Much of what is now downtown Taipei was once enclosed within city walls, with access through five gates. The area has a lot to tell about the city’s history. The Taipei city wall was completed by the Qing Dynasty in 1884. Although it survived for only 16 years, its influence on modern Taipei is still…
The chirping of birds amid trees and ponds may not be what first comes to mind when one thinks of Taipei, but thanks to extensive private and public efforts city residents can enjoy a number of oases of nature and serenity. A good way to discover some of the best parks in Taipei is to…
Pick a day with nice weather and treat yourself to a walking tour of one of the city’s most diverse and appealing neighborhoods. Offering a diverse mix of sights, sounds, and flavors, the area near the Yuanshan (圓山) MRT Station, which is sometimes referred to as the “Confucius Temple Historic District,” has become one of…
More Muslim tourists means more demand for halal-certified restaurants. Applications are surging in Taiwan for halal (清真) certification – assurance that a restaurant’s food preparation strictly follows Muslim law. This growth likely helped Taiwan achieve its ranking as the world’s seventh-most Muslim-friendly travel destination among non-Muslim countries, according to the “Global Muslim Travel Index 2016”…
Some suggested outings for those who enjoy museums, hiking, and ocean views. The port city of Keelung bustles with the currents of international commerce, but is also home to picturesque shores, scenic hills, museums, a fascinating history, and a colorful night market. And new attractions have been added in recent years, contributing toward a more…
One of Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods is getting revitalized with the opening of art galleries, cafés, and specialty shops in picturesque surroundings. If you could place yourself in Taiwan as the 19th century was drawing to a close and were wandering near the corner of what is now Dihua Street and Minquan West Road, you’d be…
Treat yourself to a walking – and eating – tour through one of Taipei’s oldest districts. Photos by CHRIS STOWERS In one Taipei’s oldest neighborhoods – the Wanhua district in the southwestern portion of the city – one can experience foods, drinks, and aromas that reflect both traditional and modern Taipei. The area, formerly known…
Take a ride on the Pingxi Railway Line, with stops at stations along the way, to learn what the scenic Keelung River Valley has to offer. Photos by Chris Stowers The boom days of King Coal and the gold rushes in northeastern Taiwan have drifted off into legend, but modern travelers on the Pingxi Railway…
A guided tour off-the-beaten-path in old Tamsui. The historic town of Tamsui (sometimes spelled Danshui), which stretches along the northeastern shore of the Tamsui River, is taking on a new on life from efforts to preserve its past while creating new opportunities for tourism and cultural development. With a little planning, a visitor can escape…
The Taiwanese have become major consumers, especially of higher-end varieties, and the island is now home to two distilleries. By Scott Weaver Taiwan’s growing taste for fine malt whiskies is creating a period of significant change in the market. In the past, night clubs and KTVs were the key channels for consumption of the…
