Lively Taipei

Taipei is the largest city on the island and the capital of the Republic of China ( ROC ) Taiwan, as it is better known. One of the most unsung Asian destinations, it actually has a lot to offer. Chinese and Aboriginal cultures, cuisines, ancient religions and rituals still thrive in this part of the world. The city is a fascinating mix of innovation and tradition. Taipei is situated right at the tip of the island on the Danshui River. It is the financial and governing centre of the country. Taipei has gone from being an ugly duckling to a swan, becoming a dynamic, fun, beautiful city in the past couple of decades. There must be very few cities of Taipei’s size that can match the variety of amazing attractions it offers. Be it the world’s tallest building, bullet train service, modern and extensive subway system (MRT), stunning temples or fabulous markets, it is sure to offer something for anyone’s taste. Taipei lost having the world’s tallest building title to Burj Khaleefa, Dubai. Till recently, Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest completed sky scrapper in the world. Built to withstand Taipei’s many typhoons and earthquakes, is an engineering marvel. The people have managed to strike a balance between business and convenience, chaos and beauty. They are one of the warmest people you will meet, affable to a fault. Taiwan hasn’t been a country high on tourists due to long standing political problems with mainland China but much is changing slowly. 

 

Some General Information

Country : Taiwan R.O.C

Official Language : Mandarin Chinese

Religion : Chinese, Buddhist, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam

Currency : New Taiwan Dollar (TWD or NT)

Time Zone : + 8 hours ( GMT )

Temperature : Taipei has a humid, subtropical climate and a distinct winter season, with average temperatures of 10° Celsius, which rise to 33° Celsius in summer which is when the rainfall is highest. There is also a typhoon season between June and October.

Sightseeing : Taiwan is a treasure island with many sights to be seen. The ones not to be missed in Taipei are National Palace Museum, Wulai Aboriginal Village, Presidential Palace, Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, Longshan Temple, Shin Kong Life tower, Zhinan Temple, North Gate, Dalongdong Baoan temple and many many more.

 

Getting There

Taipei is served by 2 airports. Taiwan Taoyuan and Taipei Songshan.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport  ( TPE ) is the one used by most visitors entering the counrty. Earlier it was called the Chiang- Kai Shek. Taipei handles traffic from around the world. The TPE has 2 terminals connected by a small sky train. Both terminals have signs in English for all services and facilities, including tourist information booths in both. Other facilities include free Wifi, showers, post office, banks, ATM’s, mobile service operators and lost and found services.  The Taipei Domestic terminal is one hour away from the International, called the Taipei Songshan Airport.

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport ( TPE )

Address: No. 9, Hangzhan S. Rd., Dayuan Township, Taoyuan County 33758, Taiwan R.O.C.
Terminal 1 Service Counter: +886-3-398-2143
Terminal 2 Service Counter: +886-3-398-3274
Typhoon Warning Command Center: +886-3-398-2006
Voice inquiry: +886-3-398-3728 Emergency Response Support Call: +886-3-398-2050

Website : www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw

 

Tourist Information

The government of Taiwan offers multiple options for tourists. The Travel Service Center (1F-4, No.240, Dunhua N. Rd., Songshan District, Taipei 105, +886 2 2717 3737, open from 8 am to 7 pm) assists everyone who travels to Taipei. It offers general information about tourist information and issues tourist publications. The Tourism Bureau (9F., No.290, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao E. Rd., Da-an District, Taipei 10694, +886 2 2349 1500) can extend more help with its toll free hotline (0800 011765).

Taipei Visitor Information Centers

TPE Airport

Terminal 1 : 03 383 2790

Terminal 2 : 03 398 3341

Taipei Train Station  TEL：02 2312 3256
Taipei Songshan Airport  TEL：02 2546 4741

East Metro Mall  TEL：02 6638 0059

MRT Peitou Station  TEL：02 2894 6923

MRT Jiantan Station　TEL：02 2883 0313

MRT Ximen Station  TEL：02 2375 3096

 

Travel Tips

1. Taipei is a very safe place to travel to, with violent crime being almost non existent in the tourist circuit.

2. Tap water and boiled water should be avoided altogether. Only consume bottled water. Avoid ice. Milk too is unpasteurised.

3. Be aware of the 2 natural disasters that take place here frequently. Typhoons and earthquakes. For both ample warnings are given and there is nothing to worry regarding the building constructions too as they have been constructed accordingly to withstand both calamities.