This was inspired by United Airlines Hemisphere's Magazine "Three Perfect Days" series. I never was able to get this published. But just got a notice that they are publishing one so I'm tossing my version out. The writers life is a tough one. -- Charles
Perhaps Asia's most underrated city Taipei brings together the full diversity of China complemented with the benefits of being a trade gateway to the West. Blessed with an authentic international mix where you might find yourself by an old Buddhist temple seeking wisdom for the future or sitting in one of the many cafes wondering if you somehow slipped into Paris. Taipei straddles old and new, birthplace to most of the notebook computers in the world and home to the oldest treasures of the civilized world. High tech managers still light incense at makeshift altars seeking guidance and safe passage from afterworld.
Your base in Taipei is the impressive Grand Hotel, located in the north part of the city, that blends the traditional look of an ornate pagoda with a western hotel layout, representing the sensibility of Taipei perfectly. While no longer the most modern hotel in Taipei, those honors are reserved for those hotels in the financial district, its ornate and detailed woodwork and arrangement is worth checking out. From the balconies, check out the detailed inlay on the struts jetting out at each floor. A local favorite for weddings and other special occasions, it's location on top of a hill among lush greenery is a respite from the hustle of the city below. Be sure to book an outside room to get a view. The pagoda like structure towers above done in a clasical style captures the mood of the imperial court that it is modeled upon. Located close to Taipei's subway system known as the MRT, be sure to call in advance to have the hotel pick you up from the station or simply call upon one of Taipei's ubiqutous taxis to get you there.
Start off your first morning with a traditional Chinese breakfast of rice porridge and small pickles in the hotel restaurant. It's ok to bring the bowl to your mouth as you eat, so don't be shy. Ask the concierge to hail a taxi and head out to YamingShan National Park just located outside the city. Just outside of the city, it is a popular summer getaway to escape the brutal heat of the season. Multiple paved paths of varying difficulty allow people of all ages to explore the natural reserve. Yamingshan also has an extensive selection of fine Restaurants and adjacent to the park is the National Culture University, whose student draw inspiration from the deep surroundings. Take a morning stroll through the green surroundings, and keep your eyes out for the local fauna and build up a good appetite for lunch at the JKLJKJLJL restaurant in YamingShan. Once you are finished with lunch, grab a taxi to take a cab to the National Palace Museum.
When Chiang Kai Shek and his followers fled the mainland, they took the Imperial collection with them to Taiwan. In a continual sore point with the People's Republic of China who calls the act thievery, the citizens of Taiwan call history's greatest act of art preservation, tirelessly mentioning the Cultural Revolution. The National Palace Museum is an enormous complex with three major buildings. The collection consists of two exhibits, selections from the permanent collection and visiting exhibits. The collection of the Imperial Palace museum is so vast, it is said that even rotated on a regular 3 month basis it would still take 12 years to see the whole collection. Be sure to take a break from perusing the galleries by heading up to the Museum cafe and take a tea break with a view of the museum grounds and Taipei. When you are finished with the galleries, be sure to visit Museum Gift shop that arguably has the best deals on souvenirs in Taipei where you will find affordable reproductions of some of China's most famous works. On your way out take a quick stroll through the museum grounds. Hail a taxi and head down to the ChienTan MRT stop.
Follow the signs to the ShiLin night market where Taipei comes alive at night, here hundreds of merchants hawk their wares on sheets in the middle of the street. Most of the goods are of the flea market variety, but kitchy souvenir trinkets abound. Soak in the atmosphere, but like any crowded place where tourists are plenty, keep an eye on your pockets and watch for pickpockets. Meander through the alley ways and you will run into the Temple. Quietly step inside and you will see worshippers ensuring safe berth for ancestors and guidance on daily matters of import. Tonight's dinner will Taiwan style, famous for xiaochi or literally small eats, you'll be nibbling at the different street stalls along the way. The food is assuredly safe. Be sure to try the different pot stickers, steamed buns and for the more adventurous, Taiwan's famous stinky bean curd or smelly tofu. A recent attraction in ShiLin is the World under the Sea aquarium where a rich diverse collection of sea life is a popular stop for locals and visitors. Hail a cab back to the hotel for a well earned nights rest.
Day 2
We start the morning at Chiang Kai Shek memorial hall, a XXX acre public garden in the heart of Taipei. Take a stroll through the well manicured gardens and watch the practitioners of the ancient art Tai Chi start their day. Tai Chi is the art of slow movements meant to draw 'chi' or life force through one's entire being by completing the entire regimen of fine motions. Its looks are deceiving since you do feel like you've worked out when your done. Take a tour of the pagodaesque hall Chiang Kai Shek Memorial located in the center. Walk up the towering stairs to see the seated statue of the Republic of China's first leader. Inside the memorial is a museum chronicling his life. Most of the exhibit descriptions are both in Chinese and English.
Also located on the park grounds are the National Theater and National Concert Hall across from each other, both host local and international stars on an ongoing basis. On weekends, you'll see students practicing dance on the Concert hall steps and families flying kites and roller skating on the plaza between the halls. This is one of the places where Taipei takes a break.
If you have a chance, the honor crossing is Taiwan's version of the changing of the guards. The grounds of the memorial with it's brick laid paths are a morning favorite of seniors who flock in the morning to perform their daily tai chi exercises. On the weekends, families and youth take over with dancing, kite flying and in line skating. The memorial grounds are also occupied by the National Concert Hall and ????. The National Concert hall is host to visiting talent from around the world.
Eslite Bookstore are the megabook stores of Taipei with X locations. The one in city center is famous for being open 24 hours. Check out the weekend ritual as hundreds come and plop themselves on the floor to read at all hours. A popular spot for the after night club scene and those who just missed the last bus. Eslite has one of the largest selections of English language books anywhere on the planet, with a selection that can't be beat. In addition to the titles you'd find back in America, you'll find selections from Britain and Australia of resulting in undiscovered gems that haven't made it American shores. Pick up a book or two for the long flight back. If reading isn't your thing check out the gigantic magazine rotunda on the second floor with magazines in every language. Lastly be sure to check out the designer items located in the shopping mall that shares the same building.
The Last Day
Breakfast at the hotel, and take a leisurely stroll down to the Chientan MRT station. If the weather is nice, bring along some flip flops and beach ware. Take the subway and head to the end of the line at the city of Tamshui.
Tamshui is a river town at the northern tip of Taiwan, the leisurely subway ride reveals Taiwan's lush scenery and you'll understand why the Portugese name for Taiwan Formosa means beautiful island. The greenery and mountains reminiscent of classical Chinese evokes peace and is a welcome respite from the hustle that is Taipei. When you arrive at the the Tamshui MRT stop, you'll head out to the main road take a left into the old part of Tam Shui. As you walk along the river you'll see small carts hawking local seafood treats that are worth trying. Veer to the right into the tiny alley ways, checking out the small shots. Tamshui is a Tourist trap but a charming one. On the left is a series of bakeries that specialize in moon cakes, all giving copious samples. Check out MUST_FIND_OUT_THIS_ONE that is a favorite and serves tea as well, and in the back is a small photo gallery. As you meander through the old town, you'll discover midway games and other shoreline attractions. Hail a Taxi and head off to the beach, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the shore to finish up your Taipei adventure.
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Presidential Palace, changing of the guards. Taiwan is home to what many consider Asia's most vibrant democracy. Old habits die hard, as the often televised clash of fisticuffs between legislators is a source of pride and embarassment to the Taiwanese. In recent years, the rise of the new DPP party clashing with the old KMT has given real reason to vote.
Taipei's famous night markets are a cacophony for all the senses. Sleepy boring streets during the day come alive at night as vendors bring out their wares and lay them in the middle of packed roadways. The extremely low priced items of varying degrees of quality are popular with the students. The Taipei night markets are great places to pick up great deals on small gifts to take back home for friends or get a Chop with your initials to put on your own imperial documents. The most famous night market is Snake Alley where you'll see handlers toy with cobras and other venemous snakes. Many of the snakes are killed and their blood and other organs are consumed in the belief that they enhance longevity and virility. Crackdowns still occur. Shi ling, One of the largest and oldest night markets is right by your hotel is a perfect close to your first day. Take a taxi back to the Grand Hotel and recover from the sensory overload below.
When you have finished soaking up the sun, head back down do,
Day itinerary
breakfast at Grand Hotel Off to Yamingshan for the morning off to National Palace museum Tea in the tea room ShiLin night market
Day itinerary
CKS
Start your morning at the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall,Topview LungShan temple daoism/buddhist Ta An Public Park Central Shopping District
Day Itinerary
The Zone Traditional Breakfast Snake Alley ShiLin Night Market MuCha Tea Houses WuLai YamingShan McDonalds Flower and Jade market National Taiwan University Computer Mart/GuangHuaShang Chang
Dim Sum International Cuisine What's the shopping mall Museum of World Religions.