Taipei

Taipei - an English teacher's perspective

Taipei is the capital city of Taiwan and is the largest metropolitan center. As such, pretty much everything that happens in Taiwan, happens here. Those of you looking for the "uniquely" Taiwan experience or those wanting to learn language and really immerse yourself in Taiwan should consider other cities. You have access to pretty much everything Western that you would want here. At the same time, you have access to pretty much everything Taiwanese too...

Getting Around in Taipei - the MRT

Taiwan’s capital city, Taipei is blessed with the convenience of the MRT (the Mass Rapid Transit system) transportation system. Based on a ticketing system, travelers and commuters alike pay only a small fee to get around Taipei city and its outer urban areas. The cost of travel on the MRT is roughly NT$20 – NT$65, depending on distance. The MRT conveniently lists its destinations in English. When purchasing a ticket, just take notice of the color system for your destination line. There are five main routes on the MRT:

Green Line (Tamshui - Hsintien )
Orange Line (Peitou - Nanshih Chiao)
Blue Line ( Hsinpu - Kunyung )
Brown Line (Chunshan high school - Taipei Zoo)
Red Line (Peito - Hsin Peitou )
Hsiao Nanmen Line (Hsimen - CKS Memorial Hall.

Places to See in Taipei

Maokong
- located in the hilly area of Taipei’s southernmost Wehshan District are some of the riches tea plantations in Taiwan.
- lots of hiking and biking trails and rural charm with incredible night time skyline views of the metropolis Taipei.
- definitely THE place to drink tea or buy your tea.
- ride the longest cable car in Taiwan – stretching 4km.
National Palace Museum
- a highlight of Asia - this museum is one of the most amazing museums in the world.
- there are over 650,000 artifacts.
- soak in 5000 years of learning in the single greatest repository of Chinese cultural treasures.
- English tours begin at 10am and run til 3pm.
- 221 Zhishan Road, Sec. 2
- take the MRT Danshui – Xindian or Beitou Nanshijiao line to Shilin Station and transfer to bus no. 255, 403, minibus 18, minibus 19, weekend bus 101 or red bus 30.
- Get off at the National Palace Museum stop.
National Theater and Concert Hall
- a great place to see anything - if you have a free night do that - go see anything.
National Chiang Kai-shek Cultural Center
- 21-1 Zhongshan South Road.
- take the MRT Danshui – Xindian or Beitou- Nanshijiao line to CKS Memorial Hall Station.
Old Taipei
- also known as “Mangka” or “Wanhua” – Mangka is the original name that was replaced and is now regaining popularity.
- the Longshan Temple literally meaning “Dragon Mountain Temple” is the geographic and spiritual center of “Old Taipei”.
- watch for blind masseurs and monastics doing the traditional begging for alms.
- buskers entertain in Mangka Park.
- fortunetellers and soothsayers and shops selling traditional handicrafts abound.
Snake Alley
- scary name – scary place if you don’t like snakes.
- also called the Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market.
- restaurants sell “snake-meat dumplings”, “poisonous-snake soup” all said to help me in that “special way”.
- traditionally you pick the snake you want, they bring it out holding the head and they slice down the sides in a fluid motion and the blood from the snake pours into a bowl or bucket that they then use in the soup you are about to consume. By eating the blood and the meat of the snake you consume the spirit and it supposedly helps you with your virility. I am scared stiff of snakes so just walking down this alley freaked the heck out of me.
Taipei 101
- currently the tallest building in the world at 508 meters high.
- Taipei 101 is located in Taipei's modern East District known for it's shopping, restaurants and cafes.
- great views of Taipei's 101 and other parts of the city are great from the "Four Beasts Mountain" on the East District's south side.
- observation deck on the 89th floor.