Sightseeing & Nightlife

Shopping
Shopping is a very popular activity in Taiwan, and is considered an enjoyable way to spend some of your time. What makes shopping unique in Taiwan is the scale and variety of huge Japanese department stores versus buying from a clothing rack on the side of the road. Popular department stores in Taiwan include Mitzokoshi and Sogo. Taiwan is a great place to shop for computers and electronics.

You also have the other end of the spectrum especially in the counties and smaller centers. Family-run shops could easily be mistaken for a family home and as you may see a family sitting around watching TV in front a store full of merchandise.
Bargaining or haggling is common enough especially in family owned or private run Taiwanese shops. It is unlikely that you would get a discount in western style shop. Remember, there is no harm in asking for a discount once it’s done with a smile and a friendly face. The markets are always a good place to tryout your haggling skills.

Pubs & Clubs
All the major cities in Taiwan have a lively nightlife. There are pubs, bars and clubs to cater for Westerners and Taiwanese. Many places stay open late until 3am or even later. Drinks are not cheap and some places have cover charges of $NT500 -1000 with maybe one of two redeemable drinks vouchers. To find nightlife reviews, checkout www.taiwanfun.com

Movies
You have two types of cinemas/movies theatres in Taiwan. The major theatres run new releases for about 3 weeks and cost roughly between NT250-280, depending on location. Then there are the second-run theatres which are usually smaller and run a movie about a month after the initial release. This is cheaper, anything form NT$100-200 for a ticket. If you are going to watch a Chinese movie, make sure to ask before you pay for your ticket whether it has English subtitles. The same rule applies for all non English movies.

Sightseeing
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei
It was constructed in memory of the former president, Mr Chiang Kai Shek. The hall is made of white marble and its roof is decorated with deep-blue glass tiles.
Taipei 101, Taipei
The tallest building in the world by architectural design, it stands at 508m tall. It has an observatory and of course the world’s fastest elevator.
Shihlin Night Market, Taipei
It’s probably the biggest night market in Taipei. It gets absolutely crowded early by early evening. It’s a good place to sample local Taiwanese cuisine and culture.
Fongjia Night Market, Taichung
Another special night market experience, and because of it is situated near Fongjia University, the student presence ensures there is plenty of bargains.
Lung Shan Temple & Snake Alley, Taipei
A very traditional area of Taipei, with a very beautiful and traditional temple surrounded by a bustling night market. This is where you can find the infamous Snake Alley where you can see the vivisection of snakes and turtles served up freshly.
Fuxing, Dunhua & Zhongxiao East Roads, Taipei
This very modern and hip area is full of boutiques, restaurants, cafes and bars.
National Palace Museum, Taipei
Houses over 600,000 artefacts catalogued at the Forbidden City in Beijing, which were removed and guarded by Chiang Kai Shek’s supporters finally arriving in Taiwan where they were stored in underground bunkers. The National Museum is the single most important repository of Chinese fine art in the world.
Chinese Antique, Jade & Flower Market
An amazing district of little alleys selling jade and amazing antiques, fake and real! The jade and flower market has a fabulous array of orchids and tropical flowers.
Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei County
North of Taipei, this national park has hiking trails, volcanic activity, camping areas, hot springs, waterfalls and many teahouse and Taiwanese restaurants.
Wulai, Taipei County
Renowned for its hot springs and grand waterfalls. A cable car allows you to get up close to waterfalls. You can also bath in the outdoor springs for free.
Yingge
Yinge Ceramics Museum gives an in-dept look at the history of ceramics in Taiwan.
Jinshan & Fulong Beaches
North east of Taipei (about 1.5 hours), these are the two most famous beaches in Taiwan.
Jioufen
An old gold mining town with spectacular mountains and coastal scenery.
Yehliu
Famous for its bizarre rock formation created by erosion and it’s also a great place for snorkelling.
Hualien & Taroko National Park
This is second biggest national park in Taiwan. The gorge and park are known for their spectacular mountains and marble canyons.
Sun Moon Lake, Nantou County
The only large natural lake in Taiwan, famous for its moon like shape.
Alishan
Breathtaking sunsets and seas of clouds; Alishan is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Taiwan. Activities include camping & hiking.
Kenting National Park
Located in southern Taiwan and renowned for sunbathing, surfing and scuba diving. The biggest rock concert, Spring Scream is held here at the beginning of spring.
Orchid Island
Home to the Yami tribe, where they have lived and worked for centuries, depending on the sea. A memorable cultural experience as you step back in time.
Green Island
Another great destination for snorkelling and diving. Its volcanic history makes it a truly unique island – fascinating rock formations, sandy beaches, coral reefs and sea water hot springs.
Penghi Archipelago
The main islands Magong, Hushi, Baisha and Hsiyu are loaded with historic sites. In summertime, it’s excellent for diving. Jibet, Wangan and Cimei islands are popular tourist destinations