Things to do in  Taipei

Taiwan’s capital city is a living, breathing museum where monuments pay testament to both the triumphs and turbulence of Taipei’s past. Vestiges of the Dutch rule and Japanese occupation are present in architecture and cuisine, while Taoist temples and modern skyscrapers epitomise the current cultural climate of Taipei city. Monumental highlights include Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, built to commemorate the former president of China; Longshan Temple; Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers; and the National Revolutionary Martyr’s Shrine. In-the-know travelers check off all of these sights and more with half- or full-day sightseeing tours and prebooked or skip-the-line tickets. Taiwan’s relatively small size means visitors can use Taipei as a base for visiting farther-flung attractions on day trips: Top draws include the Taroko Gorge National Park, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Asia; Sun Moon Lake; Jiufen Village (Chiufen), characterized by houses clinging to steep mountainsides; and Yehliu National Park, known for its spectacular sandstone formations. By night, Taipei erupts with life, and must-do evening activities include feasting on xiaochi (Chinese tapas) on a tour of Shilin Night Market, bagging tickets to a Chinese Opera show at TaipeiEYE, and sipping cold beer or iced tea at lively Taiwanese bars.