Travel to Taiwan

Seven Stars Mountain

Looming some 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) over northern Taipei, Seven Stars Mountain is the highest peak in the Yangmingshan National Park and a favorite of local and tourist hikers. Yangming Park, about halfway up the mountain, can be reached by bus 260 from Taipei Main Train Station. From here it is a tough two-hour hike to the top, but well worth it. If the weather cooperates, it is possible to see the ocean, downtown Taipei and several other peaks in the National Park. Hikers are advised to carry water and rain gear.

Taipei Children's Recreation Center

This recreational center is divided into three thematic sections. The World of Yesterday teaches children about Taiwanese culture, indigenous tribes and folk art. The World of Today is an amusement park with carnival rides. The World of Tomorrow, which teaches children about science and technology, has a Space Theater with an IMAX screen.

CETRA Tower

Part of the Taipei World Trade Center  Complex, the CETRA Tower is the main international trade building in Taipei. CETRA, the China Export Trade Development Council, is the bridge between Taiwanese businesses, government and Taiwan's various trading partners. The building holds CETRA offices, trade offices, the commercial section of the American Institute in Taiwan and a trade library. The TWTC Club, a membership club with a restaurant and panoramic view of the city, is located on the top two floors of this building

North Gate

West from the railway station and opposite the main post office stands the North Gate. Once part of four city gates that surrounded Taipei when it was just a small village, North Gate is a humble historical remnant of times past. The gate was erected in 1884 and looks somewhat forlorn and out of place amidst the tangle of overpasses typical of modern Taipei. Construction has made it one big mess. To add to it, congested traffic, irritated commuters, and North Gate's proximity to the Tax Bureau.

Morning Tai Chi Gathering

To the folks of Taipei these mass morning gatherings of Tai Chi practitioners is ho-hum normal, but to visitors, especially those from the west, it is a cultural spectacle. As the sun begins to yawn upon the day hundreds of followers of this ancient practice, appear on the grounds of the Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall. Their mirrored movements are a true sight to see, especially with the towering white and blue memorial building as a backdrop. This gathering is free and open to everybody.

Taipei International Convention Center

This six-level convention center is located on the grounds of the Taipei World Trade Center. With a seating capacity of 3,100, the ICC can accommodate both small-scale meetings and large-scale conventions. There are 21 conference rooms and a large banquet hall, which seats up to 1,000. The conventions held here range from cosmetic conventions to educational fairs to business conferences.

Hsiahai City God Temple

A small but active shrine, Hsiahai Temple is often missed by tourists visiting Dihua Street because it is hemmed in on three sides by food vendors. Dedicated to the "city god" who is believed to watch over the neighborhood, the history of this shrine is linked to the migration of Chinese people from a particular part of Fujian province on Mainland China, to Taiwan in the 19th century. There are dozens of icons and well-preserved paintings inside the temple, but most interesting is the constant trickle of worshipers and the rites conducted by Taoist priests.

Chingtiangong Village

Chingtiangong Village is a little community of farmers overlooking the hot springs resort of New Peitou. It is a great place to begin a strenuous hike, take a gentle stroll or simply enjoy some pleasant scenery. On weekends the hills are crowded with hikers, but on weekdays the area is beautifully quiet. The village lies inside Yangmingshan National Park and can be reached by car or by a public minibus service, the "little number 6," which stops across the road from the New Peitou MRT station.

Chiang Kai-shek's Official Residence

This historic landmark was once the home of President Chiang Kai-shek, and the estate is located on one of modern-day Taipei's main streets. A beautiful tree-lined driveway leads you onto the grounds of this elegant estate. First opened to the public in 1996, the main house is off limits, but the vast flower garden and magnificent property draw many curious visitors.

Hell Valley (Huang Shui Tou)

Hell Valley is famous for its special sulfur scent. In the early 20th century, sulfur mining was the key to Peitou's booming economy. Nowadays, Hell Valley is a nature reserve where people can see natural hotsprings. In the past visitors enjoyed boiling eggs in the 100+C water, but beware- the hot spring water can be dangerous, so do not try to wash your hands or feet in it!