Tapei 101, Tapei, TAIWAN
Airing Date: Oct 9th, 2006
This little known island off the coast of China has emerged as one of Asia's up and coming city destinations. Politically, it's a rebel province of China, but practically, it's a unique microcosm, with its own distinctive and proud personality.
One of the top five museums in the world, the National Palace Museum is renovating and expanding in celebration of its 80th birthday. It is home to 650,000 art works, the largest collection of Chinese art in the world. The museum averages about 3 million visitors a year and is open daily from 9am to 5pm.
Taipei 101 is the highest building in Taipei and is also the highest building in the world at the moment (until it is eclipsed by the Burj Dubai tower, due to open in 2008). At 101 storeys high (508m), it beats its nearest rival, the Petronas Towers in Malaysia by more than 50m. To give you a local comparison, the Sydney Tower is only 305m at its highest point.
It costs about AUS $15 to get up to the observation deck. For an additional charge (about AUS $4 extra) visitors can go up to the outside observation deck on the 91st floor. Depending on what the weather is like, the outside observation deck is worth a look.
Nightmarkets are a Taiwanese institution and Shilin is the largest and most popular. It's where the locals shop and it sells both food and clothing.
The food market is in one central undercover warehouse building, while the other shops are all street vendors or small shops in alleyways. The markets are open from dusk until about 3am every day. Some bargaining is allowed but don't expect more than about 10-20% off.
Taiwan is home to 23 thousand temples and churches and Lungshan Temple is one of the most beautiful, especially at night. Built in 1738, the temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, and has survived both earthquakes and typhoons.
FURTHER INFORMATION EVA Air Return to Taipei from $1196 ex Brisbane. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 11/9/06.
The Grand Hotel - Rooms from $229 a night. Price includes taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Prices correct at 9/10/06.
Taiwan Tourist Bureau - PH Toll Free: 1 800 824 929, E-mail: info@taiwantourism.org
