Top 10 Check-in Spots in Taipei

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Xpark Aquatic Park, located in the Qingpu Special District in Taoyuan, is Taiwan’s first urban aquarium and the first overseas branch of the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, a member of the Japanese Seibu Group. Unlike the existing large aquarium in Taiwan, Xpark features a new urban aquarium that uses technology to create a living environment suitable for all types of animals. It is designed to challenge the general public’s perception of aquariums.

Xpark is a five-story (two of which are located underground) aquarium. It is approximately 4,500 square meters in size and is divided into 13 areas. With state-of-the-art technology, the aquarium is designed to create a real-world sensory experience. Most importantly, Xpark is accompanied by background music specifically composed by Joe Hisaishi, the world-famous animation composer. The most popular exhibits are “Where Penguins Meet”, which divides penguins by their habitats on land and water; “Formosa Aquarium”, which is about 4 stories high and based on the theme of Taiwan's marine life; and the “Therapeutic Jellyfish” that uses light effects to create a kaleidoscope-like world. It is accessible directly from Taoyuan Station of High-Speed Rail and the Airport Express.

Located in the Datong District of Taipei, Dadaocheng was once the hub of sale and purchase of merchandise in Taipei. It is one of Taipei’s oldest piers and a tourist attraction with a rich history and cultural vibe. Dadaocheng Wharf was once the main port in Taipei and witnessed the development and history of the city. In recent years, it has changed from the old Taipei district into a fashionable district, with cafés, restaurants, galleries, and theaters, and has become a gathering point for young people. Take a stroll through Old Street, shop around Dihua Street, visit the Wharf, and worship in the City God Temple to embody the beauty of the old and new.

There are many historically valuable buildings and cultural heritage at the Dadaocheng Wharf. The most famous is Fort Santo Domingo, a red brick building that was originally a Dutch fortress and later used by the Spanish and British as consulates. Today, Fort Santo Domingo is a museum showcasing the history and colonial ruins of Taiwan.

A popular hiking trail in the Xinyi District of Taipei, Nangang District Hiking Trail is a popular destination for many visitors and locals alike. Mount Elephant is 183 meters above sea level. The walking trail is 1,450 meters in length. The entire walk takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. It is named for its appearance which mimics the head of an elephant. Although the mountains are not high, the high and unhindered view clearly overlooks the entire Taipei Basin and Taipei 101. The trail rises along the ridge line, providing a great view of Taipei City. The view is especially stunning at night when the city lights are illuminated. During New Year’s Eve, many people go to the Observation Deck of Mount Elephant to watch fireworks.

Nangang District Hiking Trail is also ideal for sunrise and sunset viewing. Many people come in early mornings or evenings to see the sun rise or set from the horizon. It’s a romantic and serene experience, and a wonderful experience of mother nature.

Bangka Longshan Temple, located in Bangka of Taiwan (today’s Wanhua District in Taipei), is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Taipei. It was the faith center of the people of Taipei Quanzhou during the Qing Dynasty. The bronze-cast dragon pillars, architecture, stone carvings, and wood sculptures in the temple are all intricate and worth studying.

Bangka Longshan Temple is of important cultural and religious value and is a designated historical building and monument in Taipei. Built in 1738, the temple has undergone numerous reconstructions and restorations. Now it is a major religious center and place of faith in Taipei. Although it has been a tourist attraction in recent years, the offerings are still very much thriving there. There are many festivals in the year, which attract many visitors. Before the election, you may even bump into the candidates asking for blessings from the Gods. Keep your eyes peeled for it.

Founded in 1928 in Taipei, National Taiwan University is one of the oldest and most famous universities in Taiwan, located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei. The campus is home to ancient buildings and historical ruins such as the main entrance, the main library, and the old campus area, showcasing different periods of architectural style and design.

Keeping the low-key original National Taiwan University School’s door, the campus has been listed as a legal monument in the city and is one of the scenes in which visitors take photographs. Along the Coconut Palm Avenue, you may see the Fu Bell Plaza in memory of the school’s principal Fu Ssu-Nien. There are also libraries designed by renowned Japanese architects, Drunken Moon Lake, the artificial Ecological Pool, the National Taiwan University Ranch, etc., which allow many people to visit either on weekdays or during holidays.

Known for its quirky geological landscapes, Yehliu Geopark in the Wanli District of New Taipei City is a must-see for day trips to the North Shore. Due to weathering, sea erosion, and changes in the earth’s crust, Yehliu is a world-renowned natural attraction. One could find creation by the wonders of nature such as shady rocks, sea caves, tofu rocks, candle-like stones, kettle caves, etc. In addition to the famous attraction of the iconic “Queen’s Head”, the park’s other special rocks and geological landscapes are also great highlights of Yehliu.

Additionally, Yehliu is abundant in ecological resources, where marine life such as sea snails, crabs, and seaweed can be found. Yehliu is also an important spot for watching birds, hence attracting many bird lovers. After exploring the park, sample seafood at the nearby fish village and experience the local fisherman’s lifestyle.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park, located in the Zhongzheng District of Taipei City, was originally established by Japanese people as the production plant for sake production. After World War II, it became a Taipei winery. In 1987, when the Taipei winery was relocated, the space became an art venuefor the arts and culture industry and non-profit organizations since 1999.

Huashan 1914 Creative Park often hosts a variety of arts and culture events and performances, such as concerts, theater shows, and dance performances. These events attract numerous artists and performers, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy high-quality cultural performances. There are also many unique creative markets and design shops in the park area, as well as a variety of unique handicrafts, designer goods, and cultural creations, making it a great place to shop and find specialty gifts. There are also plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops, art galleries, and more. Movie theaters, brick houses, stone walls, forests, etc. are popular spots for taking pictures.

Yangmingshan National Park offers a wide range of natural landscapes, including mountains, calderas, sulfur hot springs, and streams. One of the most famous attractions is the main peak of Yangmingshan. With an altitude of 1,120 meters, it is one of the highest peaks in Taipei. At the top, visitors can enjoy 360-degree views of the city of Taipei, the Tamsui River, and the Tatun Volcanoes.

Due to its changing landscape and ecological richness, Yangmingshan National Park exhibits different landscapes throughout the seasons, such as cherry blossoms and azalea blooms in springtime; giant taro and hydrangeas in the summer; and then silver grass in the autumn. The diversity makes it a great place to visit any time of the year.

Yangmingshan National Park is also home to a number of hot spring areas, most notably Yangmingshan Hot Springs and Beitou Hot Springs. Visitors can soak in the therapeutic hot springs and enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes in these hot spring areas.

Located in the heart of Taipei City, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one of the most important memorial buildings in Taiwan, built to commemorate the first President of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek. The architectural style of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall combines traditional Chinese and modern elements, known for its elegant and spectacular look. Entering the venue, you may see a large atrium with the gorgeous Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in the center. On either side of the atrium, there are two buildings. They are the National Library and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Museum, which showcase a rich display of historical artifacts and art.

At noon time each day, the spectacular guard handover ceremony takes place in the square in front of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The guards are dressed in gorgeous uniforms, stepping in an exact stride and carrying out the handover ceremony. The ceremony attracts many visitors.

Pingxi (Pingxi) is a small town in New Taipei City, Taiwan. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes and rich cultural history. Pingxi is one of Taiwan’s most famous places to fly Chinese Lanterns. Visitors can purchase colored Lanterns, write down their wishes, and then fly them into the sky. It is a romantic and mysterious experience that attracts many visitors. Pingxi has many beautiful waterfalls and spectacular mountain views, which offer spectacular views of the natural landscape.

The practice of flying Chinese Lanterns in Pingxi can be traced back to the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, when local residents used lanterns as a signal of safety after they were harassed by robbers. Later, flying lanterns became a local custom. The villagers often write phrases of prayer and wishes on the lanterns. They release them into the sky during the Yuanxiao Festival, and pray to the God for protection of their families. The areas of Pingxi and Shifen in New Taipei City are surrounded by sprawling mountains and are affected by rainy and humid weather. Therefore, Pingxi is the only place recognized by the local government as safe to release the Chinese lanterns.

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