Taipei,
capital of Taiwan, is a city of high rise office buildings,
modern condominiums, and department stores. It is also a
city of beauty, culture, tradition, and sophistication. It
holds 1,000 years of priceless Chinese history in its hillside
vaults.
The historical
treasures of mainland China were transported piece by piece
to caves to preserve them during wartime. 620,000 of these
pieces are now exhibited in the National Palace Museum on
a rotating basis, with the others remaining in storage. Most
of the porcelain, jade, lacquer, bronze, and other remarkable
objects were once part of the Chinese imperial collection.
The National Palace Museum is considered one of the world?s
four best museums.
The Lungshan
Temple is a center of worship for deities from several faiths.
The front court is devoted to the Buddhist goddess of mercy,
the rear court to the Taoist goddess of the sea, and niches
throughout the temple to many others. Nearby Hsiyuan Road
is filled with stalls selling religious images and goods.
The Chiang
Kai-shek Memorial Hall is an impressive sight. The gracefully
designed building is bordered by extensive gardens, areas
for rest and contemplation, and fish ponds. It is a gathering
place for walks and for kite flying.
The nightlife
of Taipei is vibrant and entertaining. Don?t miss the Night
Market with its myriad stalls offering everything imaginable.
Fine restaurants, classical music performances, modern art,
traditional Beijing opera, and lively nightclubs all operate
in harmony. As for the cuisine, it is superb. Visitors can
enjoy regional specialties from all parts of China.
Outside
the city there are several day trips that are of interest.
Yangmingshan is a mountain range at the north end of the city,
and a great place for hiking and a visit to a hot springs
resort. On the opposite side of town, to the south, is the
Sungshan Nature Reserve. Its mountain hiking trails extend
into lush forest. Thirty minutes outside Taipei is the seaside
resort of Jio Fun. The shore is lined with teahouses, each
offering the world?s best view along the coast.
Taiwan's
culture is a blend of its distinctive Chinese heritage and
Western influences. Fine arts, folk traditions, and popular
culture embody traditional and modern Asian, and Western motifs.
The beautiful temples are the setting for colorful folk festivals.
Taipei
is a source of fascination and excitement in every aspect.
A day in Taipei will be treasured forever. |
