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Jump to: Table of contents. Discover some of the most unique and fulfilling experiences your next destination has to offer. Add visiting these must-see local hot spots and culture centers to your next travel itinerary.

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Taipei. Home to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast hoard covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, lacquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects. Some of the most popular items, such as the famous Jadeite Cabbage, are always on display — although check first that it's not on loan to the southern branch in Chiayi.

There are controversial plans to partially or even wholly close the museum in for three years' refurbishment. Founded in by Han immigrants from Fujian, this temple has served as a municipal, guild and self-defence centre, as well as a house of worship. These days it is one of the city's top religious sites, and a prime venue for exploring both Taiwan's vibrant folk faith and its unique temple arts and architecture.

The temple can get very congested with tourists; try coming early in the morning before 8am or late in the evening after 8pm to avoid the crush. This former 'Centre Street' has long been known for its Chinese medicine shops, fabric market and lively Lunar New Year sundry market. It has attracted numerous restoration and cultural projects and is now a magnet for young entrepreneurs, eager to breathe new life into the neighbourhood with cafes, restaurants, art studios and antique shops.

Thankfully, this gentrification hasn't squashed the original atmosphere — fancy ceramic shops sit side by side with long-term tenants selling sacks of dried mushrooms and agricultural produce. Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei is impossible to miss.

At m, Taipei held the title of 'world's tallest building' for a number of years. Until , it also held the title of the world's tallest green building. This former detention centre, court and jail was where political prisoners were incarcerated and tried during the White Terror period — The English audio guide is highly recommended.

These peaceful but sombre grounds include tiny jail cells, shackles, the old commissary and a row of telephones where prisoners could speak for just 10 minutes every week with a visitor. This museum is highly recommended for the insight it gives into the horrors of authoritarianism and just how far Taiwan has come.

This grandiose monument to authoritarian leader Chiang Kai-shek is a popular attraction and rightly so. Western Taiwan in detail. The unquestioned patron deity of Taiwan, Mazu, although often referred to as the Goddess of the Sea, is officially Tianhou Empress of Heaven. Her divine jurisdiction extends from protecting fisherfolk and helping women in childbirth to restoring social order. As a young girl Mo-niang was noted for her quickness to master magical arts and soon began to be regarded as a female shaman.

Tianliao Stone Temple is a fantastical, Gaudi-esque interpretation of a Taoist temple by Southeast Asian migrant workers. The men had been hired to build a highway in the area, but the contractor went out of business and they were stranded with no means. A temple took them in, after trying in vain to negotiate with the labour authorities.

In return for free food and lodging, the men were asked to build a temple, which they did in the early s with seashells, corals, stones and loads of imagination. This 18km marble-walled gorge is Taroko National Park's crown jewel. It's a must-see attraction whether you're hiking its trails, peering at its geological features or simply driving along the road that runs right through the middle albeit much of the way in tunnels , wondering just how high are those mountains floating so vertiginously far above.

Asia Taiwan. Have You Eaten? Asian Values On Their Terms The Taiwanese have created Asia's most vibrant democracy and liberal society, with a raucous free press, gender equality, and respect for human rights and, increasingly, animal rights as well. The Tao of Today Taiwan is heir to the entire Chinese tradition of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and that amorphous collection of deities and demons worshipped as folk faith.

View all stories. Top attractions These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Taiwan. Buddhist Temple Longshan Temple Built in the late 18th century, Longshan Temple remains a showcase of southern temple design.

Cultural Centre Museum 50 A true hidden gem, this private museum has a small but exceptional collection of sculpture and antiques by midth- to 20th-century Japanese artists who were inspired by Taiwan or who had taught early Taiwanese masters. Museum National Palace Museum Home to the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art, this vast hoard covers treasures in painting, calligraphy, statuary, bronzes, lacquerware, ceramics, jade and religious objects.

Buddhist Temple Longshan Temple Founded in by Han immigrants from Fujian, this temple has served as a municipal, guild and self-defence centre, as well as a house of worship. Tower Taipei Towering above the city like the gigantic bamboo stalk it was designed to resemble, Taipei is impossible to miss. Featured videos View more videos.