Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(custom-made by a kiln in Beitou): the design scatters direct sunlight, making the build-
ing hard to see by enemy bombers (a worry as Japan had been skirmishing with China
since 1931).
The hall is frequently used for performances and you can explore the inside at any
time. The terrace of the Fortress Cafe is where Chiang gave his speeches.
Bopiliao
STREET
(Bō Pí Liáo; cnr Kangding St & Gui; 9am-6pm Tue-Sun; Longshan Temple)
One of
the best-preserved historic sections of Wanhua, Bopiliao covers both Qing and early
Japanese-era architecture. Inside are a number of permanent exhibitions on the history of
Taipei, ranging from the establishment of Western medicine to education under the
Japanese.
During the Japanese era the narrow Qing-built street and shops became the back alley
to a new, wider Guangzhou St. As such the eras neatly divide themselves with Japanese
buildings to the south and Qing in the north. The differing styles are easy to spot: Qing-
era buildings are commonly red brick and store fronts are set back from arcades. Japan-
ese buildings incorporate Western baroque designs and facades are embellished with
flowers and other common motifs.
Bopiliao was the setting for many scenes in the Taiwan gangster flick
Monga.
TAIPEI IN…
Two Days
Admire the art and devotional atmosphere at
Bao'an
,
Longshan
, and
Xiahai
Temples
, shop for ceramics on
Dihua St
, and then lunch in
Ximending
. Enjoy a
coffee at
Fortress Cafe
before checking out other Japanese-era buildings and
small museums around
2-28 Park
. After pondering the meaning of
Chiang Kai-
shek Memorial Hall
, dine in retro-chic
Huashan 1914
and end the day with some
late-night snacking at
Raohe Street Night Market
.
Start the next day with a coffee at
Haaya's Coffee
, then take the MRT to
Sun
Yat-sen Memorial Hall
and ride a Youbike over to
Taipei 101
. Have lunch at
Good
Cho's
then head to the
National Palace Museum
, one of the world's best for
Chinese art. For dinner try dumplings or beef noodles on
Yongkang St
, followed by
a stroll in
Da'an Park
and a nightcap at
Ounce Taipei
or tea at
Wistaria
.
