Taipei Regional Overview

Regional Overview

Capital of Taiwan, one of Asia’s rising stars, Taipei is a fast-moving, open-minded metropolis that boasts a fascinating cultural influx. One of the most colorful cities in east Asia, it matches Tokyo for dynamism. There is always something on the go, from bustling night markets and high-octane shopping downtown to waterside strolls, and a vibrant music and arts scene. The city's architecture includes mesmerizing temples and old-style houses that sit side by side with ultra-modern skyscrapers. Taipei is a gastronome's dream and an economic powerhouse, as well as a great base for exploring the tree-covered mountains that hem the city. And everything is connected by the clean and convenient MRT subway. You could not ask for a better mix of big city hustle and natural wonders in a single package. A city never sleeps, is gonna be a place you will never forget and come back again and again.

Taipei is a harbor metropolis, sitting right on the northern tip of the island Taiwan. Taiwan,  officially the Republic of China (ROC), is located in East Asia. It has another name historically, called “Formosa”, the beautiful island in Portuguese.  it is located some 180 kilometres -112 miles- off the southeastern coast of China across the Taiwan Strait and has many different ethnic groups inhabited there: Aborigines, Han Chinese, and Hakka. The island has gone through different colonization periods,by the Dutch, Spanish, Manchurian, and Japanese.  In recent years many influx of other foreign immigrants come not only from Europe, America, or Africa, but also from Southeast Asia and elsewhere in the world working as migrant workers. This is especially  reflected in the city of Taipei, Taiwan’s capital. Today, Taipei has grown to become one of Asia’s most culturally diverse city  and, because of its democratic system and openness to foreigners, the city embodies not only an intriguing blend of  rich cultures, but this feel of freedom combined with hospitality have attracted even more visitors to choose it as their favorite destination in Asia.

Taipei City and the surrounding area of New Taipei City are located at the northern tip of Taiwan and are home to seven million people. Han Chinese people began to settle in the area in the early 18th century and the rulers of  mainland China has made Taipei the capital of Taiwan in 1886. Since then the city has gone through several different eras, including colonial occupation by Japan, a period of mass immigration from China following the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949, and rapid modernization in the decades that followed as Taiwan augmented its manufacturing prowess with high-tech based economy.

Taipei is a compact city crammed into the Taipei Basin, a giant bowl that gives it hot and humid summers and damp and chilly winters. The city's people are polite and have nurtured a great service culture - Taiwan has more convenience stores per person than any other nation on earth. But a great way to get to know Taipei is to take your time and do it through your stomach. Visitors to this city will discover why many have considered Taipei a food paradise. There's no better place to do so than at the city's many night markets. These are places where the diverse strands of Taiwanese cuisine come together. You can find Hakka food made from recipes originated in China's Fujian province and their own tea (Lei cha) - pounded fresh herbs, tea leaves, sesame seeds, and nuts in a ceramic bowl, adding water to make a creamy green tea. Or treat your taste bud to some unique aboriginal dishes passed down from generations to generations in Taiwan's 14 culturally distinct aborigines such as the Amis, Paiwan, and Puyuma, and enjoying a sip of their famous homemade rice wine varieties. That’s not all: here you can find literally everywhere appetizing delicacies incorporating local tastes into dishes inspired by Chinese cuisine, giving them a uniquely Taiwanese flavor. One thing is certain: you'll never go hungry in Taipei.  

Taiwanese, known for their hospitality,  is enthusiastic to help out foreign visitors so not to worry if you do not speak Chinese. Many signs and city’s public transport system such as MRT subway are written with clear English instructions, making exploring Taipei easy and convenient. Shopping malls, modern art museums, bookstores, open public festivals, traditional carnival-like folk parades, temples and parks, beaches and mountains, Asian-style spas and yoga classes, coffee shops and clubs, affordable city hostels as well as luxurious hotels with an ocean view, and many more the city has to offer. So whether you want a ultra-modern city excitement or the leisure stroll through the old neighbourhoods, you will have your dreams fulfilled in Taipei.

So explore and have a wonderful fun-filled trip! Whatever budget you have in mind, Taipei will be enjoyable for your holiday time . Alone or with loved ones, you will never be lonely in this amazing city that never sleeps. Let yourself be pampered and surprised!

 

BOOK A ULTIMATE TAIPEI DAY TOUR:

led by a experienced English-speaking tour guide, this tour explores many must-see spots in Taipei. From the famous architectural feats of Taipei 101 and its surrounding busy city center to the ancient, elaborately designed temples and old streets of Taipei. From the night markets, street food and soothing hot springs that make Taiwan so famous to the world famous National Palace Museum.

For the business, or simply busy, traveler with only a short stay in Taiwan, this is catered for you, and will blow your mind. What’s Taipei famous for? This tour has the answers.

Details and Booking:

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