AmyHuang
Taipei - modern, colourful and full of food
We spent three days in Taipei, the capital of Taiwan. Whether it's a country to you or not depends on your political points of view.
I was born in Taipei, and only left for Australia at the age of ten. That was merely 17 years ago and already, where there were rice fields where I used to play and catch tadpoles as a kid are now gone, replaced by high rise technology buildings, a site that is extremely foreign in my memories. I felt a little sad a such sight, however am happy this small country, still standing strong against threats from China, has grown to such standards.
Taipei is a vibrant city. Modern yet still full of traditions. The most famous building Taipei 101 was completed in 2004, which at the time was the world's tallest building however have since been overtaken by an American corporation. The building still has the world's fastest elevator though! The building was designed to keep tradition in mind, and it resembles a lotus flowers growing upwards. The view from above is incredible and on a good day you can see how big Taipei city is, and how crowded it is with all the buildings and roads, surrounded by mountains.
The metro system in Taipei is incredibly efficient, so efficient they have won the best metro system award 3 years in a row. Not bad for a city that have only been growing fast within the last 10 years.
With the metro we took ourselves to every corner of the city with no problems, and with our Lonely Planet in hand, there was no sight we didn't see. From the Taipei 101 we moved our way around to the memorial halls of Sun Yat-Seng and Chiang Kai-Shek and Long Shang Temple.
We got to see the change of honour guards that guards the memorial hall of Sun Yat-seng. Fancy military guards in their dress uniforms and shiny rifles march in with great authority, and with each synchronised step they approach the altar, meet the guards on duty, do some fancy rifle spinning work. It all looked extremely disciplined!
The change of guards also happens at the Martyr's Shrine, a place where many fallen soldiers from previous wars with the communists, with Japan and other Taiwan occupiers rest and be remembered.
There are many religious believes in Taiwan, the traditional believe is mainly Taoism, a branch from Buddhism. Taoist temples can be seen everywhere, and sometimes nestled in between two modern office buildings, which makes quite a comical sight. Many locals will have multiple believes and a lot of the temples are also multi-denominational temples dedicated to more than one religion.
Shopping and food are extremely cheap in Taiwan, much to my own surprise. For AU$2 you can fill up with a big bowl of Beef Noodle soup and still have change for dessert.
Night markets are great places to shop. Ah, yes, must talk about night markets. They are everywhere and is apparently the essence of Taiwan living. My partner and I had so much fun in Shi-Ling night markets, the largest in Taipei, where they have a section for shopping and another large hall for food. There is anything and everything, from small cute decoration for your mobile phone to clothing and pets. There are also games to play, shooting basketball hoops and trying your hand with a rifle. If you are good, you win prizes too! Some of the more traditional games include trying to catch small gold fish with a small paper scoop. Takes very much skill! Food and food galore. I wouldn't be surprised to find myself gaining weight after this trip.
As an extremely crowded city, Taipei has organised itself quite well. With shops open until wee-hours, the convenience of living, the efficiency of doing things are all in line with first world standards. No wonder it can develop so fast, for a small country, it really isn't doing too bad for itself!
I was born in Taipei, and only left for Australia at the age of ten. That was merely 17 years ago and already, where there were rice fields where I used to play and catch tadpoles as a kid are now gone, replaced by high rise technology buildings, a site that is extremely foreign in my memories. I felt a little sad a such sight, however am happy this small country, still standing strong against threats from China, has grown to such standards.
Bird's eye view of Taipei city - compact, crowded and smoggy
Taipei 101, the world's tallest building, until end of this year when Dubai takes over
Taipei is a vibrant city. Modern yet still full of traditions. The most famous building Taipei 101 was completed in 2004, which at the time was the world's tallest building however have since been overtaken by an American corporation. The building still has the world's fastest elevator though! The building was designed to keep tradition in mind, and it resembles a lotus flowers growing upwards. The view from above is incredible and on a good day you can see how big Taipei city is, and how crowded it is with all the buildings and roads, surrounded by mountains.
The Taipei MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) metro - efficient, fast and extremely reliable
The metro system in Taipei is incredibly efficient, so efficient they have won the best metro system award 3 years in a row. Not bad for a city that have only been growing fast within the last 10 years.
With the metro we took ourselves to every corner of the city with no problems, and with our Lonely Planet in hand, there was no sight we didn't see. From the Taipei 101 we moved our way around to the memorial halls of Sun Yat-Seng and Chiang Kai-Shek and Long Shang Temple.
Dr. Sun Yat-Seng's memorial with Taipei 101 in the background
We got to see the change of honour guards that guards the memorial hall of Sun Yat-seng. Fancy military guards in their dress uniforms and shiny rifles march in with great authority, and with each synchronised step they approach the altar, meet the guards on duty, do some fancy rifle spinning work. It all looked extremely disciplined!
Guards entering into the hall to prepare for the change of honour guards ceremony
The change of guards also happens at the Martyr's Shrine, a place where many fallen soldiers from previous wars with the communists, with Japan and other Taiwan occupiers rest and be remembered.
The change of guards ceremony at the Martyr's Shrine
There are many religious believes in Taiwan, the traditional believe is mainly Taoism, a branch from Buddhism. Taoist temples can be seen everywhere, and sometimes nestled in between two modern office buildings, which makes quite a comical sight. Many locals will have multiple believes and a lot of the temples are also multi-denominational temples dedicated to more than one religion.
The Long Shan Temple, easily accessible by the metro and a fine example of a multi-denominational Taiwanese temple
Locals pay visits to the temple to pray for health, happiness and prosperity
Shopping and food are extremely cheap in Taiwan, much to my own surprise. For AU$2 you can fill up with a big bowl of Beef Noodle soup and still have change for dessert.
One of Taipei's famous night markets
Night markets are great places to shop. Ah, yes, must talk about night markets. They are everywhere and is apparently the essence of Taiwan living. My partner and I had so much fun in Shi-Ling night markets, the largest in Taipei, where they have a section for shopping and another large hall for food. There is anything and everything, from small cute decoration for your mobile phone to clothing and pets. There are also games to play, shooting basketball hoops and trying your hand with a rifle. If you are good, you win prizes too! Some of the more traditional games include trying to catch small gold fish with a small paper scoop. Takes very much skill! Food and food galore. I wouldn't be surprised to find myself gaining weight after this trip.
Taiwanese Beef Noodle soup. Yummy and dirt cheap.
As an extremely crowded city, Taipei has organised itself quite well. With shops open until wee-hours, the convenience of living, the efficiency of doing things are all in line with first world standards. No wonder it can develop so fast, for a small country, it really isn't doing too bad for itself!
The Japanese quarter, where you can shop to your heart's content and find all the nick-nacks you would never dream of!
Flick Wit
Was this the first time you went to Taipei since you moved to Australia?
Michaelie
Project Job Search
Travel Debate
Travel String
Love Adventures
No I am not. I have left Taipei and on my way around the island for the next week
You'll know when I am home with my own computer. I'll be updating these posts again with the photos to match!
Its not the first time but it's been 10 years since my last visit!
Amy