest philosophers and teachers of all time, Confucius, as well as other philosophers. Confucius valued simplicity, and simplicity is the dominant characteristic of his temple. Here you see none of the densely rich decor of many other temples; even the usual stone lions are missing from the entrance. The columns, doors, and windows here are alsodifferent, in that they bear no inscriptions. This indicates, it is said, that nobody dares flaunt his literary prowess before the Master. Nor are there any images in this temple. In ancient times, Confucius temples contained images of the Sage, but different craftsman carved them in different likenesses. This lack of uniformity upset Emperor Tai Tsu (reigned A.D. 1368) of the Ming dynasty, who decreed that all new Confucius temples would henceforth contain only memorial tablets and no images. Later on, during the reign of emperor Shih Tsung (1522-1586), it was decreed that all existing images of Confucius be replaced with memorial tablets. This rule is still followed today. Standing outside of Tacheng Hall, the main hall of this temple, you can see a pair of upright cylinders in the center of the roof. These are called "book-hiding barrels," and there is a story behind them. In ancient times, the first Emperor (reigned 246-214 B.C.) of the Chin dynasty wanted to keep his people illiterate so that they would not challenge his rule; he had books burned and scholars killed. To save their beloved books, students hid them in rooftop containers built to look like chimneys.
   

• Taipei Tzuyu Temple
  This temple, built in the mid-18th century, is the cradle of development of the Songshan district. The story goes that a monk once roamed this area, carrying a gilded image of Matzu, Goddess of the Sea, as he begged for alms. One day at Hsikou- the old name for this district- the monk came upon a number of people, all Matzu believers, from his old home. Together they planned construction of a temple to honor the goddess, and after raising funds for more than 10 years they were able to realize their dream. Construction started in 1753 and was completed in 1757. The top of the temple roof is richly ornamented; in addition to human figures, there is also a flying dragon placed there because dragons were believed to have the power to prevent fires. Inside the temple are layer after layer of oil lamps lighted by devotees in the hope that Matzu will grant their wishes. The side altar to the right of the Matzu image enshrines the Earth God, who is protected on either side by flag-gearing Tiger Lords. The side altar to the left is devoted to Chusheng Niang-niang, the Goddess of Birth. This goddess is normally accompanied by 12 female aides, but here she has 13.The extra aide is Tu Yu-niang; in life she was a midwife who never accepted money for helping women with childbirth, so after death she was deified because of her kindness and skill.
   

• Taipei Xingtian Temple
  This very busy temple is devoted to Kuan, a famous deified general who lived (A. D. 162-219) during the Three Kingdoms period. Aman, who valued loyalty and righteousness above all things, Kuan Kung is worshipped as the God of War; since he was adept at managing finances, he is also worshipped as the patron saint of businessmen. This is young temple, built in 1967, with a simple and dignified appearance. In front of the hall is a censer with a somewhat unusual design, its two handles in the shape of flying dragons and its four sides adorned with dragons'heads streatching toward the sky. The courtyard of the temple is usually busy, with crowds of worshippers bowing their heads or kneeling in devotion. On the main altar you will see offerings of only fresh flowers and tea, since the temple forbids the killing of offering of animals. The temple also discourages the burning of ritual paper money as an offering to the deities and the spirits of the deceased, the staging of operas for the gods, the presenting of gold medallions in gratitude to the deities, and the like. The temple supplies free candles, and there is no donation box-a first for traditional religion in Taiwan! Many believers feel that this is a very efficacious temple, and it is frequently thronged with people praying for help and seeking divine guidance by consulting oracle blocks. Even the pedestrian underpass outside the temple is filled with fortune-tellers and vendors who take commercial advantage of the temple's popularity.
   

• The Presidential Office Building
  The Presidential Office Building is located on Chungching S. Road and facing Ketagelan Boulevard. On the back it is Bo Ai Road, on the left it is Bauching Road, and on the right it is Gueiyang Street. The Presidential Building is close to Taipei Main Station and Hsimending. The building was built during Japanese colonization period. It was the governor's mansion at that time. During the ending period of World War II, the building was seriously damaged due to bombing. After Taiwan was reclaimed by R.O.C., the building was re-constructed in 1946. The building was re-named as "Giashou Building" in celebration of the 60th birthday of former president Mr. Chiang Kai-shek. The building has been used as the presidential mansion after the central government of R.O.C. was re-instated in Taiwan. The main body of the Presidential Office Building is a five-floor structure and the central tower is eleven-floor high. The area is 6,930 square meters. The outer portion is covered with steel concrete. Gravel is used as decoration horizontally. A sense of grandeur and vigorousness is presented via the red-white composition. The Presidential Building was announced by the President as "national historical site" in 1998 and was open for public tour since then. The general public will be able to see in person the location where the president works. The distance between the President and his people will be shortened. After touring the Presidential Office Building, one can further visit the following interesting nearby sites: Taiwan Bank, NTU Hospital, Taipei Guest House and February 28 Peace Park.
   

NIGHT MARKET / SNACK

• Huahsi Street Night Market
  Haushi Street Night Market is located nearby Lungshan Temple. The night market, together with night markets on Guangjou Street, Wujou Street and Shichen Street have formed a large unique market. Various commodities are sold here and it is one of the favored sites of tourists. In the early years, Huashi street is famous for congregated porno shops. After prostitution is banned by Taipei City Government, the sightseeing quality is greatly uplifted and the place becomes safer. A Chinese traditional post stands at the entrance of Haushi Street Night Market. Chinese traditional lamps are hung along the street. There are old, historical shops along the street that provide great dishes. For example, the tansi noodle restaurant, the favorite of Japanese tourists, started its business here. Other great dishes like meat soup and squid soup attract many people. In the summer, chopped ice plates and fresh juice are in great demand. In the winter, dishes with Chinese medicine attract many visitors. Huashi Street Night Market is famous for snake shops. There are about 2 to 3 snake shops that demonstrate snake processing and snake fights at nights. The shows usually attract a large crowd. However, due to environmental protection consideration, snakes of endangered species are not sold here. There are special sales conducted frequently by other shops here. The loud promotion for sales reflects the vigorous and hearty lives of Taiwan people.
   

• Jaoho Street Night Market
  Historical Background : Jao Ho Street Nightmarket is located on Jao Ho Street, Taipei, 600 meters in length. This area was called Kou and was a business center because of its location and transportation. However, with the development of transportation, Jao Ho Street has become a secondary road and the business has also declined. Therefore, the government set up a night market in 1987. It is the second tourist night market in Taipei. Various products and local foods are sold in the night market.
  Cultural Highlights : Jao Ho Street Night Market is 600 meters in length, near Shongshan Railway Station. There is a decorated-archway in front of the entrance. There are various shops and stands in the night market. It presents Taiwanese characteristic and is definitely a place worth visiting.
   

• Shihlin Night Market
  Shihlin Night Market is the one of the largest night markets in Taipei. The market is centered on Yangmin Theater and Tsicheng Temple. The night market is formed by many prosperous shops on Wenlin Road, Datung Road and Danan Road, etc. Among them, Shihlin Market was built as early as in 1899 and the market is famous for various snacks and eatery. Many visitors have come to Shihlin Night Market to enjoy the delicious foods, such as large pancake enfolding small pancake, hot pot on stone or Shihlin sausage. Shihlin Night Market has become a renowned place for great foods. Because the night market is close to many schools, students are the main customer group. Goods are sold at less expensive prices as compared to regular stores. There are special areas for furniture, clothing, photo shops or pet shops. The finery shops and cold dessert shops in "lover's lane" attract most student customers. Shihlin Night Market covers a large area. When one walks in the turning lanes and alleys, he (she) would often find something unexpected. The night market is packed with many people during holidays. We can often see families carrying many things from shopping and enjoying good meals. Their satisfaction is fully shown from their happy expressions.
   

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Information provided by Tourism Bureau, Rep. of China.

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