Guidebook for Da’an District
Everything Else
My most favorite park in Taipei. Nice place for romantic walk at night chill with friends or sport activities.Squirrels, butterfly, lizards, birds, Bouddha statute, you will find a lot of things to do
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Daan Forest Park
1號 Section 2, Xinsheng S RdMy most favorite park in Taipei. Nice place for romantic walk at night chill with friends or sport activities.Squirrels, butterfly, lizards, birds, Bouddha statute, you will find a lot of things to do
The Shandao Temple is a temple in Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Taipei
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Shandao Temple Station
58 忠孝東路1段The Shandao Temple is a temple in Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is the largest Buddhist temple in Taipei
Breeze Center is a shopping center in Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Breeze Center station
Breeze Center is a shopping center in Songshan District, Taipei, Taiwan.
Drinks & Nightlife
A popular pub for both expats and locals alike, On Tap is a great pub to grab a pint in the Zhongxiao East Road area.
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ON TAP
21 Alley 11, Lane 216, Section 4, Zhongxiao E RdA popular pub for both expats and locals alike, On Tap is a great pub to grab a pint in the Zhongxiao East Road area.
In the aptly named ATT4FUN building, you'll find the city's biggest dance floor and a swoon-inducing view of Taipei.
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Club Myst
12 Songshou RoadIn the aptly named ATT4FUN building, you'll find the city's biggest dance floor and a swoon-inducing view of Taipei.
Taipei's first speakeasy-style bar is everything you'd expect it to be, including being hidden behind a secret door, heavy on the dark hardwood and dim lights, and serving top-rated cocktails. The establishment is fronted by Relax cafe.
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Ounce Taipei
309號 信義路四段Taipei's first speakeasy-style bar is everything you'd expect it to be, including being hidden behind a secret door, heavy on the dark hardwood and dim lights, and serving top-rated cocktails. The establishment is fronted by Relax cafe.
In the basement of Taipei 101, this club is renowned for the pulsating lights of the dance floor and ceiling.
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spark 101
45 City Hall RdIn the basement of Taipei 101, this club is renowned for the pulsating lights of the dance floor and ceiling.
Just outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
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The Speakeasy Bar
554號 Guangfu South RoadJust outside the bright lights of the Xinyi District is this classic long, dark and friendly Irish bar with a good range of pub grub such as cottage pie. English premier league games are shown on weekends.
This outlet of the popular chain of KTVs (karaoke) with private room rentals is in the Ximending area.
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Partyworld
205 敦化南路1段This outlet of the popular chain of KTVs (karaoke) with private room rentals is in the Ximending area.
Food Scene
This is Taipei's top spot for Taiwanese food. Though James Kitchen has a warm down-home setting, the presentation and freshness of each dish is anything but commonplace. Try the oysters with bread sticks, the bamboo shoots, the bean curd mushroom rolls, or pretty much anything that catches your eye. It's best to make a reservation.
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James Kitchen
65號 Yongkang StThis is Taipei's top spot for Taiwanese food. Though James Kitchen has a warm down-home setting, the presentation and freshness of each dish is anything but commonplace. Try the oysters with bread sticks, the bamboo shoots, the bean curd mushroom rolls, or pretty much anything that catches your eye. It's best to make a reservation.
Locals have mostly abandoned this market as a place to eat, but it's still hugely popular with travellers, who come to enjoy the carnival of streetside snacking, shopping, games and people-watching. It's best to avoid the basement food court area across from Jiantan MRT station, however, as the smoke and grease in the indoor venue can be unpleasant.
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Shi Lin Night Market
101 Jihe RdLocals have mostly abandoned this market as a place to eat, but it's still hugely popular with travellers, who come to enjoy the carnival of streetside snacking, shopping, games and people-watching. It's best to avoid the basement food court area across from Jiantan MRT station, however, as the smoke and grease in the indoor venue can be unpleasant.
Sightseeing
Home to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast collection covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, laquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous jade cabbage, are always on display, but, given the size of the museum's collection, much is on rotation.
The historical range at this museum is truly outstanding. Even within a single category, such as ceramics, pieces range over multiple dynasties, and even back to Neolithic times.
The museum offers free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm. If you prefer to move about at your own pace, there's an English headphone guide (NT$100).
An annex at the front of the museum (to the left as you head up the stairs) holds regular special exhibitions, which cost extra to attend.
To reach the museum from Shilin MRT station, head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or buses 255, 304 or 815. It's about 15 minutes to the museum. From Dazhi MRT station take bus B13 (brown 13).
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National Palace Museum
221 Sec 2, Zhi Shan RdHome to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast collection covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, laquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous jade cabbage, are always on display, but, given the size of the museum's collection, much is on rotation.
The historical range at this museum is truly outstanding. Even within a single category, such as ceramics, pieces range over multiple dynasties, and even back to Neolithic times.
The museum offers free guided tours in English at 10am and 3pm. If you prefer to move about at your own pace, there's an English headphone guide (NT$100).
An annex at the front of the museum (to the left as you head up the stairs) holds regular special exhibitions, which cost extra to attend.
To reach the museum from Shilin MRT station, head out Exit 1 to Zhongzheng Rd and catch R30 (red 30), minibus 18 or 19, or buses 255, 304 or 815. It's about 15 minutes to the museum. From Dazhi MRT station take bus B13 (brown 13).
Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years, though it now must be content with the world's tallest green building (as in eco-friendly, not envious).
Ticket sales are on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don't miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
In the basement is a decent food court, and the first five floors are taken up by one of Taipei's swankiest malls. By the time you read this the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre MRT station should have opened. Otherwise get off at Taipei City Hall and walk.
For views of Taipei 101, climb Elephant Mountain or head to WOOBAR at the W Hotel.
Taipei Half-Day City Tour
Get a glimpse of Taipei on this three-hour tour. See how the people live in this interesting city. Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs's Shrine, a classic Ming Dynasty architecture and later onto the National Palace Museum. Conclude with a visit to a Handicraft Center to view typical Taiwanese craftsmanship.
You'll be picked up from your Taipei city hotel and guided around Taipei's best attractions. Visit the grandiose Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei to pay homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek. Travel to Martyrs' Shrine to see an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture dedicated to the fallen war heroes of the country and see the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. The three-hour Taipei tour continues to the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest and most valuable collection of Chinese art treasures. There are permanent displays of ceramics, bronzes, oracle bones, porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, enamelware, jade, Ching dynasty costume, carvings, and cabinets, as well as temporary exhibitions of other items.
Travel to one of the many traditional Chinese temples that surround Taipei city. Then it's time for some shopping at the Handicraft Center, the center offers Taiwanese craftsmanship including jewelry, art and furniture. Tour Highlights
Drive past Presidential Building
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Martyrs' Shrine (War Memorial)
National Palace Museum
Chinese Temple
Handicraft Center
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Taipei 101
45 號 Section 5, Xinyi RdTowering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years, though it now must be content with the world's tallest green building (as in eco-friendly, not envious).
Ticket sales are on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. The pressure-controlled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and 89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather permitting. Don't miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
In the basement is a decent food court, and the first five floors are taken up by one of Taipei's swankiest malls. By the time you read this the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre MRT station should have opened. Otherwise get off at Taipei City Hall and walk.
For views of Taipei 101, climb Elephant Mountain or head to WOOBAR at the W Hotel.
Taipei Half-Day City Tour
Get a glimpse of Taipei on this three-hour tour. See how the people live in this interesting city. Visit Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Martyrs's Shrine, a classic Ming Dynasty architecture and later onto the National Palace Museum. Conclude with a visit to a Handicraft Center to view typical Taiwanese craftsmanship.
You'll be picked up from your Taipei city hotel and guided around Taipei's best attractions. Visit the grandiose Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei to pay homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek. Travel to Martyrs' Shrine to see an excellent example of classical Ming Dynasty architecture dedicated to the fallen war heroes of the country and see the hourly changing of the guard ceremony. The three-hour Taipei tour continues to the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest and most valuable collection of Chinese art treasures. There are permanent displays of ceramics, bronzes, oracle bones, porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, enamelware, jade, Ching dynasty costume, carvings, and cabinets, as well as temporary exhibitions of other items.
Travel to one of the many traditional Chinese temples that surround Taipei city. Then it's time for some shopping at the Handicraft Center, the center offers Taiwanese craftsmanship including jewelry, art and furniture. Tour Highlights
Drive past Presidential Building
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
Martyrs' Shrine (War Memorial)
National Palace Museum
Chinese Temple
Handicraft Center
The temple was founded in 1760 by immigrants from Quanzhou, Fujian province, and its modern size and design began to take shape in 1805. The main resident god is Baosheng Dadi, an historical figure revered for his medical skills. The rear shrine is dedicated to Shengnong, the god of agriculture.
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Bao'an Temple
The temple was founded in 1760 by immigrants from Quanzhou, Fujian province, and its modern size and design began to take shape in 1805. The main resident god is Baosheng Dadi, an historical figure revered for his medical skills. The rear shrine is dedicated to Shengnong, the god of agriculture.
3rd fl, 178 Xinyi Rd, Sec 2
Documenting Taiwan's hybrid social and cultural history is this delightful private collection of Lin Yu-fang, a former dentist turned curator. Pieces range from Japanese-era commercial posters to shell figurines, musical instruments, temple implements and decorative carvings saved from the wrecking ball. The oldest piece hails from the Dutch occupation of Taiwan.
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Formosa Vintage Museum Cafe 秋惠文庫
178號 Section 2, Xinyi Road3rd fl, 178 Xinyi Rd, Sec 2
Documenting Taiwan's hybrid social and cultural history is this delightful private collection of Lin Yu-fang, a former dentist turned curator. Pieces range from Japanese-era commercial posters to shell figurines, musical instruments, temple implements and decorative carvings saved from the wrecking ball. The oldest piece hails from the Dutch occupation of Taiwan.
The family mansion of Lin Ying-yin boasts wood and stone carvings, traditional architectural motifs representing luck and fortune and a beautiful traditional garden. You can tour the garden area – which includes ponds, pavilions and numerous buildings – on your own, but to visit the residence (三落大厝, Sān Luò Dà Cuò) you need to sign up for a tour (also free) at the entrance.
Tour times are at 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. To get here take Fuzhong MRT Exit 3 and follow the English signs (about a 10-minute/700m walk).
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The Lin Family Mansion and Garden
9 Ximen StThe family mansion of Lin Ying-yin boasts wood and stone carvings, traditional architectural motifs representing luck and fortune and a beautiful traditional garden. You can tour the garden area – which includes ponds, pavilions and numerous buildings – on your own, but to visit the residence (三落大厝, Sān Luò Dà Cuò) you need to sign up for a tour (also free) at the entrance.
Tour times are at 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. To get here take Fuzhong MRT Exit 3 and follow the English signs (about a 10-minute/700m walk).
Shopping
This former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. After a decade of restoration, the street has also become a magnet for young entrepreneurs eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.
Díhuà Jiē was constructed in the 1850s after merchants on the losing side of an ethnic feud (all too common in Taiwan's history over different groups' ancestor origins) in the Wanhua area fled to Dadaocheng (now Datong). The merchants prospered here (and some might say got their revenge) as the Wanhua port, further downstream, eventually silted up.
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Dihua Street
Section 1, Dihua StreetThis former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. After a decade of restoration, the street has also become a magnet for young entrepreneurs eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.
Díhuà Jiē was constructed in the 1850s after merchants on the losing side of an ethnic feud (all too common in Taiwan's history over different groups' ancestor origins) in the Wanhua area fled to Dadaocheng (now Datong). The merchants prospered here (and some might say got their revenge) as the Wanhua port, further downstream, eventually silted up.
This is Taipei's most renowned bookshop, with locations all over town. The flagship Dunhua S Rd location is open 24 hours. The Xinyi Branch is the largest bookstore in Taiwan and the B2 level is dedicated to local designs, including innovative jewellery, bags, shoes, stationery, knick-knacks and home furnishings.
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Eslite Bookstore Dunhua
245 敦化南路1段This is Taipei's most renowned bookshop, with locations all over town. The flagship Dunhua S Rd location is open 24 hours. The Xinyi Branch is the largest bookstore in Taiwan and the B2 level is dedicated to local designs, including innovative jewellery, bags, shoes, stationery, knick-knacks and home furnishings.
Easily the largest clothing market in the city, Wu Fen Pu encompasses several square blocks of lanes and alleys. You'll find everything from the latest fashions (most shops cater to women) to T-shirts with comically bad Chinglish slogans. To get here take MRT Exit 5 and then turn left on Songshan Rd.
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Wufenpu Shopping District
Alley 9, Lane 443, Yongji RoadEasily the largest clothing market in the city, Wu Fen Pu encompasses several square blocks of lanes and alleys. You'll find everything from the latest fashions (most shops cater to women) to T-shirts with comically bad Chinglish slogans. To get here take MRT Exit 5 and then turn left on Songshan Rd.
Six storeys of electronics, software, hardware, laptops, peripherals, mobile phones and gadgets of all kinds. Dozens of smaller shops in the surrounding neighbourhood.
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Guanghua Digital Plaza
8號 Section 3, Civic BlvdSix storeys of electronics, software, hardware, laptops, peripherals, mobile phones and gadgets of all kinds. Dozens of smaller shops in the surrounding neighbourhood.
This is perhaps the largest market for jade and other semiprecious stones in Asia. It's a good place to buy jewellery, trinkets and religious items, but it lacks appeal if you are just browsing. The market is literally under Jianguo Overpass. Just south is a weekend flower market.
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建國假日玉市
Jianguo Elevated RoadThis is perhaps the largest market for jade and other semiprecious stones in Asia. It's a good place to buy jewellery, trinkets and religious items, but it lacks appeal if you are just browsing. The market is literally under Jianguo Overpass. Just south is a weekend flower market.
In the funky loft space above a fusion restaurant in the Huashan 1914 Creative Park is this quirky boutique bookstore/design shop with a rich collection of art and cook books, vintage collectables and designer products. VVG is in the complex of red-brick buildings to the west of the giant smokestack.
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好樣思維 VVG Thinking
一號 Section 1, Bade RdIn the funky loft space above a fusion restaurant in the Huashan 1914 Creative Park is this quirky boutique bookstore/design shop with a rich collection of art and cook books, vintage collectables and designer products. VVG is in the complex of red-brick buildings to the west of the giant smokestack.
Parks & Nature
Established in 1908, this was the first urban public park in Taiwan built on European models. Known as Taihoku (Taipei) Park under the Japanese, then Taipei New Park under the Kuomintang (KMT), its present name hails from 1996 in recognition that one of the pivotal events in Taiwanese modern history began here: the massacre known as the 2-28 Incident. The incident involved an uprising in which Taiwanese protested against the post-WWII Chinese government set in place by Chiang Kai-shek. Tens of thousands were killed in the months following.
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2/28 Peace Park
3號 Ketagalan BoulevardEstablished in 1908, this was the first urban public park in Taiwan built on European models. Known as Taihoku (Taipei) Park under the Japanese, then Taipei New Park under the Kuomintang (KMT), its present name hails from 1996 in recognition that one of the pivotal events in Taiwanese modern history began here: the massacre known as the 2-28 Incident. The incident involved an uprising in which Taiwanese protested against the post-WWII Chinese government set in place by Chiang Kai-shek. Tens of thousands were killed in the months following.
An oasis in the city, this 8-hectare park has well-stocked greenhouses, literature- and Chinese-zodiac-themed gardens, a lotus pond and myriad lanes where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. The gardens were established by the Japanese in 1921 and are part of a larger neighbourhood that maintains an old Taipei feel.
Within the park itself look for the Qing administrative office (built 1888) and a herbarium (from 1924). On Nanhai Rd check out the Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (built 1909), the National Taiwan 228 Memorial Museum (1931), and the buildings associated with the National Museum of History and the adjacent Nanhai Academy.
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Taipei Botanical Garden - Ginger Park
53號 Nanhai RdAn oasis in the city, this 8-hectare park has well-stocked greenhouses, literature- and Chinese-zodiac-themed gardens, a lotus pond and myriad lanes where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. The gardens were established by the Japanese in 1921 and are part of a larger neighbourhood that maintains an old Taipei feel.
Within the park itself look for the Qing administrative office (built 1888) and a herbarium (from 1924). On Nanhai Rd check out the Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School (built 1909), the National Taiwan 228 Memorial Museum (1931), and the buildings associated with the National Museum of History and the adjacent Nanhai Academy.
For 26 years, this two-storey mansion and its elaborate Chinese- and Western-style gardens were once part of the official residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling. Today the entire estate is a lovely public park and even the house itself is open, though it merely displays the rather humdrum domestic life, and middlebrow tastes, of the Chiangs.
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Shilin Official Residence
60 Fulin RdFor 26 years, this two-storey mansion and its elaborate Chinese- and Western-style gardens were once part of the official residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife Soong Mei-ling. Today the entire estate is a lovely public park and even the house itself is open, though it merely displays the rather humdrum domestic life, and middlebrow tastes, of the Chiangs.
Arts & Culture
A combination interactive museum, workshop and theatre, this complex is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional performing arts. For starters, the Asian puppet collection here is the largest in the world. There are also two puppetry troupes who regularly perform both here and internationally. All performances have English subtitles projected on a screen.
At the time of writing a new 90-seat indoor theatre was almost ready to open. See the informative English website for dates and times of shows.
Lin Liu-hsin Puppet Theatre Museum
79-1 Xining North RoadA combination interactive museum, workshop and theatre, this complex is a must-visit for anyone interested in traditional performing arts. For starters, the Asian puppet collection here is the largest in the world. There are also two puppetry troupes who regularly perform both here and internationally. All performances have English subtitles projected on a screen.
At the time of writing a new 90-seat indoor theatre was almost ready to open. See the informative English website for dates and times of shows.