TAIPEI is one of Asia’s best-kept secrets. This 300-year-old friendly city is now a modern metropolis with a vibrant culture and a perfect stepping stone into Taiwan. With its contrast of old and new, Taipei is a great central location for association congresses, corporate meetings and travel incentives.
Must experience:
- Take the high-speed express lift to the 90th floor of Taipei 101, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Here you can sip champagne and watch the sunset from the observation deck that offers visitors a 360° panoramic view of Taipei city far below. The entire 101st floor is an event space for great corporate events such as conferences, welcome cocktail parties or gala dinners.
- Explore the north east coast of Taiwan, full of geological wonders and mining villages hidden in the mountains. Highlights are Keelung Harbor, Yehliu Geopark with its mushroom and honeycomb rocks, the ancient hillside gold mining village of Jiufen Old Town, Teapot Mountain and the beaches of Yilan.
- Eat and play in the Shilin night market. Try an oyster omelette and bubble tea, have fun playing the carnival games and find many Taiwanese shopping bargains in the colorful street shops.
- Escape the bustle of the city by taking the 4,3km Maokong scenic gondola ride to the village atop of the mountain. Here you will taste the world-famous Taiwanese High Mountain Oolong Tea at one of the charming tea houses.
- Visit the Songshan Creative Park for some unique gifts and souvenirs in the creative works shopping mall, browse the large bookstore, vinyl record store and participate in creative art workshops (known in Taiwan as DIY). Also discover the Taiwan Design Center, home to Taiwan’s creative industry. Outside is the Ecology Pond, you can experience wildlife and learn about local species native to northern Taiwan.
- After a long day of walking tours and shopping, relax and de-stress at one of the many foot massage parlours.
Must eat:
- Beef noodles: A hearty broth with springy noodles and chunks of beef that melt in your mouth.
- Fuzhou Pork Pepper Bun
Best nightlife: The clubs Myst and Chess in the ATT4Fun Mall in Xinyi district.
Best time to visit: Take advantage of the lower temperatures in March-May and September-November.
Top tip: If you want to make sure you witness Taiwanese folk and religious celebrations, visit Taipei in April during the Baosheng Cultural Festival, which features numerous performances, parades and rituals in one of the most beautiful temples in the city – Bao’an Temple.
Our recommended DMC: Taiwanlook
Jason Yeh manages this IAPCO accredited team of conference and event professionals. They were also awarded the Best DMC in Taiwan at the 2020 World Travel Awards.