Things To Do
The National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum houses a permanent collection of nearly 700,000 pieces of artifacts and artworks. It reflects 8,000 years of Chinese history and it is the largest collection of its kind, with pieces that were collected by emperors. A precious piece of the collection is a meat-shaped stone that was carved to look like a piece of pork cooked in soy sauce. Its dyed and textured surface is incredibly life-like. Open daily from 08:30 to 18:30 all year round. Extension of opening hours at night: 18:30 - 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Din Tai Fung
Foodies that visit Taiwan go explicitly for their shao long pao, which is a delicious soup dumpling that’s been rated by Michelin. @ MRT Dongmen Station Exit 5 Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00 Weekends & Holidays 09:00~21:00
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)
For the best view of Taipei City, make a hike to the top of Elephant Mountain! The best time to hike the mountain is during late afternoon, this way you can catch the sunset as well as a daytime view and stunning nighttime view of the city, however the trail can get relatively crowded during the weekend. By MRT, After arriving at Xiangshan station (象山), the terminus of Red Line 2, leave from Exit 2 and continue walking alongside the edge of the park. At the end of this road, take a left and follow until the entrance for Xiangshan Hiking Trail (象山登山步道), total 650 metres, around 20 mins.
Ningxia Night Market
A nostalgic Taiwanese night market, Ningxia Night Market is all about eating as many Taiwanese 小吃 snacks as possible. By MRT, From Red Line 2 Shuanglian (雙連) station, Exit 1, take a left onto Minsheng West Road (民生西路) heading west. Walk for about 6-8 mins, and the night market will be on the left side.
Maokong Gondola
Widely known as the most scenic spot in Taipei to drink quality, locally grown tea, Maokong is a quaint village located at the top of a mountain providing breathtaking views of Taipei City. By MRT , take the Wenshan-Neihu Line of Taipei MRT system to the MRT Taipei Zoo Station, and walk along the Xinguang Road Section 2. It is 350 meters to the Maokong Gondola Taipei Zoo Station.
Taroko Gorge National Park
Taroko National Park is one of Taiwan’s most beautiful sights. Created by the continual rising of the mountains combined with the erosive power of the Liwu River, Taroko Gorge with its tall, almost flat walls are a true marvel to view. From Taipei Main Station (台北車站), take a train to one of the following stations: Xincheng (新城) which is closest to the park and a short taxi from the visitor centre, or Hualien (花蓮) which is the city area and slightly further away, although far more developed with more hotels and accommodation.
Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan's largest lake, Sun Moon Lake is located in the mountains of Nantou at the geographic centre of Taiwan island. Take the high speed rail (THSR) to Taichung Station, continue by Nantou Bus to Sun Moon Lake stop.
Rainbow Military Community
Yong-Fu Huang: a long-time resident trying to keep the memory of the community by literally painting a rainbow fairyland. His unleashed creativity made the dream of the one-and-only Rainbow Military Community come true. The composition and concept of the painting are impressive and full of humanity, becoming an internet sensation; that attracts a huge crowd of tourists to come to visit. People still live in this village. Please try not to disturb the residents too early in the morning or after sunset. Entry to the village is free, but you are welcome to donate some money to Mr. Huang. Take the high speed rail (THSR) to Taichung Station, continue by Taichung Bus to Nantun Tong An Cuo stop.