Blending ancient traditions with modern technology, Taipei is an exciting mix of shrines and temples, colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers for visitors to enjoy. In fact, the towering Taipei 101 is one of the tallest buildings in the world. The city’s activities offer a taste of Taipei’s complex history, influence and natural attractions.
The Confucius Temple contains artifacts like ritual objects and musical instruments important to Confucius culture. According to the temple’s official site, proper prayer ritual etiquette includes passing through specific gates, offering tea, performing the Zugao ritual, bowing and beating the wishing bell. The Lungshan Temple is dedicated to Kuan-in, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. Visitors can offer prayers or worship in the fore hall of the temple or admire the Kuan-in statue within the main hall. If Kuan-in doesn’t do it for you, you can also view one of the other Buddhist or Taoist deities showcased at the temple.
The first tourist night market in Taiwan, according to Taiwan Tourism Bureau, the 600-meter Raohe Street Market offers a multitude of stalls selling local foods and souvenir-worthy products. Herb-steamed spare rib restaurants are popular here. The Huaxi Night Market is another tourist favorite, with cuisine like snake wine, pancake soup and freshwater turtle meal. Other markets in Taipei worth a look are the Keelung Night Market, Shilin Night Market, Linjiang Street Night Market and the Ningxia Night Market.
This annual event celebrates the end of the Lunar New Year and is traditionally held on the 15th day of the first lunar month. The event is celebrated throughout Taipei and Taiwan with fireworks and the release of a massive number of lanterns. The tourism bureau held the first Lantern Festival in 1990, and each year the event is themed on the Chinese zodiac animal associated with the year.
Located between Taipei City and New Taipei City, this park is home to about 110 different bird species, 150 species of butterflies and small mammals like the Formosan rock monkey and Formosan boar. Visitors can also view some of the more than 1200 species of plant, including an arrow bamboo forest, in addition to volcanic rocks, mineral deposits and the government-controlled sulfur mining.
