Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of Taipei’s most prominent landmarks and a key symbol of Taiwan’s modern political history. Completed in 1980, five years after Chiang Kai-shek’s death, the memorial was built to honour the former leader of the Republic of China, who ruled Taiwan after retreating from mainland China in 1949.

The memorial hall is characterised by its striking white colour and four-sided structure, crowned by a blue octagonal roof. The number eight holds symbolic meaning in Asian culture, traditionally associated with abundance and good fortune, and this symbolism is echoed throughout the design. To reach the main entrance, you can choose between two sets of white staircases, each comprising 89 steps, a reference to Chiang Kai-shek’s age at the time of his passing. Halfway up, pause to look at the central marble ramp, which is carved with the national emblem and traditional cloud motifs.

The upper level contains the main hall, where a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek sits in a formal pose. Beyond the 6.3-metre-tall statue, look up at the caisson ceiling. It features the 12-pointed sun from the Republic of China’s national emblem.

For a different experience, the ground level houses a library and a museum dedicated to documenting Chiang Kai-shek’s life and career, alongside exhibits that explore Taiwan’s political history and postwar development. Reaching the library does not require climbing the staircase. The idea is to stay at plaza level and go around the corner of the complex until you reach one of its lateral sides. There, a staircase is flanked by two arched gateways, which lead to the library.

The ground-floor plaza in front of the complex is best known for the ceremonial changing of the guard. The Military Honor Guard changes every hour, on the hour, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the ceremony often attracts large crowds, so arriving 10–15 minutes early is recommended.

After all the stair climbing and military discipline, you might want to unwind by enjoying the surrounding gardens, reflecting pools, and open squares, where locals gather daily for tai chi, strolls, and quiet breaks from the city.

Ximending is one of Taipei’s most dynamic districts and a place where the city’s past and present intersect most visibly. Developed during the Japanese colonial period shortly after 1895, the area was planned as Taiwan’s first pedestrian zone and as a modern commercial and entertainment quarter. Inspired in part by Tokyo’s Asakusa district, Ximending quickly established itself as a centre for theatres, cafés, shops, and nightlife. Today, it remains one of Taipei’s busiest areas, attracting up to three million shoppers each month, drawn by its concentration of retail, food, and street culture.

At the heart of Ximending stands the Red House Theater. Dating back to 1908, when Taipei was under Japanese rule, the building was designed by Japanese architect Kondō Jūrō and originally served as a public market. Its octagonal brick structure and red-brick façade made it a recognisable landmark from the outset. Inside the Red House, you will encounter the history museum and the “100 Treasures” exhibit. Then, walk straight northwest through to the Cruciform Building (basically the back section) to explore the 16 Creative Boutiques, where you can find unique handmade goods from local designers. On the south-side plaza outside, look for the concentration of open-air bars that form the heart of Taipei’s nightlife.

The open square in front of the Red House has long played an important role in the district’s public life. It has previously served as a venue for events such as the Lantern Festival, and on occasion, visitors may even encounter unannounced performances or pop-up concerts by well-known artists. Today, the Red House hosts cultural performances, exhibitions, and creative markets featuring local designers and craftspeople.

Longshan Temple is one of Taipei’s oldest and most important religious landmarks, deeply rooted in the city’s early history and everyday spiritual life. Originally constructed in 1738 by settlers from Fujian Province during the Qing dynasty, the temple was built as a place of worship for Chinese immigrants who had settled in the Bangka area, today’s Wanhua District.

As soon as you pass through the gate facing the street, you will be met by a broad courtyard. It leads you straight ahead to the Front Hall. Step onto its porch, and you'll notice it is flanked by two bronze pillars. They are intricately cast with spiralling dragons and characters from the Ming Dynasty novel Investiture of the Gods. Most temples in Taiwan feature stone pillars; Longshan is the only temple in the country with pillars cast in bronze. If you look ten metres to your right and left, you will see one gate on each side. They might look similar, but according to Taiwanese etiquette, you should always enter through the gate on the right (called the Dragon Gate) and exit through the gate on the left (called the Tiger Gate). Entering through the mouth of the dragon and leaving through the mouth of the tiger symbolises turning bad luck into good fortune.

The temple's architecture follows traditional southern Chinese temple design, with ornate roofs, carved stone pillars, and richly decorated courtyards. The temple’s vivid colours and decorative details immediately stand out, with dragons appearing throughout the complex-an apt motif, as the temple’s name translates to “Dragon Mountain.”

However, the soul of the temple is the miraculous Guanyin statue. To find it, walk into the main courtyard and look toward the central hall. During a World War II Allied air raid on May 31, 1945, a bomb hit this hall, and the entire structure burned to the ground. Miraculously, the wooden Guanyin statue sitting at the centre was found completely unscorched among the ash. To see the statue at its best, wait for a gap in the crowds of chanting worshippers and look through the central doorway.

Decoration plays an important role in the temple’s atmosphere, especially during festivals. During Lunar New Year, lanterns fill the courtyards, and flowers are abundant throughout the grounds. Among the many altars, one of the most popular is dedicated to Yue Lao, the god revered as a matchmaker. Walk past the Main Hall to the very back row of altars. Follow the corridor to the westernmost altar. Single residents of Taipei often visit this altar to pray for lasting love, taking a symbolic red string meant to be tied around their future partner’s wrist.

Outside the temple, food stalls and a nearby underground mall selling Buddhist merchandise add to the experience.

Daan Forest Park is a public park located near the center of Taipei's Da'an District. It covers an area of twenty-six hectares and is bordered by Xinyi Road to the north, Heping E. Road to the south, Jianguo S. Road to the east, and Xinsheng S. Road to the west. This park provides a green recreational space for the residents of Taipei, where they can engage in various outdoor activities. Interestingly, it was established in 1994 after the removal of long-term squatters and the demolition of unauthorized structures on municipal land. Contrary to common belief, its creation was overseen not by Mayor Chen Shui-bian but by his predecessor, Huang Ta-chou.

The land that eventually became Daan Forest Park was originally designated as urban parkland in 1932 by Japanese authorities and was known as Park Number Seven. Later, the Republic of China government utilized this area for constructing military dependents' villages. Additionally, the International House of Taipei was built here, and the land accommodated a substantial population, including many refugees from the Chinese Civil War at its peak. The Taipei City Government initially intended to develop a park on this land by 1989, following opposition from environmentalists who objected to an earlier plan for a stadium. A prolonged legal battle led to the eviction of 12,000 squatters from an informal settlement in April 1992, which paved the way for the establishment of Daan Forest Park.

Daan Forest Park was envisioned to serve a similar role to other major city parks like Central Park in New York City and Hyde Park in London. It acts as the "lungs of Taipei city," offering residents a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle and bustle. Like major parks in other cities, Daan Park is surrounded by high-end luxury condominiums that fetch premium prices due to their sought-after views.

The Maokong Gondola, measuring a total length of 4.03 kilometers, proudly stands as Taipei City's inaugural gondola system. The duration of a one-way ride on this gondola typically ranges from 20 to 30 minutes. The journey encompasses four distinct stops: Taipei Zoo Station, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and Maokong Station. Navigating the Maokong Gondola is a straightforward process; you simply disembark from the last stop on the Metro's Wenhu Line, Taipei Zoo Station, and make your way to the Taipei Zoo Station of the Maokong Gondola to commence your ride.

Three particularly enchanting times to embark on this gondola adventure are immediately following rain showers, during the mesmerizing sunset, and when the city lights illuminate the night. While aboard the gondola, as it gracefully traverses the undulating landscape, you'll catch glimpses of passing Metro trains, the serene park along the Jingmei River, and even the distinctive "giraffe" incinerator. Upon reaching the second stop, the gondola executes a sweeping turn, offering a breathtaking panoramic vista that includes the flow of traffic on the freeway below. After departing from Zhinan Temple Station, you'll venture into a steep, V-shaped gorge-a pivotal highlight of the gondola journey, promising an indelible experience.

The ultimate destination is Maokong, home to numerous tea plantations and charming tea shops. Many visitors embark on this journey expressly to indulge in tea and conversation. Do ensure to visit one of the tea shops and savor the renowned "Muzha Tieguanyin" or "Wenshan Pouchong tea" when you arrive at Maokong. Your trip will undoubtedly be rewarded with the delightful combination of specialty tea and a delicious meal, all while basking in the splendid scenery of Taipei Basin.

Elephant Mountain is arguably the best place to see a full view of the city of Taipei. A hike to the top of Elephant Mountain takes about 30 minutes for those who are able.

The Xiangshan Hiking Trail takes visitors to a spectacular view, but it may be a bit difficult for those who are not used to climbing a large number of stairs. This is particularly true when the heat and humidity of Taiwan accompanies the steep climb.

Tourists should not be intimidated by the climb. There are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way, including places to sit, rest and recuperate. Visitors should bring a bottle of water that they can enjoy during these rests.

Those who don't want to climb to the top can stop at a viewing platform about halfway up the climb. The trail is open 24-hours per day, every day of the week. Many visitors go during the day, and then return at night when they can enjoy the city lights from a distance.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is a memorial to Sun Yat-sen, the provisional first president of the Republic of China. The hall contains information about his life with a particular focus on Xinhai Revolution.

The Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall serves as an education and cultural center. It has a performance hall, an exhibition center, a theatre and a library. In addition, visitors can see a large statue of Sun Yat-sen at the entrance.

One of the most popular tourist events at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is the changing of the guards. This event takes place every hour from 9 AM through 5 PM.

The memorial hall is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. It is located within Zhongshan Park, which also has a series of gardens, ponds and walking paths. The park itself is open 24 hours a day.

Tip:
Watch the changing of the honor guards from the upstairs balcony, instead of the front of them, for a much better view.

The Xingtian Temple is a new building dating back to 1967. This temple is dedicated to Guan Yu, who is considered a patron god of business people, and was a second-century general who was deified. Some of the most popular sights in and around the temple include figures of dragons.

This temple's design is simple yet has a dignified feel very fitting for its place in worship. The main hall has a censer with a unique dragon-centered design. Most of the worshipers at this temple gather in the courtyard to pray, either kneeling or bowing their heads.

There are free candles available for visitors to take if they wish. Although this temple is not as old as some in Taipei, it is an excellent place to gain an appreciation for the local religious life.

The Taipei Confucius Temple, located in Datong District, is a place of reverence for Confucianism. It was constructed in 1879 during the Qing Dynasty, shortly after the establishment of Taipeh Prefecture in 1875. Interestingly, the temple faced a period of turmoil during the Japanese occupation, as it was torn down. However, in 1930, a man named Wang Yi-Shun undertook the task of rebuilding it.

The newly reconstructed temple was in use for just a few years when World War II erupted. During this time, the Japanese authorities prohibited traditional Chinese ceremonies within the temple, replacing them with Japanese Shinto rituals and music. This situation persisted until 1945 when Taiwan transitioned from Japanese rule to the Republic of China.

Following this transfer of authority, the temple had a temporary role hosting the Examination Yuan until 1951 when it was relocated to Muzha District. In more recent times, visitors to the temple were required to adhere to social distancing measures, and the number of visitors was regulated to ensure safety.

Every year on September 28, a ceremony featuring traditional music and stylized dancing is conducted at the temple in honor of Confucius. Additionally, it serves as a place where students, accompanied by their parents, come to seek blessings before taking their college entrance exams.

Dalongdong Baoan Temple, also known as Taipei Baoan Temple, is a traditional religious shrine located in the Datong District of Taipei. This temple has deep roots in Taiwanese folk religion and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century.

The temple's origins trace back to immigrants from Tong'an, Xiamen, Fujian, who settled in Taipei in the early 1800s. They constructed the temple with the intention of safeguarding the well-being of their fellow Tong'an residents, hence the name "Po-an," which translates to "protect those of Tong'an." Adjacent to Baoan Temple, you can find the Taipei Confucius Temple.

Construction of the temple began in 1804, replacing a wooden shrine that had existed since 1742 in Toaliongtong. Throughout the 20th century, especially during the Japanese colonial period, the temple underwent several renovations and expansions, ultimately shaping the temple complex we see today.

In recognition of its historical and cultural significance, the Taiwanese government designated Baoan Temple as a level two historic monument in 1985. After years of neglect and deterioration, extensive repairs and renovations took place in 1995, restoring the temple to its former glory.

In 2003, the temple received international recognition when it was honored with an induction into the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation, acknowledging its role in preserving cultural heritage.

The National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine in Taipei is a memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives in various conflicts, including the Xinhai Revolution, Northern Expedition, Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Civil War, and the First and Second Taiwan Strait Crises. This shrine, constructed in 1969 on Chingshan Mountain overlooking the Keelung River in Taipei's Zhongshan District, draws architectural inspiration from Beijing's Forbidden City, specifically the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Within this structure, the spirits of approximately 390,000 individuals who perished in these conflicts are honored with spirit tablets. Similar to the ceremonial traditions observed at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, the shrine hosts a changing of the honor guard, featuring representatives from various branches of the Republic of China Military.

Tip:
Be sure to check out the main hall and stick around for the changing of the guard ceremony which occurs on the hour between 9am-4pm. If you go on your own, you should wait until you can have the guards for your own, and then you can snap a picture with them.

Shilin Night Market, located in Taipei's Shilin District, is widely regarded as the largest and most renowned night market in Taiwan.

This night market comprises two distinct sections that mutually benefit each other: one is situated within the historic Shilin Market building, primarily housing food vendors and small restaurants, while the other consists of surrounding businesses and shops offering various non-food items. The food court area boasts an impressive 539 stalls, and the second floor serves as a parking facility accommodating up to 400 cars.

Beyond the food court, the side streets and alleys are adorned with storefronts and roadside stands. Additionally, you'll find cinemas, video arcades, and karaoke bars in the vicinity. Much like other night markets in Taiwan, local businesses and vendors typically commence their operations around 4 p.m. As school students return home, the crowds peak between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., and businesses often stay open well into the night, closing around 1 a.m. or 2 a.m.

Tourist footfall has significantly increased since 1997, thanks to the opening of two nearby stops on the Taipei Metro system. Shilin Night Market is conveniently located closest to Jiantan Station on the Tamsui–Xinyi line (Tamsui/Red Line), visible from the station platform.

Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy the mix of boutiques, interesting sights and smells, and all the people out having a great time.
If you're hungry and can handle the sensory overload, this is definitely something to experience!

Tip:
Look for the longest queues and join them for whatever's at the end! Make sure you visit the air-conditioned food hall in the basement as well, especially if you want to sit down with your meal.
Have a foot massage as your last stop. Most massage shops are right next to the market area and offer discounts after 11pm – a great choice for relaxing after an all-day walk.

The primary building of the National Palace Museum in Taipei was designed by Huang Baoyu and was constructed from March 1964 to August 1965. Because there wasn't enough space to display over 600,000 artifacts, the museum underwent expansions in 1967, 1970, 1984, 1996, and 2002.

The museum's collection includes antiquities that span thousands of years and encompass various genres. The museum's permanent exhibitions of painting and calligraphy change every three months. At any given time, about 3,000 pieces from the museum's collection are on display, with the remainder safely stored in temperature-controlled vaults. Despite their brevity, these exhibitions are highly popular among visitors.

The National Palace Museum's compound also includes the Zhishan Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the style of the Song and Ming dynasties, covering an area of 1.88 hectares. This garden incorporates principles from various fields such as feng shui, Chinese architecture, water management, landscape design, and Chinese folklore and metaphor. It features numerous ponds, water features, and wooden Chinese pavilions. Additionally, there is another Chinese-style garden nearby called the Shuangxi Park and Chinese Garden.

Why You Should Visit:
Very educational museum – everything is in three languages and the way it walks through history is fascinating.
The premier items are the Jadeite Cabbage and the Meat-Shaped Jasper, which are both beautiful pieces.

Tip:
Try arriving early and on weekdays to avoid the large tour groups. Go and see the main attractions first!
Definitely use the audio guide if you have plenty of time and are keen to learn more about the key exhibited pieces.
There is also a 75-min guided tour in English (pre-book online on NPM website) that gives a splendid overview of the bronze, ceramics, calligraphy & special items.
Visit the Zhishan Garden beside if you are in the mood to chill (museum ticket gives admission). If not, move on to the next place which is Yangmingshan National Park.