Shaped roughly like a tabacco leaf, 240 miles long and 85 miles wide, Taiwan is located 100 miles off the coast of southeastern China. The Portuguese named it "La lsla Formosa" (beautiful island) during their occupation in 1517. Today, Taipei is the capital of Taiwan. Tamsui River (淡水河), running through the northern part of Taipei area is the cradle of Taipei. It served as a major artery in the city's subsequent development because most immigrants built up their settlement along the river. Nowadays, Taiwan has a population of 21 million. There are 3 million of people reside in its capital-Taipei, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Indeed, Taipei is a hectic and crowded city. There are lots of wonderful things to see but just getting from one to the next can try our patience if you do not have much time. Though the city can be seen in a few days, it is not advised: there are many small alleys, temples and mountains to explore both inside and outside of the city and often magic of Taipei comes when you can see a bit at a time. The scooters, the taxis and the hundreds of people are a lot to take in and you will probably find yourself needing to sit in a coffee or tea shop so often to digest what you have seen.
B. Spots of interest
1. Lungshan Temple龍山寺
Manka, now known as the Wanhua district, is the first part of Taipei to be developed. It is also the site of the city's oldest temple, Lungshan Temple, which serves as a center of social activity as well as worship for local residents.
An interesting legend relates the temple's origin. It is said that a man once left a Kuanyin(Goddess of Mercy) amulet hanging on a tree, and when night fell the amulet began giving off a brilliant light. The people of the neighborhood soon discovered that the charm had the power to grant wishes, and they naturally wanted to build a temple for the goddess. Construction on the site where the charm was found began in 1738, and the temple was completed two years later. Numerous renovations have taken place during the more that 250 years since then. The temple is laid out in the shape of a square within a square.
The unevenly cut stones that pave the temple's courtyard have their own history. In the old days, the Taiwan Straits were known as the "Blackwater Channel" because of their rough and perilous nature. To help stabilize their ships, immigrants from Fukien province used slabs of stone as ballast; it is these same stone slabs that now pave parts of the courtyard in front of Lungshan Temple.
Bus: 0-west-right, 25, 49, 218, 265
Add : No.211, Kuangjou Street
For taxi : 廣州街211號
2. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 中正紀念堂
Taipei's majestic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is the island's most impressive monument to the great Chinese hero -- Chiang Kai-shek. Located south of the Taipei train station on Chungshan North Road and Hsinyi Road. The magnificent square will take your breath away. It is in Chinese style with white walls and blue roofs, and contains a bronze statue of the President, the rooms underneath mount an exhibition of the President's rich life. Soldiers on guard at the Memorial are changed every hour, which is a favorite sight for tourists.
The memorial hall's 76-meter (250-foot) marble edifice landscaped gardens, graceful pavilions, and placid ponds, and the complex covers about 250,000 square meters (62 acres). A 25-ton bronze status of the late President Chiang looks out over the city from the main building; a ground-level library displays photos and mementos of his life. The buildings are open from 9 am to 4:30 pm daily. From the firstlight of dawn, the memorial is a busy place. Many gather here for morning exercises like Tai Chi, and later in the day visitors can see seniors chatting in the shade, couples having wedding photos taken, or other residents strolling the walkways and gardens around tranquil fish ponds. The grounds are open from 5 am to midnight daily.
Opening hours: 09:00~17:00 daily (Memorial Hall)
Buses: 5, 15, 18, 20, 22, 38, 48, 70, 204, 208, 209, 236, 237, 248, 249, 251, 252, 253, 263, 270, 274, 275, 291, 293, 294, and 603
MRT: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall station
For taxi : 中正紀念堂
3 Huahsi Night Market 華西街夜市
Although it's a bit like a carnival, many people still like to visit Huahsi Night Market, better known as "Snake Alley". The presence of loads of tourists has driven up prices in this very lively night market, but the atmosphere more than makes up for this.
What you get for your inflated tourist dollars is the opportunity to see skilled snake handlers playing with real live cobras as if they were wind-up toys. You can sample snake soup or drink a cup of snake bile definitely not for the squeamish, nor are they cheap. This is also the place to stock up on snake-penis pills and powdered gall bladder. Because Chinese herbalists claim that snake meat acts as an aphrodisiac, Snake Alley has long been associated with brothels. However, the brothels have been shut down, which has no doubt hit the market for aphrodisiacs.
Even if you are not in the market for a reptile's gall bladder, Snake Alley is a busy night market. Particularly good buys here are the cheap music cassettes, though they mostly offer Chinese music.
Opening hours: 7am-midnight
Buses: 0-west, 25, 38, 49, 65, 231, 242, 265, 310 or 601
For taxi : 華西街夜市
4. Yangmingshan National Park 陽明山國家公園
Yangmingshan National Park is a mountainous area where visitors can find charming waterfalls, volcanic craters, picturesque lakes, terraced rice paddies, and steaming hot springs. The profusion of cherry and azalea blossoms in the spring and cool, fresh mountain air in the summer are added attractions.
Walkways and trails lead to the park's main scenic spots, and offer ideal hiking for a couple of hours or a full day. Most of the peaks can be easily climbed, but a few military areas and ecological protection zones are off limits.
The park covers more than 11,000 hectares (27,500 acres), and its volcanic past can be seen in its valleys, plateaus, and peaks. Residual volcanic heat gives rise to hot sulfur springs and jets of steam from scalding sulfur pits.
Headquarters: 1-20 Tzutzuhu Road, Yangmingshan Taipei; Tel: 2861-3601~6
Buses: From Taipei, city buses to the park include No. 213, 230, 255, 260, and 301, and mini buses Nos. 6, 9, 15, and 508.
Highway buses serving the Taipei-Chinshan route also pass through the park and stop at several places within it.
5. Chienkuo Holiday Flower Market and Jade Market 建國假日花市、玉市
Running between Jenai Road, and Hoping East Road, along the Chienkuo South Road axis, under the overpass, is the flower market, which opens at weekends and holidays. All types of flowers and jade materials are sold at the Market, and at the Jade Market. And the prices are negotiable. The markets run parallel to one of Taipei newest and cleanest parks, TaAn Forest (大安森林公園). There is a free information service.
Opening hours: Saturday, Sundays and holidays
Buses: 36, 37, 48, 65, 226, 263, 270, 274, 278, 291, 298
For taxi : 建國假日花市玉市
C. Getting around
1. International Airport
Chiang Kai-shek International Airport
Website: www. cksairport.gov.tw
Departure service: (03)398-2143
Entry Service: (03) 398-2790
Taxi service is provided on the northside outside Arrival Lobby. To secure the safety of passengers, only taxis chosen by Aviation Police Bureau through a strict selection procedure are allowed to operate in CKS Airport. It is a 24-hour service.
It charges according to the meter plus 50% per charge (highway toll fee not included) It can drive you to any place you want.
Typical cost of a taxi is around NT$1,100 to Taipei, around NT$3,200 to Taichung. For further information please call : (03)398-2832
From CKS to Taipei:
Buses providing services
(1) Taiwan Bus Corp.
(2) Evervoyage
(3) Toward You Air Bus
(4) Fe Go Express
Frequency: every 15 to 30 minutes from CKS Airport to Taipei City.
Ticket fare is up to NT$120 for adult single. Besides Taipei Shun Shan Airport and Taipei Railway Station, various stops are also available in Taipei City. For further information please call the Bus Companies listed below.
Ticketing counters are located on the southside of the Arrival Lobby.
2. Taipei Area Transportation
Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)
In Taipei metro city, the public transportation mainly relies on subway---MRT. The current operation of MRT can provide access to most important spots of Taipei as well as the nearby suburban areas. Therefore, it is important to take the MRT route map with you when you begin your adventure in this city. You can find this map and transfer information in our welcome bag.
Bus
Most buses have stops in Taipei Train Station. They can take you to every corner of Taipei. Riders can go to the train station to find the buses they need. However, only few drivers can speak English. Therefore, bus tour is not recommended in Taipei.
Taxi information
Taxi service in Taipei is very different from other cities. Here, you can see yellow cabs all over the streets. You do not have to make reservation in advance. Usually, you only need to stand on the street and raise your hand, yellow cab will come to you right away. The meter stars at NT$70 (meters will show NT$50 and NT$20 is added to the fare), but surcharges may apply in the wee hours, when summoning a taxi by phone. Most of the drivers cannot speak English. It is better to ask your hotel to write down the address in Chinese and you can hand it to the driver. Of course, all the hotels can help you book taxi whenever you need.
Or you can try the following toll free number to get taxi by yourself : 808-055850
D. Useful Information :
1. Important telephone numbers :
Fire/Medical: 119
Police:110
English-speaking Police: 2556-6007
English Directory Assistance: 106
2. Bank and Currency Exchange
The exchange rate between New Taiwan dollar and other currencies are as followed:
Currency exchange rate
USD 31.1400NT$
Yen 0.2885NT$
Pound 46.8100NT$
HK 4.0170 NT$
Euro 28.7300 NT$
Mark 14.7000 NT$
Franc 4.3900 NT$
Swissfranc 18.5800 NT$
Thai baht 0.7750 NT$
Taipei Banks
Chase Manhattan Bank 2514-1234
Citibank 2715-5931
Deutsche Bank AG 2755-3838
Bank of Taiwan 2349-3456
Far Eastern Int'l Bank 2381-4567
First Commerical Bank 2311-1111
Fubon Bank 2511-5511
Taipei Bank 2542-5656
Taishin Int'l Bank 2568-3988
United World Chinese Bank 2312-5555
3. Public Pay Phones
The rate is NT$1 for two minutes. Phones accept NT$1, NT$5, NT$10 coins. Telephone cards cost NT$100 and permit 100 call units for island-wide use. Available at train stations, bus terminals, kiosks and 7-seven stores.
Use International Direct Dial (IDD) phones to save surcharges.
Using international toll-free numbers (008) when available saves money.
IOCE Dialing Access
For reversed charged or credit calls, dial 008, then the access number of the country:
Destination Number
Australia 008-061-0061
Canada 008-012-0012
Germany 008-049-0049
Hong Kong 008-085-2111
Italy 008-039-0039
Japan 008-81-0051
Korea 008-082-0082
Malaysia 008-60-0060
Philippines 008-63-0063
Singapore 008-065-6565
United Kingdom 008-044-0044
USA(AT&T) 008-010-2880
4. Postal Information
Postal boxes are conveniently placed throughout Taiwan. Red boxes are for airmail (left-hand slot) and prompt delivery mail (right-hand slot). Green boxes are for local; the right-hand slot is for mail within the city, the left-hand slot is for outside the city.
5. Business Hours
Banks hours are from 9am to 3:30pm, Monday through Friday, and 9am to 12pm on every other Saturday. Government offices are open from 8:30am to 5:30pm from Monday to Friday, and 8:30am to 12:30pm on every other Saturday.
Opening hours for commercial and retail establishments vary from 9am to 11 am, but these usually remain open until late in the evening.
E. Taipei's Galleries & Art events
National Palace Museum故宮博物院
Originally in Beijing Forbidden City, the museum is now tucked away in a mountainside on the north side of Taipei and competes with the likes of "the Louvre" and "Metropolitan Museum of Art". The treasures, which date as far back as 3000 BC, include porcelain, jade, painting, calligraphy, woodcarvings, ceramics, bronzes and miniature curo cabinets.
September Exhibition :
Painting and Calligraphy from the museum Collection, Featured in R.O.C. Stamps Figure Painting of the Middle Ming Dynasty: A special Exhibition of Works by Tu Chin, Chou Ch'en, T'ang Yin, and Ch'iu Ying
A Special Exhibition in Commemoration of the Sung Scholar-Official Artist Su Shih
Rubbings Engraved Stelae and Modelbook Calligraphy
Website : www.npm.gov.tw
Opening hours : 09:00~17:00 daily
Buses : 213, 255, 304
Tel : 2881-2021
Add : No. 221, Chihshan Rd, Sec. 2
For taxi : 至善路2段221號
National Museum of History 國立歷史博物館
Surrounded by Taipei Botany Garden, National Museum of History is famous for its beautiful combination of art and nature. It was established in 1955. In the early stage, it mainly collected artifacts from the Yellow River areas. Nowadays, it also expands collection to Fukien and Taiwan areas. Generally, it features the Chinese civilian culture and history.
Special Exhibitions in September ：
Arman
Preserved Artifacts from the Ruins of the 921 Earthquakes
The Tricolor and Colored Pottery of the National Museum of History's Collection
Costumes and Accessories of Chinese Minorities
Ink Paintings of Taiwanese Scenes
General History of Chinese Artifacts
Reflections on Days Gone by: Photographies by Hwang Pai-Chi at 70s
Contemporary Native American Art from Oklahoma
Traveling Exhibition of Chinese Artifacts to Central America
Website : www.nmh.gov.tw
Opening hours : Tue to Sun, 10am to 6pm
Entrance fee: NT20 for adult ; NT10 for student
Bus: 0-east, 3, 262, 238,239, 304, 0-west, 1, 204, 630
Tel: 2361-0270 / Fax:2361-0171
Add : No. 49, Nan-hai Rd.
For taxi : 南海路49號
Chang Foundation Museum 鴻禧美術館
Chang Foundation is one of the most famous private museums in Taipei. It has very exquisite ancient Chinese collection. The collection basically falls into four categories: porcelain and pottery, calligraphy and paintings, golden Buddhist statute, and various artifacts.
Special Exhibition during September :
Ancient Pottery from Gansu
Chopsticks through the ages
Treasures from the Qingwan Society Collections
Chinese Body Ornaments
Opening hours: 10:30am to 4:30pm Tuesday to Sunday
Entrance fee: adult NT$100, student NT$50
Tel : 2356-9575 / Fax : 2356-9579
Add : No. 63, Jen Ai Road, section 2,
For taxi : 仁愛路2段63號
Kuo Mu Sheng Foundation Art Center 郭木生文教基金會美術中心
Art exhibition, concert, art education, art education promotion and art investment consultation are the most important activities in Kuo Mu Sheng Foundation. In the building, the cafeteria serves cakes and beverage, creating relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere for visitors.
Special Exhibition in September :
Gate of Will-Works by Wu Ying Hai, Chen Wen Che, Chen Jien Yung and Zhan Se Tai
Lai Chi Man, Lin Liang Tsai, Fung Ming Chip, Hu Tung Ming: Works on Paper.
Prints and Sculptures by Yang Ming-dye
Opening hours : Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm
Entrance fee: free
Tel : 2100-2888 / Fax : 2100-1813
Add : B2, No. 162, Sung Chiang Rd.
For taxi : 松江路162號B2
Lungmen Art Gallery龍門畫廊
Lungmen was established in 1976 and restructured last year spring. It only focused on modern and contemporary art before. Now it also includes fine prints and public art. Differing from traditional art gallery, Lungmen creates a unique art showcase to demonstrate art life in the new millenium.
Special exhibition in September :
Yao Ching Chang Solo Exhibition
Teang Shiun Solo Exhibition
Chang Chen-Yu Solo Exhibition
Opening hours : Monday to Saturday, 10:30am to 6:30pm
Entrance fee: free
Tel : 8789-2798 / Fax: 8789-2796
Add : 2F, No. 2, Lane 150, Sec. 5, Sin-Yi Rd.
For taxi : 信義路5段150巷2號2樓
Eslite Gallery 誠品畫廊
Eslite Gallery pursues the humanity of art with a sincere and serious attitude. It provides exquisite space for brilliant art works, in hope that it can explore mature and in-depth contemporary works. It has specialty in oil painting, sculpture and print.
Special Exhibition in September :
Ren Rong solo Exhibition
Jason Chi solo exhibition
Szeto Keung solo exhibition
Hsia Yan solo exhibition
Su Wong Shen solo exhibition
Opening hours: 11:00am to 10 pm
Entrance fee: free
Tel: 2775-5977 ext 588 / Fax: 2731-8719
Add : B2, No. 245, Tun-hua S. Rd. Sec. 1
For taxi : 敦化南路1段245號B2
Hanart Gallery 漢雅軒
It was established in 1977 and concentrates on Chinese painting, modern painting, sculpture and Ceramics. It held exhibition for contemporary artists Chen Fu-Shan and Ju Ming. In 1982, it held Ling Yuan Shi Sculpture Exhibition in Hong Kong. Since 1984, it began to promote Taiwan's new paintings and incorporated Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and overseas Chinese artists into its exhibition.
Opening hour: 10:30am to 6:30pm (Sunday off)
Entrance fee: free
Tel : 2703-8052 / Fax : 2702-9890
Add: B1, No. 306, Jen-ai Rd., Sec. 4
For taxi : 仁愛路4段306號B1
IT Park Gallery 伊通公園
It is an open place for Taiwan's modern art. The founders of IT Park doe not only aim to work as an artist arena. They also want to build a self-driven stage outside the mainstream of government ideology and commercial power. Besides periodical art exhibition, IT Park also initiates artist dialogue to spark idea and ignite passion. The perspective of IT park is not static, it is fluid, remote and unimaginable.
Special Exhibition in September :
P.H. > 7 Alkaline Era
Director: Shi-yun Ku
Participating artist
Huao-dee Huang, Kuao-chia Chen, Chi-wen Li, Hwei-chiow Chen, Dee-yu, Wang, Shian-rou Chiang
Opening hour: Mon~ Thur 13:00~24:00; Fri~Sat 13:00~24:00
Entrance fee: free
Tel : 2507-7243 / Fax: 2507-1149
Add : 2F, No. 41, Yi-tung St.
For taxi : 伊通街41號2F
F. Places to stay
Here we provide hotels that work closely with our museum, each of them is our neighborhood. You will find it's very convenient for you to stay :
1. Ambassador Hotel Taipei 國賓大飯店
Located 40 minutes from CKS International Airport, the hotel is situated in the heart of Taipei aside one of the most beautiful boulevard in Taipei City. Take a smooth ride from the hotel to the Taipei Fine Arts Museum in only 8 minutes, and enjoy all the boutique shops, department stores and business areas surrounding the hotel providing most convenient access to our guests. The hotel is newly refurbished in a style of European elegance and with the most state-of-the-art facilities. A total of 428 rooms of different sizes and view offer guest a wide selection that tailors to the guests needs.
Rates: Single rooms：from NT$ 3,420 ~ 4,500
Double rooms：from NT$ 3,960 ~ 5,220
10% service charge of rack rate is subject to add to the above to the above rates.
Contact Person：Ms. Aki Huang (Manager of Reservation Dept.)
Tel：+886-2-2551-1393
Fax：+886-2-2561-7883
Website：http://www.ambhotel.com.tw
E-mail：reserv@ambh.com.tw
2. Imperial Inter-Continental Taipei Hotel 華國洲際飯店
A 5 stars hotel, located in the heart of Taipei's bustling " So Ho" area, close to the city's financial district and only minutes away from many historic and cultural attractions. The hotel features 288 beautifully designed and newly-refurbished guestrooms, including 46 club rooms and 66 suites of various sizes and decor.
Rate：Superior Room NT$ 3,410
Contact Person：Reservation Center
Tel： +886-2-2596-5111
Fax： +886-2-2592-7506
Website： http://www. interconti.com.tw
3. The Empress Hotel 帝后飯店
The Empress Hotel has been designed to made you feel at home whether on business or leisure in Taipei.
Empress Hotel is located in Chung-Shan District, a graceful section with rich at atmosphere. 68 graceful and comfortable guestrooms being small delicate and warm is its characteristic.
Rate： Single room with breakfast ：NT$ 1,925 (Net)
Double room with breakfast：NT$ 2,240 (Net)
Contact Person： Mr. Chang or Ms. Lee of Reservation Department
Tel：+886-2-2591-3261
Fax：+886-2-2592-2922
Website：http://www.empress.com.tw
4. The Grand Hotel 圓山大飯店
A traditional Chinese palace style 5 stars luxurious Hotel, landmark of Taipei Near by TFAM, 8-10 minutes on foot. Free shuttles service every 30 minutes.
Rate：Single Room NT$ 2,520 ~ 3,900 (with complimentary welcome fruits, free use of fitness center, full access to The Yuan shan Club where international standard sized Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Billiards and bowling alleys etc…are available.)
Contact Person： Ms. Sandy Chung of Reservation Center
Tel：+886-2-2886-8888 ext. 1522
Fax：+886-2-2885-2885
Website：http://www.grand-hotel.org/
5. Taipei Fortuna Hotel (富都大飯店)
The Taipei Fortuna Hotel has built up its reputation through years of experience in the hospitality trade. Guests are assured to be pampered with efficient service at all times.
Located conveniently in the heart of the business district on Chung-Shan North Road the 14-storey Taipei Fortuna has 304 well-appointed guestrooms. These spacious and well-appointed rooms are bright and cheery and equipped with all the latest amenities.
Rate : single room NT $2600~NT$3000
Contact Person : Reservation center
Tel : +886-2-2563-1111
Fax : +886-2-2561-9777
Email : fortuna@ms9.hinet.net
Website : http://www.taipei-fortuna.com.tw
G. Places to eat
1. Ding Tai Feng (鼎泰豐)
More popular with tourists than with locals, but Ding Tai Feng still serves the best dumplings in town to those who are prepared to wait in line. No.51 soup in dumpling are Shanghai dumplings with a well-seasoned savory pork filling wrapped in a thin wheat-flour skin, then gently steamed on bamboo racks with the juices forming the soup. The steamed shrimp dumplings are also superb. From around NT300.
Add : No. 194, Hsinyi Rd., Sec2. / Tel : 2391-7719
For taxi : 信義路二段194號
2. Hsin Yeh Restaurant (欣葉餐廳)
Nearby Taipei Fortuna Hotel, typical Taiwanese cuisine, with a very local ambiance and reasonable prices, and suitable for any age group. Frequented by tourists and local residents. Taiwanese cuisine features excellent seafood, squid, fried shrimp rolls, grilled clams…these dishes shouldn't be missed.
Add : No.34-1, Shuang-Cheng Street / Tel : 2596-3255
For taxi : 雙城街34之1 號
3. King Join Beijing Restaurant (京兆尹)
The most sumptuous and spacious of the chain specializing in "old imperial Peking" cuisine. Dine like an emperor on various delicacies is its major attraction. The inexpensive noodle dishes and the shaobing-sesame rolls with sliced beef-are highly recommended.
For taxi : 四維路18號（仁愛路遠東百貨後巷）No. 18, Siwei Rd. / Tel : 2701-3225
麗水街16巷2號 No.2, Lane 16, Li-Suei Street / Tel : 2321-8222
復興南路1段107巷21-2號 No. 21-2, Lane 107, Sec.1, Fuhsing S. Rd.
Tel : 2721-8653
Special Offer : 10% discount when you consume in King Join Restaurant. Valid until 2000.1.31
4.Wind (風)
Wind's design and decor is captured from a neo-classical period influence by modern times. The restaurant is cozy with tasteful lighting, hardwood floors and new age music. Wind's location is in the best area in Taipei. The beerhouse-style Chinese cuisine is a marked notch above average too. Some favorite foods, such as Sauteed beef with scallions (蔥爆牛肉)、Viceroy chicken (左宗棠雞) 、Deep-fried bean curd (炸豆腐) shouldn't be missed. Food is served until 2:30 am daily.
Add : No. 126, Tunhua S. Rd., Sec.2 / Tel : 2702-4499
For taxi : 敦化南路2段126號
Special Offer : 1 cup of free American Coffee
when you consume in WIND Valid until 2000.1.31
5. UEDA Coffee (上田咖啡)
3 minutes on foot from Taipei Fortuna Hotel, the UEDA Coffee offers a good meal and tasty coffee in a nostalgic atmosphere. It's an ideal place to take a lunch for businessmen. You can also enjoy excellent Japanese cuisine there.
Add : No. 108, Chung-Shan N. Rd. Sec2 / Tel : 2561-7897~8
For taxi : 中山北路2段108號
H. Places to drink
1. Cafe Tutto
Cafe/ home-made cuisine/ gallery/ events
Relaxing, the extension of our living room……….
Website : www.cafwtutto.com.tw
Add : No. 9, Lane101, Roosevelt Rd., Sec 2. / Tel : 8369-1271
For taxi : 羅斯福路2段101巷9號
Special Offer : 20% discount in Cafe Tutto Valid until 2000.1.31
2. Yeats Bistro (葉慈咖啡酒館)
Dark brown tables and chairs, dainty shades of illumination, the mosaic floor, with the poems of Yeats inscribed on the walls, and musicals being performed in the night. This Bistro that is named after the Poet opens its doors from 11:30am around noon until 6:00am of the following morning, offering a wide range of menu from Pasta/Risotto lunches, French afternoon tea, French banquets, to midnight snacks all through the night.
The musical programs performed every night between 10:00pm and 12:00pm cover a large variety of musical styles and instruments, including Jazz, folk music, neoclassical, musicals, as well as Flamenco dances, creating a Bistro musical culture with both imaginative capabilities and the sense for quality.
E-mail : yeats150@pchome.com.tw
Opening hours : 11:30am ~ 6:00am
Tel : 2700-2575 (for reservations and program inquiries) / Fax : 2700-2576
Add : No. 150, Tun Hwa S. Rd., Sec. 2 (across the street from Taipei Metro Mall, near Hoping E. Rd.)
For taxi : 敦化南路2段150號
I. Pubs & Discos
1. @live
One of Taipei's largest discos. Big thumping dance club where Taipei's glam set comes to get their trance and techno fix. Red upholstered upstairs bar offers respite from crowded dance floor. Cover charge is NT$350-500 depending on the local band playing. Thursday is Ladies' Night. Daily 8:30pm~4am.
Website : www.alive-taipei.com
Add : 3F, No. 15, Hoping E. Rd. Sec.1 / Tel : 2396-3155.
For taxi : 和平東路1段15號3樓
2.MILK
Coded door, stainless steel, projected light
Curtain walls, trip hop sounds, light go round.
Girls go red, lounge in black, fluorescent white.
Boys go blue, silhouettes pass, night and night.
Monday to Thursday 9pm~3am, Friday and Saturday 9pm~5am, Sunday closed.
Add : 2F, No.107-2, Hsinyi Rd., Sec4 / Tel : 2704-7700
For taxi : 信義路4 段107之2號2樓
3. TeXound
Started in late 1998, TeXound Taipei is now fast becoming the benchmark venue for cutting edge sound. With some of the best local DJs doing regular shows residency, TeXound provided an experience that is both energetic and entertaining.
On regular weekends, the parties do not stop until morning and music policy is progressive and techno driven. DJ Tiger and Gravity, who are currently residents at TeXound, presents what is believed by most of the definitive club sound of Taiwan.
With many regulars from the Entertainment industries, TeXound's crowd is both spontaneous as well as open-minded.
Weekdays 11pm~6am, Friday and Saturday 10pm~10am, Monday closed.
Add: B1, No.26, Nanking E Rd.Sec3 / Tel : 2507-2999
For taxi : 南京東路3段26號B1
4. Kiss la Bocca Disco
The biggest dance club in Taipei, attracting a crowd that's hip and young. A cover band plays in the front room while a techno room rocks in the back. There is plenty of seating and a huge dance floor which is crowded most nights. Daily 8:30pm~3:00am. Wednesday is ladies night. Admission is NT$350 weekdays rising to NT$500 on Friday and Saturday.
Friday admission free before 10pm. Monday closed.
Add : Magnolia Hotel 3F, No. 166, Tunhua N. Rd. / Tel : 2712-1201~2213
For taxi : 敦化北路166號中泰賓館3樓
5. Opium Den (鴉片店)
This overrated dance club has the smallest dance floor in town. The pricey NT$500 cover at weekends buys you two drinks and usually standing room only, as it is packed with Taipei's younger entertainment industry professionals. Weekdays 8:30pm~3:00am, weekends 9pm~5am.
Add : B1, No. 32, Jenai Rd., Sec3. Tel : 2705-8922
For taxi : 仁愛路3段32號 B1
6. Vibe
With the best alternative rock music in Taipei, one of the only spots to hear original underground bands perform live. This venue is a prime meeting place for the English teaching crowd.
Add : B1, No. 69, Chinshan S. Rd., Sec2 / Tel : 2391-7779
For taxi : 金山南路2段69號B1
J. Other entertainment
1. Hot Spring (溫泉)
One of the best ways to relax and recover after days of working and travelling is to soak in the healthy waters of hot springs. There are two hot spring resorts near Taipei, which provide a lot of hotels and facilities that makes the hot spring experience more convenient, but at the same time also attracts large crowds on holidays and weekends.
A. Peitou (北投)
A hot-spring resort area 13km north-west of central Taipei, Peitou was at one time known as a red light district. Nowadays the image de Peitou has been changed. Peitou still has many nice upmarket inns and spas ; they are a legacy of the Japanese occupation during which time Peitou was known as one of Taiwan's big luxury hot-spring resorts. From central Taipei, you can reach Peitou on bus 216, 217, 218, 219, 223, 302, or by MRT New Peitou stop.
Some good addresses :
l Spring Resort Hotel (春天酒店) : a luxurious urban-style hot spring hotel.
Add : No. 18, Youya Rd., Peitou / Tel : 2897-5555
For taxi : 北投區幽雅路18號
l Chyuan-Du Vacation Hotel (泉都溫泉休閒飯店) : No. 220, Kuang-Ming Rd.,Peitou / Tel : 2896-0077
For taxi : 北投區光明路220號
l Chuan-Tang hot-spring Restaurant (川湯)
No. 10, Lane300, Hsinyi Rd., Peitou / Tel : 2874-7979
For taxi : 北投區行義路300巷10號
B. YangMingShan (陽明山)
Perhaps the most scenic place within the Taipei city limits, Yangmingshan is a mountain range that dominates the northern end of the capital. This area is noted for its beautiful flowers, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms and azaleas are in bloom. Yangminhshan has hot-spring resorts similar to those in nearby Peitou. One of the roads that connects Yangminshan to Peitou is called Shamaoshan Hudi Rd.-which passes through the Hushanli Hot Springs area which is lined with resorts. Bus No 230 (running from Peitou to Yangminshan) uses this route. These resorts are open until late into the evening but you should avoid the place on weekends. Further up the slopes of Yangminshan is the Matsao Hot Springs area with yet more bathing resorts.
Some goods addresses :
l International Hotel (國際大旅館) : No. 7, Hushan Rd., Sec1, Yangminshan Tel : 2861-6022
For taxi : 陽明山湖山路1段7號
l JinShan Village (菁山小鎮溫泉餐廳) : No. 67-1, Jinshan Rd., Lane101, Yangminshan / Tel : 2861-8080
For taxi : 陽明山菁山路101巷67之1號
l Sun-Moon Farm House (日月農莊) : No. 8, Chuzhehu Rd., Lane211, Shihlin District / Tel : 2861-4096
For taxi : 士林區竹仔湖路211巷8號
2. Tea House
Chinese tea is justifiably famous and Taiwan produces many top grade varieties. All over the island you will find tea shops selling the stuff in bulk. Teahouses are common in Taiwan, especially in the countryside.
Typically you pay around NT$150 to NT$400 for the tea and each person pays a cover charge of NT$100 (called a "water fee"). These are great places to while away the hours chatting or reading and refilling the pot with hot water as often as you like. Hereby one wonderful place to suggest you :
Mucha Tea Plantation (木柵觀光茶園) :
This hilly park is a good walking area. As the name implies, it's also known for tea plantations and teahouses. At present, there are over 60 teahouses here and the number keeps increasing.
The tea park is situated in Wenshan district, the south part of Taipei city. Minibus No. 10 go to the park from Chengchih University (get off at Maokong 貓空 station). To reach the Chengchih University catch either bus No. 236 or 237.