Whether it’s exploring the Longshan Temple or hiking on Yangmingshan National Park’s dormant volcanos, Taipei is a city that offers something for every interest. Fly to Taipei starting from AED 2,895 in Economy Class and AED 11,995 in Business Class on the Emirates A380 and check out 11 reasons why Taipei should be next on your travel wish list. Special fares can be booked until 6 May for travel until 28 February 2020.
1. Feel on top of the world at Taipei 101 – Take in a thrilling view from Taipei 101’s 360 degree observatory deck on the 91st floor! Taipei 101 reigned as the world’s tallest building from 2004 till the completion of the Burj Khalifa in 2010, and remains the tallest green building internationally. Rich with Asian symbolism, its design is inspired by a bamboo stalk. As superstition considers the number four unlucky, the building avoided Level 44 by creating a Level 42a instead and lights up in different symbolic colors each day of the week.
2. Hike volcanos in Yangmingshan National Park – Filled with cherry blossom trees and 168 species of butterflies, Yangmingshan National Park is a beautiful hiking haven. Its dormant volcanic scenery features waterfalls, ridges and lots to explore for nature-lovers.
3. Reflect on your spirituality in Longshan Temple – Located in one of Taipei’s oldest districts, the Longshan Temple celebrates Taipei’s many religions: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Many temple goers pray to find their true love.
4. Peruse 700,000 Ancient Chinese imperial artifacts in the National Palace Museum – Housing over 700,000 artifacts, the National Palace Museum has one of the largest permanent collections of imperial ancient Chinese art and artifacts in the world, spanning 8,000 years of Chinese history.
5. See the hot springs of Thermal Valley – Also known as Hell Valley or Ghost Lake, the Thermal Valley is located in the foothills of Yangmingshan National Park. Its green sulfuric qualities cause a constant steam of 80 to 100 degrees Celsius to rise over the water, creating beautiful but slightly eerie photographs.
6. Discover your artistic side in Songshan Cultural and Creative Park – Once a tobacco factory, the area has now been transformed into a thriving arts and culture scene. You can stroll through the baroque gardens, then take an art class, explore Taipei’s exhibition halls and galleries or even enjoy an ecology pond in the park. Songshan Cultural and Creative Park also includes a vinyl store, book shop and centers to commission art.
7. Take a train to Shifen Waterfall – Take a day trip via train or taxi to Old Town Shifen to explore the beautiful horse-shoe shaped Shifen Waterfall, which locals have dubbed, “The Little Niagara of Taiwan.” There is even an observatory deck to enjoy the lush greenery and falls.
8. Enjoy theatre at the Red House – Built in 1908 during the Japanese rule, the historic Red House now includes a teahouse, several shops and is a venue to enjoy local exhibitions and daily theatre performances.
9. Watch over Taipei while sipping tea in Maokong – a favorite amongst locals and tourists, Maokong is a favored destination for hiking and climbing located just outside the city. You can even reach this lush mountain via a 4.2 kilometer long gondola starting from the metro with incredible views of the city surroundings.
10. Explore exotic street food in Shilin Night Market – There are ten Michelin Star winning exotic food stalls across Taipei’s night markets. The largest in the city is Shilin Night Marketwhich has over 500 food stalls and is popular for its cuisine and shopping.
11. Head to the Ci You Temple and the Raohe Night Market – A photographer’s favorite, the Ci You Temple is devoted to Matsu, Goddess of the Sea and is one of the prettiest temples in Taiwan. It is located at the entrance of Raohe Night Market, which has claimed the most Michelin star awards in Taipei. Try the Bubble Tea and Fuzhou Shizu Black Pepper Bun stalls!
