Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
era. Note again how wide the boulevards are in this area: this is Taipei as the Japan-
ese wanted it to be, modelled on Paris of the 1890s.
Head up to the
East Gate
and then turn in to the old
National Taiwan
University Hospital
, built in 1912. The next few blocks along Zhongshan North Rd
have a wealth of beautiful Japanese-era buildings, including the
Jinan Presby-
terian Church
, built in 1916 and an unusual example of Gothic architecture in
Taipei.
Retrace your steps to Xuzhou St and stop in at the
Mayor's Residence Art
Salon
(
Click here
)
, one of the best-preserved wooden Japanese houses in Taiwan.
Then cut through the
College of Social Sciences National Taiwan University
.
These buildings, completed in 1919, are a good example of how the Japanese often
blended Eastern and Western elements: the buildings are largely classical in style,
with Grecian pillars and semicircular arches, but have roofs in traditional Japanese
black tiles. The pond and gardens (both originals) are also Japanese in style.
wine factory from the 1920s that now houses chic restaurants, cafes, whisky bars,
performance halls and excellent gift shops.
Ximending & Wanhua
When the port of Tamsui was forced open after the Second Opium War (1856-60), north-
ern Taiwan began to pass the south as the island's political and economic centre. Manka,
the first part of the city to develop, grew rich with the trading of tea, coal and camphor.
Over time the area lost its importance, however, and is now mostly thought of as an age-
ing if not decaying community. Of all the areas of Taipei, you'll probably find this the
most run-down, though it's generally as safe as anywhere else.
Ximending is technically part of Wanhua District but we treat this ultraconsumerist
heart of Taipei's mainstream youth culture as its own little world. In the Japanese era it
was the entertainment centre for Wanhua and today, like Tokyo's Ginza, this eight-
branched intersection (largely pedestrianised) is chock-full of cosplay (costume play)
dressers, fast food, and shops selling novelties, cosmetics and select designs. There's an
entire street (Wuchang) devoted to movie theatres and a lane to tattooing and nail art
(Lane 50 Hanzhong). If it's young and trendy it's here, but there are also some historic
structures, and visitors of any age will enjoy the great range of food available.
Longshan Temple
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
