The Taipei Zoo was previously located within the city, across the street from the Fine Arts Museum. Fortunately, the City Government decided to move the zoo out to a mountainous area in Muzha where the animals have fresh air to breathe and more room to move. Pay a visit to the museum to encounter more than 130 species of birds, reptiles, penguins, koala and pandas. Moreover, the zoo is home to two endangered pandas that were handed over to the zoo by the People's Republic of China in 2008.
If you're looking for more history and culture, you can walk along Zhongzheng historic street. Located very near to Dansui MRT station, it offers you not only relics, but also the yummy traditional goods, such as shrimp rolls, fish crisp, a-gei (a kind of meat pastry), fish balls and iron eggs. Be sure to also try these local snacks since they will surely satisfy your hunger and curiosity! It is common to see a family laughing together while enjoying the tasty snacks while strolling this exciting street. - Maria Tan
Being a harbor, Tamsui was one of the places mostly invaded and occupied during the ancient times. There was the Spanish, Dutch, Sino-French, First Sino-Japanese and the Pacific war. In every invasion, locals die defending their land. Tamsui Peace Park was erected for the sole purpose of commemorating those who bravely fought during the wars and died in Tamsui. For people who'd like to culturally and historically explore Tamsui, this is a place where not only you get awareness, but pay respects as well. - Maria Tan
A visit to the Su Ho Memorial Paper Museum in the Zhongshan District is descriptive of the fascinating paper production techniques. Spread over four floors of which one of them occupies a breezy rooftop where DIY paper-making workshops are held. This beautiful museum features an exhibition of modern paper manufacturing and the collection also includes paper-making equipment and unique paper products among other things. Two informative films are featured that impart some interesting knowledge about the art of Taiwanese paper-making.
Previously known as the Yuanshan Mansion, the Taipei Story House dates back to 1913 when it was built by a Japanese tea merchant. This unusual house was originally built as a residence for visiting merchants and dignitaries, and the architecture of the house reflects a regal, more Western air. Tudor-style beams dominate most part of the ground floor, while it also has fleeting elements of classical architecture. There is also a beautiful European garden surrounding the house.
Interested in a new hobby but don’t know how to start? Take up classes in Beitou Sports Center, where a number of choices await you. Beitou Sports Center has been run by Taipei City YMCA on behalf of the government since 2004. The sports center houses several facilities including a pool, play room, dance studio, tennis court and fitness center. It is the first in Taiwan to have an indoor rock-climbing facility with several routes for people of all ages and skill. This center is not only child-friendly but also challenged-friendly as elevators accessible for physically challenged people are available.
Kuandu Museum of Fine Arts is one of the first art museums owned by one of the first art universities in the country. Established in 1996, the museum is spread over five levels of a an architectural mastermind ideally located overlooking the mountains. With art overflowing from all aspects; the museum has nine exhibition halls and is a platform for local and international artists to display their creations. They have works of famous artists like Yabuki Takato and Sato Masahare on display.
Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry was inaugurated in 2001 and is located in Shilin District of Taipei. The museum has a history dating back to the 17th century and is the second museum of the genre. They aim to showcase pastry culture and educates the crowd about pastry and cake making. They also have iconic recipes and age old delicacies available.
Zhishanyen Huiji Temple is located in Zhishanyen or otherwise known as the Zhishanyen Hill or “Zhishanyen rock”. This is found atop the Zhishanyen Gate. This temple was originally built in 1752 to house the patron saint “Kaizhang Sheng Wang” and it is said that since then, miracles have happened. Furthermore, a long ink brush is found here, which people believe can make a person wiser. Outside the temple is a big garden/hall where people go for walks after worshiping. As it’s located in a more secluded area, it’s not as crowded as the other temples during the weekdays.
A visit to the Su Ho Memorial Paper Museum in the Zhongshan District is descriptive of the fascinating paper production techniques. Spread over four floors of which one of them occupies a breezy rooftop where DIY paper-making workshops are held. This beautiful museum features an exhibition of modern paper manufacturing and the collection also includes paper-making equipment and unique paper products among other things. Two informative films are featured that impart some interesting knowledge about the art of Taiwanese paper-making.
The Taipei Zoo was previously located within the city, across the street from the Fine Arts Museum. Fortunately, the City Government decided to move the zoo out to a mountainous area in Muzha where the animals have fresh air to breathe and more room to move. Pay a visit to the museum to encounter more than 130 species of birds, reptiles, penguins, koala and pandas. Moreover, the zoo is home to two endangered pandas that were handed over to the zoo by the People's Republic of China in 2008.
A stamp lover's delight, Taipei's Postal Museum is quite fascinating. There is a lot to learn here despite the fact that the history of the post, or even stamp collecting, may seem rather dull to some. The museum offers plenty of history to impart to young and old alike. Numerous exhibits are dedicated to explaining what China's postal service was like centuries ago and how it has evolved. There are also letter-pushing machines on display. One can see first-hand how technology helped shape the system into what we know today.