5 Must-See Sights in Taipei, Taiwan
Posted by Business trips overseas are amazing because they offer you the chance to experience both the working and casual cultures of the place you visit. Taipei is a particularly vibrant hotspot with many booming industries, explosive food culture, and great places to see. No trip should be all work and no play, so on your next trip to Taipei be sure to check out our five sightseeing picks for a well-rounded journey!
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1. Taipei 101
Until 2010, this building was the tallest building in the world. Today, it is one of Taipei’s most iconic sights and pretty hard to miss, no matter where you are in the city. You can’t say you’ve been to Taipei unless you take the opportunity to go to Taipei 101’s 91st floor to get a 360° view of this fascinating metropolis. You can also sample some of Taiwan’s more upscale local fare at one of Taipei’s 101 restaurants, while you continue to take in the breathtaking view!
2. Shilin Night Market
There’s no better way to embrace local culture than by visiting the city’s most popular night market! Taipei is considered the fashion capital of East Asia, but fashion need not come at a high price. At these night markets you can find a wide range of clothes and accessories at affordable prices. Not interested in shopping? Try out the many different street stalls for a taste of Taipei’s grassroots food culture. Our suggestion: be sure to taste the pearl milk tea!
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3. National Palace Museum
If you’re a culture and history lover, then the National Palace Museum is a must-see for you. This historical building is the top tourist destination in Taipei and houses numerous artifacts from the Sino-Japanese wars and more. Be sure to set aside at least half a day for this activity though. You can spend hours wandering the cool halls of this amazing structure!
4. Beitou Hot Springs
Want to unwind after a long week of meetings and late hours? Beitou Hot Springs is in the north part of the city and easily accessible via MRT. You’ll have the unique opportunity to enjoy Taiwan’s famous hot spring culture and hang with locals while never having to leave Taipei at all! At this rate you won’t want to go home.
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5. Maokong
Tea culture is a huge part of life in Taiwan and one visit to Maokong will turn you into a permanent tea addict. Not only does this hill offer an amazing view of Taipei, but it is famous for its many tea houses. You can witness a tea ceremony and learn about the Taiwanese way of making tea, or sip it as you watch the sun set over the city. This is a great place to meet with friends and colleagues for some after-work socializing.
Taipei is an amazing city and without a doubt holds a slot on every traveler’s must-see list. However, don’t forget that the best way to truly understand and assimilate with Taiwanese culture is by learning to communicate with the locals. Mandarin is the most widely used language in Taiwan and a must for anyone serious about really embracing this nation’s lively way of life. Before you head overseas, be sure to sign up for some top-tier Mandarin language classes and keep your skills on point with free online placement tests. Then drink in Taipei’s many nuances, whether lunching at Taipei 101 or enjoying a late-night tea session!