Taipei, Taiwan
Here is a brief history of Taipei, Taiwan:
• Taipei was first inhabited by Austronesian people around 6,000 years ago. They lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
• In the 17th century, the Dutch colonized Taiwan and established a trading post in Taipei. They ruled Taiwan for about 40 years.
• In the late 17th century, the Qing dynasty gained control of Taiwan. They developed Taipei into a walled city and military garrison.
• In the 1895, after the First Sino-Japanese War, Taiwan was transferred from Qing rule to the Empire of Japan. The Japanese ruled Taiwan for 50 years and developed Taipei into a modern city with railways, roads, and infrastructure.
• After World War II, control of Taiwan was handed over from Japan to the Republic of China. After the war, Taipei became the capital of the Republic of China and underwent rapid economic development. The Nationalist Party ruled Taiwan for many years.
• In the 1970s-80s, Taiwan transitioned to a multi-party democracy. Taipei became a major economic and financial hub.
• Today, Taipei is a global city and the political, economic and cultural center of Taiwan. It is a modern metropolis with a population of over 2.7 million.
• The status of Taiwan and Taipei remains controversial and complex, claimed by both the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China (mainland China).
Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan. Some of the top places to visit in Taipei are:
• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – A popular landmark and memorial to the former president of Taiwan. It houses artifacts of Chiang Kai-shek and offers great views of the city.
• Taipei 101 – Once the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101 is an iconic landmark with observatories, shopping malls, restaurants and hotels.
• National Palace Museum – Home to a vast collection of Chinese artifacts and artworks, including the Crown Jewels. It is a must-see for history and culture enthusiasts.
• Shilin Night Market – A huge night market featuring lots of Taiwanese street food, snacks, clothes, and souvenirs. It is a popular spot for nightlife and dining.
• Dihua Street – A historic street lined with traditional Taiwanese shophouses and restaurants. It offers a glimpse into old Taipei.
• Ximending Shopping District – A major shopping area with department stores, electronics shops, clothing stores, and more. It is a shopper’s paradise.
• Longshan Temple – One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Taipei, dedicated to the goddess of mercy. It is a historic and cultural landmark.
• Taipei Zoo – A large zoo housing over 300 species including giant pandas, koalas, penguins, and Taiwanese macaques. It is a great place to spend a day, especially for families with kids. • Tainan Flower Night Market – A popular night market featuring lots of Taiwanese street food, snacks, clothes, souvenirs as well as beautiful flower displays and decorations.
• Beitou Hot Springs – A geothermal wonderland with bubbling hot springs, mud pools, and spas. It is a unique natural attraction in the city.
The currency of Taiwan is the New Taiwan dollar (NTD or TWD).
Taiwan has a subtropical climate with warm weather throughout the year. Some key facts about Taiwan‘s climate:
• Taiwan’s climate is influenced by the monsoon winds. In the summer, the warm and humid southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall and hot weather. In the winter, the cold northeast monsoon brings cooler and drier weather.
• Taiwan‘s average temperatures range from around 15-30°C (59-86°F) throughout the year. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild.
• Taiwan‘s coastal areas have a maritime tropical climate with little seasonal temperature variation. Inland and mountainous areas have a subtropical highland climate with larger seasonal differences.
• Taiwan’s rainy season is from May to August. During this time, typhoons can also affect Taiwan, bringing heavy rain and strong winds.
• Taiwan’s driest months are from December to March. Little rainfall occurs during this time, with low humidity.
• Taiwan‘s mountainous areas, especially in the central mountain range, receive heavy snowfall in the winter. Some peaks have snow cover for more than 6 months.
• Taiwan’s climate varies significantly based on elevation, with warmer weather at lower elevations and cooler weather in the high mountains.
• Taiwan’s location in the path of typhoons means it can be affected by tropical storms, especially in the summer and fall. However, direct hits are relatively rare.
The major airports in Taiwan are:
• Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) – This is Taiwan’s largest airport and main international gateway. It is located in Taoyuan City, about 30 km west of Taipei. It handles most of Taiwan’s international flights and domestic flights.
• Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH) – Located in Kaohsiung City, southern Taiwan. It is Taiwan‘s second largest airport and handles domestic flights as well as some international flights.
• Taipei Songshan Airport (TSA) – Located in Taipei City, northern Taiwan. It is a domestic airport serving Taipei and surrounding areas. It is mainly used by Taiwanese airlines for domestic flights.
• Chiayi Airport (CYI) – Located in Chiayi City, southern Taiwan. It is a small domestic airport handling flights to Taipei and Kaohsiung.
• Magong Airport (MZG) – Located on the Penghu archipelago, off the western coast of Taiwan. It handles flights to Kaohsiung and Magong.
• Kinmen Airport (KMM) – Located on Kinmen Island, off the western coast of Taiwan. It handles flights to Kaohsiung and Kinmen.
Taiwan has a very good public transportation system. The main options include:
• High Speed Rail (HSR): Taiwan’s high speed rail system is extensive and fast. It connects most major cities and towns across the island. It is a convenient way to travel long distances.
• Subways: Taipei, Taichung and Kaohsiung have subway systems that cover many areas of the cities. The subways are fast, frequent and efficient.
• Buses: Taiwan has an extensive bus network that covers even remote areas. The buses run frequently and on time. Fares are also very affordable.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available in cities and towns. Fares are metered and taxi drivers usually speak English. Taxis can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.
• Bike sharing: Many cities like Taipei and Taichung have bike sharing systems with thousands of bikes and docking stations across the city. It is a great way to get around and explore the cities.
• Scooters: Renting a scooter is also very popular, especially for tourists. Scooters can be rented cheaply and provide more flexibility than public transit. However, traffic and safety can be issues, so scooters may not be ideal for inexperienced riders.
• Shuttle buses: Some scenic areas or tourist attractions operate free shuttle buses to transport visitors. It is a convenient way to get around without needing to drive yourself.
