Bopiliao Historic Block

Taipei

　　One of the best-preserved historic sections of Wanhua, Bopiliao covers both Qing and early Japanese-era architecture. Some of the buildings house art galleries (generally open from 9am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday) showing experimental works, mostly by young local artists. Although reconstruction work is impressive, the street lacks life; it's...

Ciyou Temple

Taipei

　　This 18th-century triple-tiered temple is dedicated to Matsu, the black-faced Chinese goddess of seafarers. It marks the start of the Raohe Street Night Market and is one of Taipei's busiest and most-colourful places of worship. The rooftop jiǎnniàn (剪黏; mosaic-like decoration) is particularly vibrant. ...

Xiahai City God Temple

Taipei

　　This lively and well-loved temple on Dihua St was built in 1856 to house the City God statue that the losers in the Wanhua feud took as they fled upstream. Little has changed since those days. The temple is a terrific spot to witness folk-worship rituals as well as admire...

Fine Arts Museum

Taipei

　　Constructed in the 1980s, this airy, four-storey box of marble, glass and concrete showcases contemporary art, with a particular focus on Taiwanese artists. Exhibits include pieces by Taiwanese painters and sculptors, from the Japanese period through to the present. Check the website to see what's currently showing. 　　The museum hosts...

Tamsui Cultural Park

Taipei

　　This handsome and serene collection of old brick warehouses, just behind Tamsui MRT on the riverside, was once the Shell Tamsui Warehouse: as in Royal Dutch Shell. The oil company leased the land in 1897 and held on until the 1990s, when it donated it to the Tamsui Cultural Foundation....

Raohe Street Night Market

Taipei

　　Taipei's oldest night market, Raohe St is a single pedestrian lane stretching between two ornate gates. In between you'll find a great assortment of Taiwanese eats, treats and sometimes even seats. Look for pork ribs in herbal broth, vermicelli and oysters, spicy stinky tofu and steamed buns. ...

National Taiwan Museum

Taipei

　　Established in 1908, Taiwan's first public museum has been in its present location in 2-28 Park since 1915. Reopened in 2017 after an upgrade, it has been transformed from its formerly dreary state into an engaging and atmospheric walk through Taiwan's natural history and indigenous cultures. Apart from some dodgy...

Shilin Night Market

Taipei

　　Taipei's most famous night market is hugely popular with travellers – and many young locals – who come to enjoy the carnival of street-side snacking, shopping and games. In 2011, the government moved much of the action inside a covered market: the food vendors were relegated to the basement, while...

National Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Taipei

　　The hall and its surrounding gardens occupy an entire city block. The latter are well used by picnickers, kite flyers, breakdancers and the early morning taichi crowd, while the cavernous interior serves as a cultural centre with regular exhibitions and performances. There's a large, though sparsely informative, museum on the...

Tonghua Night Market

Taipei

　　Taipei's liveliest night market, and all the better for being local and less touristy. Food-wise there are steaks, sushi, animal-shaped biscuits, candyfloss, noodles and the best rice-wine sweet dumplings in the city. There's even a stall pumping out draught beer. Shopping-wise there are lamps, jewellery, underwear, aprons, kitchenware, posters, puzzles...

Longshan Temple

Taipei

　　Longshan Temple is one of five Longshans in Taipei, and as such is devoted to the Guanyin Buddha. Built in 1738 and then rebuilt in the 1850s, the temple retains much of its southern architectural roots. The swallowtail roof is particularly elegant. You can find the temple hidden away in...

Qingshan Temple

Taipei

　　Along with Longshan, this elegant temple, first built in 1856, is one of Wanhua's top houses of worship. There is an abundance of top-quality wood, stone and decorative artwork to see here, and the god's birthday festival is one of Taipei's liveliest religious events. Called the Night Patrol (夜間出巡; Yèjiān...

Bao'an Temple

Taipei

　　Recipient of a Unesco Asia-Pacific Heritage Award for both its restoration and its revival of temple rites and festivities, Bao'an Temple (also called Dalongdong Bao'an Temple) is a must-visit when in Taipei. This exquisite structure is loaded with prime examples of the traditional decorative arts, and the yearly folk arts...

Huashan 1914 Creative Park

Taipei

　　Borrowing from western urban-regeneration models, this early-20th-century wine factory has been restored as Taipei's most retro-chic venue. Remodelled warehouses now hold live-music performances and pop-up shops sell innovative Taiwanese-designed products, there are ever-changing exhibitions, and a host of stylish restaurants, cafes and bars will have you loving the ambience as...

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall

Taipei

　　This grandiose monument to authoritarian leader Chiang Kai-shek is a popular attraction and rightly so. It is a sobering feeling to stand in the massive courtyard. Chiang's blue-roofed hall is a prime example of the neoclassical style, favoured by CKS as a counterpoint to the Cultural Revolution's destruction of genuine...

National Human Rights Museum

Taipei

　　This former detention centre, court and jail was where political prisoners were incarcerated and tried during the White Terror period (1947–87). The English audio guide is highly recommended. These peaceful but sombre grounds include tiny jail cells, shackles, the old commissary and a row of telephones where prisoners could speak...

Taipei 101

Taipei

　　Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei 101 is impossible to miss. At 508m, Taipei 101 held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years. Until 2011, it also held the title of the world's tallest green building. 　　Ticket...

Dihua Street

Taipei

　　This former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. It has attracted numerous restoration and cultural projects and is now a magnet for young entrepreneurs, eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art...

Longshan Temple

Taipei

　　Founded in 1738 by Han immigrants from Fujian, this temple has served as a municipal, guild and self-defence centre, as well as a house of worship. These days it is one of the city's top religious sites, and a prime venue for exploring both Taiwan's vibrant folk faith and its...

National Palace Museum

Taipei

　　Home to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast hoard covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, lacquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous Jadeite Cabbage, are always on display – although check first that it's...