The Taiwanese capital: Taipei
There is so much to see in Taiwan that you can only make a very small list of things to see and do on the island. However, the Taiwanese capital, Taipei, is the one you will see first when you arrive from Spain at the Taoyuan airport.
In Taipei, a multifaceted city, tradition mixes with modernity, and there are several sites that are essential to visit.
The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial: The Taiwanese capital: Taipei
The iconic building dedicated to the first President Chiang-Kai-Shek – impressive!
Located at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station and connected by the green and red lines of the Taipei Metro (MRT), this monument represents the history of Taiwan, built on a 25-hectare esplanade in honor of this head of state. , who was the first representative of the Kuomintang and the first president of the ROC from 1950 to 1975.
Historic monument, this majestic building is recognizable by its huge five-arched front door, which opens onto the gigantic Freedom Square, which you have to cross to climb 89 steps (representing the age of Chiang Kai-shek when he died ) leading to the imposing bronze statue with the effigy of the politician.
If you want to know a little more about the history of Taiwan, we will tell you that, in addition, Chiang Kai-Shek was the man who carried out the counterrevolutionary and nationalist civil war against the communist power of Beijing.
Thus, it is the icon of the independentists and nationalists who are against the Chinese Communist Party, which advocates the unification of Taiwan to mainland China.
The ceiling of the monument was built in a style reminiscent of the Beijing Temple of Heaven.
Do you live in the capital? Don’t miss our Chinese Madrid classes !
Longshan Temple: The Taiwanese capital: Taipei
Buddhist temples represent Chinese culture and tradition, so there are many temples located in the streets and shopping malls. Among them is the Longshan Temple.
Built between 1919 and 1924 on the stones of an ancient temple from 1738, the most important temple in Taiwan houses altars dedicated to Taoist deities.
The Taipei 101 Tower
The Taipei 101 tower, standing 509 meters above sea level, was once the tallest tower in the world and can be seen from everywhere in Taipei. It symbolizes the technological evolution and the Asian tradition of the island.
The tower was built between 1999 and 2004 and houses shopping malls, offices and various observatories on floors 88, 89 and 91, from where you will have a breathtaking view of the city, the surrounding mountains and the coast, the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
The Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)
After succumbing to the delights of Chinese cuisine (dumplings, xiaolongbao, noodle soups, etc.) and exploring museums and parks, head to Xiangshan Mountain (Elephant Mountain), located in southeastern Taipei.
After a short and easy walk, you can have an emblematic view of the city, with the Taipei 101 tower and the tropical vegetation in the background. Go at sunset – it’s the most famous photo in Taipei. The only downside is that there are usually a lot of people in Xiangshan.
