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| Taipei | ||
| Residents | 2.684.567 (2013) | |
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| height | 10 m | |
| Tourist info | (02)2717-3737 taipei.gov.tw | |
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Taipei (台北 or 臺北; Táiběi) is the capital of the Republic of China ("Taiwan"), founded in 1911 and recognized by only a few countries. The charm of this Asian city includes the thousands of scooters in the streets, the temples and the well-attended night markets. The modern can be found in the Taipei Financial Center, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Like many East Asian cities, Taipei offers travelers an excellent subway system.
The independent community "New Taipei" (Shin-Taipei, 北市 北市, Xīnběi Shì) is dealt with here. It was created in 2010 by amalgamating the 29 parishes in Taipei County to date.
For the most important sights you have to expect at least three days in Taipei. In one day you can visit the National Palace Museum (if you are not very interested in art), the Grand Hotel, the Confucius Temple, the Baoan-Temple and possibly the Longshan Temple. In the evening it goes to one of the night markets. On the second day you can 2.28 Peace Park, Visit the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial and the Sun Yat Sen Memorial before heading to the skyscraper Taipei 101 goes. Arrived at the top in time, you can watch the sunset and then in the dark the colorful lighting of the most modern district of Taipei. The third day offers the opportunity to visit the botanical garden or the Taipei Art Museum. The rest of the day can be spent shopping.
background
In 1709, three farming families from Fujian settled on the banks of the Danshuei, establishing the first settlement in what is now Taipei. In the 19th century the Mengija settlements (today the district Wanhua 萬 華) and Dadaocheng. In 1885 Taipei became the administrative center and the current center was expanded. The Japanese continued to expand their island capital from 1895. In 1949 Taipei became the "provisional capital" of the Kuomintang regime that fled to the island. Mainland Chinese settled in Taipei, which is why standard Chinese ("Mandarin") is heard more often than the indigenous dialects and languages in Taiwan.
getting there
By plane
The 1 Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (臺灣 桃園 國際 機場)
(IATA: TPE) has two terminals. Between these run free of charge Skytrain (6.00-24.00) or shuttle buses (5.00-1.10). Also for 1 Airport-Novotel (4*) A shuttle bus operates No.1-1, Hangzhan S. Rd., Taoyuan City 33758. There are shower cubicles, exchange offices and mobile phone providers on every floor, and the opening times of the counters are very different. In the Bank of Taiwan Any customs duties that may be due can also be paid.
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The airport is about 30 km, a (good) hour by public transport, from Taipei. Bus routes (Bus timetables) 1819 and 1961 travel to Central Station in 55 minutes (2016: NT $ 125). The 2 Taichung Train Station (臺中 火車站) with connection to the national high-speed network, can be reached with lines 1623, 1860 and 5503. Lines 1840, 1841 and 5502 go to Songchan Airport. The only line of the Taoyuan Metro to date connects the airport in 42 minutes (express trains) for the price of 160 TWD (as of June 2019) with Taipei Central Station, where there are connections to the national rail and high-speed network as well as to the inner-city metro.
mainly domestic flights depart, but there are also some international routes, especially to nearby countries. In the arrival area there is a left luggage office (6.00-22.00) and lockers (3 hours from NT $ 60, 24 hours from NT $ 120). The airport is located at the KMT station of the same name, which is served by Line 1 (Neihu, 內 湖 線) between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. Various (long-distance) bus lines depart from the stops directly in front of Terminal 1 (Map and timetables.Open: 5.30 a.m. - 11 p.m.By train
By bus
In the street
There are various car rental stations at the airport. The well-known international chains are not represented.
Taipei is the terminus of all highways in the north of the island.
mobility
Taipei, although very large, is most conveniently explored on foot, along with the MRT subway. Few of the sights are a little further from the underground stations. Then one of the cheap taxis is worthwhile. You save yourself the hike through the heat of the day and the necessary cooling afterwards.
MRT (subway)
Taipei's subway, the MRI (Municipal Rapid Transit) or Metro, is a simple, fast and inexpensive means of transport. Its five lines connect the most important points of the city. Everything is also written in English so that it is easy to find your way around. In addition to the machines, there is also a ticket and information office at each station. A single journey costs between NT $ 20 and a maximum of NT $ 65, depending on the distance.
The is available at all underground information desks Taipei Fun Pass, the one in the variant Transportation 1 to 5 days in the MRT and buses, applies. Prices 2019 (NT $): 1 day: 180, 2 days: 310, 3 days: 440, 5 days: 700. The Taipei Fun Pass can also be purchased with a validity of 1 day including the Maokong gondola for NT $ 350. [1]
For frequent journeys, it is advisable to have a rechargeable prepaid card that Easy Card get a 20% discount on every trip. Easy Cards can be purchased from the machine or information desk at any station for NT $ 500. A deposit of NT $ 100 is charged on each card, so that NT $ 400 can be withdrawn. New credit can be topped up in the underground stations at machines or at the information desk. The deposit and remaining credit will be paid out upon return. Another advantage is that the card is valid in numerous other cities and can also be used to pay parking fees, bike rentals and long-distance trains.
In the MRT stations there are very clean toilets and breastfeeding rooms by Chinese standards. Larger stations have Lockers (NT $ 10 or 20 per hour or part thereof; max. 24 hours). Bicycles are allowed on weekends and public holidays, but not on the WenhuLine and in the inner-city hub stations. Almost all stations have free hotspots Taipei FreeNetwork.
By bus
However, the websites and timetables at the stations are only written in Chinese, so that without language skills you can only get to your destination with a little practice. Google Maps calculates the connections with the buses quite reliably and thus makes it easier to use if you cannot read Chinese. The stations are also displayed and announced in English on the buses.
taxi
The most convenient way to get around Taipei is by taxi. The bright yellow taxis are plentiful and can easily be waved over from the side of the road. It also often happens that when taxi drivers see a foreigner standing on the side of the road, they drive by slowly, honking their horns, hoping to pick up a passenger. The basic fee is NT $ 70 and the first kilometer is free. Each additional kilometer is charged at NT $ 5, so driving in the city typically costs between NT $ 100 and NT $ 200. Tips are not expected. In some taxis, recognizable by a sticker, you can use the EasyCard get paid. Since the driver's English skills vary between not being able to speak or fluent, it is advisable to state the destination address in Chinese or to show it on a piece of paper. One should also bear in mind that some sights, streets or buildings have different names in English than in Chinese. For example, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall is called 國立 國父 紀念館 in Chinese (Pinyin: Guólì Guófù Jìniàn Guǎn), which means something like "National Memorial Hall of the Father of the Country." The drivers' local knowledge is very good and you will be brought to your destination by the shortest or fastest route. Taxis can also be hired for day trips. The best way to do this is to ask the taxi companies directly. The prices vary and depend on the duration and the approximate total distance traveled. A rental period of 6 hours costs around NT $ 2000.
By bicycle
YouBike operates around 150 bicycle rental stations in Taipei and New Taipei under the aegis of MRT. Registration required, billed every half hour, with the price per unit increasing for longer periods.
Tourist Attractions
temple
In the city there are a lot of small temples, which are often hidden between the normal houses.
- 1 Mengjia Longshan Temple (艋舺 龍 山寺), No. 211, Guangzhou St, Wanhua Dist. (MRT station of the same name.).
largest Buddhist temple complex.Open: daily 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
- 2 Dalongdong Baoan Temple, 61 Hami St. (MRI Yuanshan).and, just across the street, the very different one from him.Open: daily 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
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Longshan Temple
Baoan Temple
Confucius Temple
Buildings
- 4 Bopiliao Historical Block, No. 101, Guangzhou St, Wanhua Dist (萬 華 區 廣州 街 101 號). Typical brick buildings from the early Japanese colonial era have been preserved. Numerous cultural events take place inside the facility, which was renovated in 2006–2009.Open: Tue-Sun, inside 9 a.m.-6 p.m., site until 9 p.m.
- 5 Taipei 101, officially “Taipei Financial Center” (台北 101 / 世貿 站) (MRT to "Taipei City Hall" or "Taipei 101").
tallest building in the world until 2007, named after the number of floors, 508 meters high. Due to the huge number of tourist buses, waiting times of up to 45 minutes can be expected. There is a shopping center and post office on the five lower floors. For the rather steep entrance fee, the elevator takes you to the viewing platform on the 89th floor in 40 seconds, the outside platform on the 91st floor is not always open.Open: 9 a.m. - 10 p.m. (box office closes at 9.15 p.m.).Price: NT $ 505.
- The Red House, in Ximen. The red brick house was once a theater and now houses various shops with modern art. A visit is especially worthwhile on Sundays, as there is a colorful market of artists in front of the house, who offer all kinds of contemporary art (MRT station Ximen).
- Presidential palace. The Presidential Palace is just a few minutes' walk from Xiaonanmen MRT Station. The building dates from 1919 and served as the governor's palace for the Japanese.
- The catholic 6 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, No. 245, Minsheng W Rd, Datong Dist. (Shuanglian MRI). is especially worth seeing because of its very "unreligious" construction.
Monuments
- 7 Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall (中正 紀念堂) (MRT station of the same name).The spacious square is a large complex in the center of the city and includes the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall as well National Theater and the National Music Hall. The spacious square and park is a nice place to relax. The rather megalomaniac-looking center is a hall modeled on the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, which shows the wise military dictator seated in white marble. Inside the monument there are several floors with changing art exhibitions. On the ground floor there is a euphemistic, permanent exhibition about the life and work of Chiang (蔣介石, Pinyin: Jiǎng Jièshí, W.-G .: Chiang Chieh-Shih) to see. Please note: When visiting the Memorial Hall, you have to be reasonably properly dressed. You can't get in with slippers and a string top.Open: daily 9 am-6pm.
- 8 Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, No. 505, Sec. 4, Ren-ai Rd. (200 m from the main train station). : The memorial for the father of the Chinese Republic. There are freely accessible exhibitions on the work of Sun Yat Sen and a library. The six-meter-tall bronze statue of Sun Yat Sen is guarded by a guard who can be observed every hour on the hour when the shift changes. Moving in or out of the guard at the first or last change is particularly worthwhile. At the weekend, the park and the surrounding area turn into a fairground. Anyone who has a talent can show it and you can find everything from magicians to hip hop performances. In the shade of the trees you can watch the local martial arts clubs training. Even Tai Chi is seen here as a full contact sport. (MRT Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall).
Museums
- 9 National Palace Museum (國立 故宮 博物院), o. 221, Section 2, Zhishan Rd, Shilin Dist., 臺北市 士林 區 至善 路 2 段 221 號 (MRT to Shilin Station then with the Red 5 bus - every 30 minutes - directly to the entrance of the museum.).The museum houses a large collection of classical Chinese art. These are the treasures of the Forbidden City in Beijing, which the Kuomintang stole during their escape. But anyone who expects masses of gold and jewels will be disappointed. The treasures are old pictures, bronze goods and small sculptures. The highlight of the collection is a 20 cm Chinese cabbage carved from a piece of green and white jade. Other spectacular treasures are hard to find for the untrained eye and are more likely to delight art lovers. From priceless calligraphy from the Song dynasty to the Ming vase, everything is there, which is why the palace museum is still a must for every Taipei visitor, as long as he can squeeze through the large and noisy tour groups. Unfortunately, the works of art are very confusing and unfavorably arranged. Apparently, when the museum was built, more emphasis was placed on the representative appearance of the building, which is therefore itself a pretty eye-catcher. Due to the large number of Chinese tourist groups, you have to accept very long waiting times before you can get to the well-known exhibits. There is a small restaurant in the museum where you can enjoy tea (at slightly higher prices than usual) with a view of the forecourt. Visiting the Chang Dai-ch'ien Memorial House requires registration on the website, at least 7 days in advance.Open: daily 8.30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Fri Sat until 9 p.m., library Mon-Sat 8.00-17.00.Price: NT $ 250.
- Chiang Kai-shek House. The former residence of Chiang Kai-shek and his wife is halfway between the Palace Museum and Shilin MRT Station. The house served not only as a place of residence, but also as a place of reception for foreign guests. The property's garden-like park is freely accessible and is overrun by groups of Chinese tourists. The house itself houses an exhibition about the Chiangs with original pictures, furniture and clothing. You learn a lot about the devout Christian Chiang Kai-shek and the guards like to tell some anecdotes from the family's life, if you are interested, unfortunately only in Chinese. There are also features such as the sound recording of Mrs. Chiang's address to the United Nations for support in the fight against Japan. English audio guides are available on presentation of your passport.Price: Entry 100 NTD.
- 10 Moca, No. 39, Chang'an W Rd, Datong Dist. (250 m as the crow flies from the main station). Contemporary Asian art.Open: Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00.
- 11 National Museum of History, No. 49, Nanhai Rd, Zhongzheng Dist. (MRT “Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall,” Exit 1 or 2). Directly behind is the botanical garden, which is well worth seeing.Open: Tue-Sun 10.00-18.00.Price: NT $ 30 (special exhibitions extra).
In the North
- 12 Astronomical Museum, No. 363, Jihe Rd, Shilin Dist. (士林 區 11160 基 河路 363 號). Open: (See website for special evening opening times of the observatory.).
- 13 National Revolutionary Martyrs' Shrine (忠烈祠), No. 139, Beian Rd, Zhongshan Dist. (中 山區 北安路 139 號). Those who like it martial can visit the war memorial opened in 1969. During the day, a changing of the guard is celebrated on the hour. It is advisable to combine the visit with a tour of the Grand Hotel, which is 600 m away.Open: daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Parks
- 14 Taipei Zoo (MRT Taipei Zoo (Wenshan-Neihu line terminus). Open: daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Price: NT $ 60.
- Sun Yat Sen House Not far from the main train station is this small park with a replica of a hotel room that was visited by Sun Yat Sen. (Shoes must be taken off before visiting the room!)
- The 2.28 Peace Park (2.28 Peace Park) in the government district is a good place to take a break, and at a memorial you can also learn something about the victims of the “White Terror” of the Chiang Kai Shek regime. 2.28 refers to the Taiwanese uprising against the dictatorship on February 28, 1947. (MRT NTU Hospital)
- The Botanic Garden, No. 53, Nanhai Rd, Zhongzheng Dist., Just behind the National History Museum, is one of the most biodiverse in all of Southeast Asia.
- Bordering each other 15 Kangle (康樂 公園) and Lin'sen Park (林森 公園), Section 1, Nanjing E Rd & Linsen N Rd, Zhongshan Dist.
- The tripartite Taipei Expo Park (花 博 公園), No. 1, Yumen St, Zhongshan Dist. (MRI Yuanshan). Left over from the international horticultural exhibition in 2010. On the northern edge you have the four-story, free Tues.-Sun. 9.30am-5.30pm accessible Taipei Fine Arts Museum established (No. 181, Section 3, Zhongshan N Rd .; [2] ).
activities
- The night markets offer cheap shopping and the opportunity to sample numerous examples of China's cuisine. Please refer nightlife
- Ximending is the entertainment place in Taipei. This is where young people meet after school or university. There are tons of shops, cinemas, restaurants and bars. There is a lot going on in the evenings and on weekends. Very often new CDs, films and products are presented here in the presence of the stars (MRT Ximen).
- Danshui - 淡水. A popular excursion spot on the riverside, where you can watch the sunset well. Accordingly, there is a lot going on there in the evening. As always when a lot of Taiwanese get together, there are tons of food and other things to buy. Relatively easy to reach with the MRT Danshui-Line (red line). From Danshui you can continue by boat or bus to the Fisherman's Wharf.
shop
electronics
- KMall and nova near the main train station.
dress
You can find cheap clothes everywhere, e.g. at the night markets, expensive brands at Sogo, although larger Europeans may have difficulties choosing. In the case of men's shirts, the different proportions must be observed, shirt sleeves can be significantly too short.
kitchen
Most small restaurants only have Chinese menus, but often also offer pictures of the food, which means that something can be ordered unequivocally by pointing to them. The menus are often small pieces of paper on which the number of dishes ordered is written next to the food. There are a lot of cafes and sandwich shops on the streets. Those who like sushi will love Taipei. You can find take-away sushi in almost every MRT station, but it cannot be compared with fresh Japanese goods. Local cuisine often contains blood and offal, which can take some getting used to.
Cheap
There are always small restaurants in the night markets that serve local cuisine. Oyster omelets and eel noodles are particularly recommended (prices from 70 NTD). There are also always food courts in the basement of shopping malls, which include numerous restaurants.
medium
Normal restaurants with prices similar to those in Germany can be found everywhere. In addition to the Chinese restaurants, everything from steakhouses to Italians is available.
nightlife
National Theater and the National Music Hall, are in close proximity to the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall.
Cheap
- Many Taiwanese visit the in the evening Night marketsthat offer many other things besides food. There is a lot going on there, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. When in Taiwan, you should visit a night market at least once. (Taipei Night Market Map)
- 2 Ningxia Night Market (寧夏 夜市) (on the street of the same name). Open: daily 5.30pm-midnight.
- 3 Raohe Street Night Market (饒河 街 觀光 夜市), Raohe St, Songshan Dist. (KMT Songshan). Open: 17.00-24.00.
- 4 Huaxi Night Market (華 西街 夜市), Huaxi St, Wanhua Dist. Specially geared towards tourists. Famous for his Snake Alley. Here you can watch how snakes are slaughtered and prepared for consumption. The blood in particular is said to be useful for manhood.Open: daily 16.00-24.00.
Second Round Cinema Non-stop cinemas showing older films. It's good to go out between shows and get something to eat and then come back for the next show.
medium
KTV, known to us as karaoke, is just as popular in Taiwan as it is elsewhere in East Asia. Almost everyone goes to a karaoke club from time to time. The problem is: most of the songs are in Chinese or Japanese, so go with Taiwanese and look for the few English songs.
Blue note 4F, 171 Roosevelt Rd, Sec 3. One of the most famous jazz clubs in Taipei. No admission, but a minimum consumption of 350 元. Offers live music on many days.
accommodation
(All prices summer 2016, 1 € = approx. 35 NT $)
Those not familiar with the Scriptures should take a business card from their accommodation so that they can be brought back more easily if necessary.
Cheap
- 2 Homey Hostel, 7F, No. 180, ChangAn West Road, Datong Dist. (near the main train station). Tel.: 886-2-2550-4499, Email: [email protected]. Homey Hostel is not just a place to stay, but also a place through which you can have contact with the world. Guests stay here, meet others, make friends and have a great time together. Everyone leaves us here as our friend. The situation in the room is comparable to life in a student dormitory or in a shared apartment, where you talk to each other about everything until midnight. The staff consider the guests their friends and behave accordingly, always paying attention to the service.Open: 24 hours.
- 3 C U Hostel, No. 198, Minsheng W Rd, Datong Dist. (250 m to MRT Shuang Lian, Exit 1). Tel.: 886-2-2558-5500, Email: [email protected]. In the international youth hostel association. Also with hotel rooms at 3 * level. 200 ~ m to the Ninxia Night Market.Open: 24 hours.
medium
- 4 Star Hostel, 4F, No 50 Huayin St., Datong Dist. (near the main train station). Tel.: 886 2 2556 2015, Email: [email protected]. Paid washing machine, luggage storage and padlock rental.Open: Reception 7 a.m.-11 p.m.Price: 8-bed dorm from NT $ 580, double or 3-bed from approx. 1000 p.p., incl.
Upscale
Upscale hotels are e.g .:
- 5 Howards, No. 160, Section 3, Ren'ai Rd, Da’an Dist. Tel.: 886 2 2700 2323. Offshoot of the national chain of the same name. An unmistakable square box made of brick.Price: from € 120.
- Landis (麗 緻 大 飯店), No. 41, Section 2, Minquan E Rd, Zhongshan Dist. Tel.: 886 2 2597 1234. Price: from € 120.
- 6 Grand Hotels, No 1, sec. 4, Zhongshan District, 中山 北路 四段 1 號. Tel.: 886-2-2886-8888. The block is one of the sights because of its massive pseudo-Chinese style.Price: from € 120.
Learn
- Chinese: Taipei is a good place to study Chinese in universities or language schools.
- TaijiQigong or something similar is best learned in the same way as the locals do: in the morning in the park. In most of the city's parks, large numbers of enthusiastic people come to play sports around 6 a.m. in the morning. Certainly the inclined "lapwing" will find someone who speaks English and who invites you to practice Taiji or Qigong. How much you pay for it depends on the leader of the group. If there is a yellow banner with the characters 法輪 大法 on it, it is Falun Gong.
security
Police ☎ 110
Fire brigade and emergency doctor ☎ 119
Taipei can be described as very safe. There is actually no crime on the street. Not least because the streets are always very busy until well into the morning.
Road traffic is probably the most dangerous. The many motor scooters generally do not stick to red lights. Should something happen, you can contact one of the many police stations.
health
Practical advice
Due to a lack of diplomatic recognition, there are hardly any embassies and consulates in the city.
Open: Appointment by appointment. Tel. Mon.-Thu. 9 am-5pm, Fri. to 12.30pm.Post offices usually open Mon-Fri. 8.00am-6.30pm and Saturday until 12.30pm. Larger branches also exchange foreign currencies, including euro cash, which is rarely accepted elsewhere.
The city council offers two public WiFi networks. On the one hand, the free one, which is designed for easy browsing and Internet telephony Taipei Free, the required registration can be done on the website using a German mobile phone number. On the other hand, the paid one WiFly the broadband enables over 10,000 hotspots nationwide. Prepaid cards, available from MOS-Burger and 7-11, cost 1 day; NT $ 180, 30 days: 500, 365 days: 1200.
trips
- Beitou, one created by the Japanese, drawn into a mountain slope, 16 Bathing resort with hot springs, administratively still part of Taipei and easily accessible with the red line of the MRT. The district borders on the 17 Yangmingshan National Park (陽明山 國家 公園)
- Maokong, is a higher one 18 District in the southeast, whose cable car leads to a local recreation area.
- Wulai (烏 來) is the only one 19 Native village in the greater Taipei area
- Hualien is primarily the starting point for trips into the 20 Taroko National Park (太魯閣 國家 公園)
literature
See the Travel guide to Taiwan
- brochures from the Tourist Office to download.
Web links
- Bus route planner (English; unintuitive design, requires Flash)
