Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sion NT$50; 9.30am-5.30pm; Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall)
, which highlights industrial
and commercial design from around Taiwan and the world. Expect more from this mu-
seum, and the culture park in general, as the years go on. The outdoor areas of the park
are opened from 8.30am to 10pm.
Taipei 101
TOWER
(101, Táiběi Yīlíngyī;
www.taipei-101.com.tw
; adult/child NT$500/450; 9am-10pm, last ticket sale
9.15pm; Taipei 101)
Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was de-
signed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title
of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years, though it now must be content with
the world's tallest green building (as in eco-friendly, not envious).
Ticket sales are on the 5th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. The pressure-con-
trolled lift up is quite a rush; at 1010m per minute it takes a mere 40 seconds to get from
ground level to the 89th-floor observation deck. Observation decks are on the 88th and
89th floors, with an outdoor deck on the 91st floor opened on some occasions, weather
permitting. Don't miss the massive gold-coloured iron wind damper that keeps the tower
stable through typhoons and earthquakes.
In the basement is a decent food court, and the first five floors are taken up by one of
Taipei's swankiest malls. By the time you read this, the Taipei 101/World Trade Centre
MRT station should have opened. Otherwise get off at Taipei City Hall and walk.
For views of Taipei 101, climb Elephant Mountain or head to WOOBAR at the W
Hotel.
Miniatures Museum of Taiwan
MUSEUM
(Táiběi Tànsuǒ Guǎn;
www.discovery.taipei.gov.tw
; 1 Shifu Rd, Taipei City Hall; 9am-5pm Tue-Sun;
; Taipei City Hall)
This is a great place to get your bearings on the city and its
history. Maps and models show Taipei's evolution from a walled, gated city in 1882 to
the bustling metropolis it is today. There are also exhibits on geography, topography,
commerce, famous residents and natural resources.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
CULTURE CENTRE
(Guófù Jìniànguǎn; 9am-6pm; Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall)
The hall and its sur-
rounding gardens occupy an entire city block. The latter are well used by picnickers, kite
flyers, break dancers and the early morning taichi crowd, while the cavernous interior
