Taipei In 2 Days For Backpacker

Taipei is the capital of Taiwan. One of two international entrances to Taiwan Island is..

Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport

All international flights to Taipei arrive at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The airport is situated apprx. 30 km from Taipei city. You can take non- express bus as the cheapest transportation in order to get to Taipei Main Station.  

 

For student discount (transportation, accommodation, services)

Apply for Youth Travel Card in Tourist Service Center (6.30am – 11.30pm) situated on the right as you exit immigration in terminal 1 and in the middle of the arrivals area in terminal 2. You can get many discounts in accommodation, admissions and food. 

You may change or withdraw money from ATMs and exchange counters – they are available on both terminals.

 ISIC 

Generally you will NOT get a student discount in Taiwan with ISIC card (However if you have Taiwanese University Student ID- take it with you).



Taipei City - Transportation

Metro

The most convenient transportation in Taipei. Stations and trains are clearly identified in English, so even for those who cannot read Chinese, the MRT system is very accessible. You can purchase ticket from ticket vending machines (they accept coins and banknotes)

City Buses

Single route: 15/30 NT depends on distance – payment: by cash in bus, have exact amount.

 

Eating in Taipei

 

Din Tai Fung  (No.194, Sec.2, Sinyi Rd., Taipei City)

This is an award-winning restaurant originating in Taiwan, specialising in xiaolongbao (small steamed buns, different from "Chinese dumplings").

Consumption with YTC and get a free siao/long/bao phone strap.

 

Gan-en Restaurant of Beaf and Mutton (No.44-1, Ningxia Rd., Datong Dist., Taipei City)

Discount with YTC: Free side dishes valued NT25 with spending over NT130

 

Long-der oyster thin noodles

No.1, Ln. 119, Jilin Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City, 02-25623227

Special price of NTD50 on large size of thin noodles.

 

Hundred-Year Wu Jia Dianbinsor

B1F, Taipei 101.

Consumption with YTC and get a free plate of fried tofu.

For more restaurants and accommodation have a look into youth travel discounts book or http://www.youthtravel.tw/.

 I recommend Shilin night market and other night markets in Taipei City where you can find new, interesting, local-made food!

 

Sleeping/Taipei:

One of the cheapest one is probably Taipei Hero House (500NT/bed on weekdays)

No.20, Sec.1,Changsha St., Taipei City, phone: 02-2331-9722

 

Shopping

Doctor-Tea shop

No.119, Sec. 7, Jhongshan N. Rd.,Taipei City

Buy tea and get 10% discount with YTC.

TAIPEI CITY - SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS

1. Longshan Temple

2. Taipei 101

3. Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

4. National Theatre and National Concert Hall

5. Grand Hotel Taipei

6. National Palace Museum

7. Shilin Night Market

8. Miramar Entertainment Park

9. Taipei Dragon Boat Festival

10. Beitou Hot Springs Park

11. Yangmingshan National Park

Alishan national scenic area

Transportation:

1. Alishan Forest Railway from Chiayi -> Alishan (round trip: NT 759, 10:00, 13:25) – currently is not working
2. Option 2.: Chiayi County Bus from Chiayi -> Alishan (round trip: NT 408, 6:10, 8:10, 10:10, 12:10, 14:10, way back-> 9:10, 11:10, 13:10, 15:10, 17:10; takes 3,1/2 hour, 71.4km)
3. Option 3. Rent scooter in Chiayi -> jorney takes about 3 hours, but you can stop and enjoy beautiful mountain scenic area or hiking.

Entrance to Alishan Forest Recreation Area: Discount price NT$100 with YTC/Original price NT$200

Map of Alishan NSA: http://www.ali-nsa.net/english/02travel/01main.php

What to do:

• Sunrise viewing – only possible if you would stay in hotel/hostel in area
• Hiking – many options, easy to find trail, check the map above.
• Bird Watching , Tea plants
• Visit hot spots: Alishan Scared Tree, Shou Cheng Temple, Village God Temple, Alishan Museum, Chushan Sunrise Viewing Trail, etc.

Where to eat:

You may eat inside the Park, but it is expensive.Bring your own food or buy food in 7-eleven on your way.  However you can see local restaurants on the way through Alishan scenic area. 

Accomodation in Chiayi:

Chiayi City Labor Recreation Center

3F,. No.101, Mituo Rd., Chiayi City;  05-228-6127; NT$600 per bed on weekdays

External links:

http://www.ali-nsa.net/english/00home/home.php

Taipei: Longshan Temple 龍山寺

Longshan Temple, Taipei

This temple is where countless generations of Taipei citizens have come to pray and seek guidance at times of trouble. As the temple is dedicated to Guanyin (the Buddhist representation of compassion) it is officially defined as Buddhist, but there is a great amount of folk religion mixed into the fabric of the beliefs at this temple. However, if you want to feel the real heartbeat of Taipei, one that is far removed from the skyscrapers and shopping malls of East Taipei, this is the place to come. It just oozes with character, although don't come expecting to find teachings on meditation.

The area around Longshan Temple, Wanhua, is one of the original districts of Taipei. And, while much of the traditional architecture has been lost, the area still maintains a traditional feel. It is here that the blind masseurs congregate to offer their skill. Likewise, this is the area where the Taiwanese come to learn who they should marry or what to name their children by consulting one of the many fortune tellers that set up shop along the roads and alleys around the temple.

Location: At 211 Guangzhou Road (near junction with Guilin Road), Taipei
Transportation: MRT: 'Longshan Temple' (Ban-Nan Line).
Open Hours: open daily from 5AM - 10PM.
Admission: Free

Taipei: Taipei 101 臺北101/ 台北101

Taipei 101, Taipei

Taipei 101 formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, is a landmark skyscraper located in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan. The building ranked officially as the world's tallest from 2004 until the opening of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010.

Taipei 101 features an Indoor Observatory (89th floor) and an Outdoor Observatory (91st floor). Both offer 360-degree views and attract visitors from around the world.

Location: 89Floor, No.7, Hsin Yi Rd Sec.5, Taipei 110

Link:  http://www.taipei-101.com.tw/

Transportation:  MRT : Taipei City Hall Station (Bannan Line), +  bus at the No.2 exit.



Ticket Booth & Entrance are located at the 5^th floor of the Taipei 101 Shopping Mall. Entry-> 5F, use elevator to 89F. Exit-> 88F, use elevator to 5F.

Open Hours: Daily from 9:00-22:00 (last entry 21.15)

Admission:
Adult: 400NTD
Concession: 370NTD
Group ticket: 350 NTD (20 people; reservation until 5pm one day in advance)

Discounted admission using Youth travel card: Enjoy tour group rate on admission.

Taipei: Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 國立中正紀念堂

Chiang Kai-shek Hall, me & my boyfriend Ilman

The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall  is the symbol of both Taipei and the Republic of China. It is here that the nation's flag is raised every morning, and the huge court yard in front of the memorial serves as a place for both national celebrations as well as a platform to voice one's disapproval of the government.
The memorial consists of a large bronze statue of Chiang Kai-shek, watched over by two motionless honor guards who are replaced every hour in a rifle twirling ceremony. Downstairs, there is a museum of Chiang's life, complete with his sedans and uniforms. Even if you are not into memorials, the gardens, with their Chinese style ponds, are definitely worth a visit. The grounds of the memorial are also a favorite place for locals to gather and practice martial arts, though you'll have to be there early if you want to see this. 


Location: 21, ZHONGSHAN SOUTH ROAD, TAIPEI (100);   (02)2343-1100

Link:  http://www.cksmh.gov.tw/eng/index.php


Transportation: MRT: CKS Memorial Hall Station (Xindian line)
Open Hours: open daily from 9am - 6pm.
Admission: Free

Taipei: National Theater Hall 國家戲劇院 & National Concert Hall 國家音樂廳

 Located in the grounds of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, it is an are excellent place to see performances of a Taiwanese play or a dance troupe. They also host many international events. Taiwan's National Symphony Orchestra performs at the National Concert Hall. The building's neo-classic Chinese architecture is especially stunning when flood-lit at night.

Location: 10048 Chung-Shan South Road
Link:  http://www.ntch.edu.tw/
Transportation: MRT: CKS Memorial Hall Station (Xindian line)

Admission: Discounted admission using Youth travel card: NT50 price for regular guide service (advanced reservation required)

Taipei: Grand Hotel Taipei 圓山大飯店

Grand Hotel Taipei

The hotel's roof is currently the world's largest Chinese classical style roof. With its vermilion columns, the roof makes the hotel a visible showplace of Chinese architecture and culture. The hotel itself contains numerous objects d'art, wall panels, paintings, carvings, and significant restaurants. Dragon motifs are frequently intertwined throughout the various structures that make up the hotel, earning the hotel the name "The Dragon Palace". Beside dragons, lion and plum flower motifs also make a significant presence in the hotel.

It opened in May 1952, and expanded several times before becoming the landmark it is today. The swimming pool, tennis court, and membership lounge were constructed in 1953. The Golden Dragon Pavilion and Golden Dragon Restaurant opened in 1956 and the The Jade Phoenix Pavilion and Chi-Lin Pavilion opened in 1958 and 1963 respectively. The main Grand Hotel building was completed on the Double Tenth Day of 1973, making it an instant icon of Taipei. And this hotel is a part of scene in the Taiwanese film - Eat Drink Man Woman by the world famous Director - Ang Lee.

Location: No. 1, Section 4, ZhōngShān North Rd, Jhongshan District

Link:  http://www.grand-hotel.org/main/default.htm

Transportation: MRT->> Yuanshan st.

Taipei: National Palace Museum 國立故宮博物院

The world's best collection of Chinese historical artifacts and antiquities. The museum is near by Shilin night market. Look for the displays on the buses. Some are written in English. It's a must-see for first time visitors.

National Palace Museum, Taipei

Address: 221 Chih-shan Rd., Sec. 2, Wai-shuang-hsi, Shi-lin District, Taipei

Transportation
•Buses : 255,304,mini bus 18, mini bus 19, culture bus 101 get off at Museum plaza Stop
•MRT : Take Danshui Line and get off at Shilin Station and take the Red 30 to the Museum.
The nearest MRT station is Shilin with frequent buses from Shilin heading for the Palace Museum



Open Hours
•Sun - Thu 11:00-21:30
•Fri - Sat 11:00-22:00

Admission: Discounted admission using Youth travel card –>> NT80 + 10% discount on items purchased at the NPM gift shop

 

Taipei: Shilin Night Market 士林夜市

The largest and most famous one in Taipei. The night market is close to Jiantan Station on the Danshui Line (confusingly,     Shilin Station is located farther away). 

Location: Chung Shan North Road, Section 4 , Shihlin , Taipei, Taiwan
Phone - +886 2 2349 1635 (Tourism Bureau)

Open: 4pm – 1 or 2 am
Transportation: MRT ->>Jiantan st. 
Admission: Free

Some of the best known night market snacks are:

OYSTER OMELET

STINKY TOFU

MANGO ICE

PEARL MILK TEA

etc.

Miramar Entertainment Park 美麗華百樂園

Miramar is big shopping mall in the Dazhi area in Zhongshan District of Taipei. On the roof of Miramar Entertainment Park is a 70-metre tall Ferris wheel second tallest in Taiwan after the 88-metre (289 ft) Sky Wheel at Janfusan Fancyworld.

Discount with YTC:  Ferris Wheel Tickets purchased with YTC are NT$120 on weekdays,and NT$150 on weekends.

Transportation: MRT -> Jiannan Road Station

Link:  http://www.miramar.com.tw

Address: No.20, Jingye 3rd Rd., Taipei City

Open: Most of shops open 24 hours.

Taipei Dragon Boat Festival 端午節/端午节

Dragon Boat Festival

The Dragon Boat Festival is celebrated on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. Chinese call this day as Duan-Wu 端午. Duan 端 means beginning. Wu 午 means Horse month in Chinese calendar. The Horse month usually begins on June 5th or June 6th in the Gregorian calendar. That means Dragon Boat Festival should be held in June, unless that year has Leap Month in the Chinese lunar calendar.

The highlight of Dragon Boat Festival is the Dragon Boat Race, where teams of rowers propel Dragon Boats to the beat of drums. This tradition is centuries-old, and has been taken up in countries around the world.

So, if you are around that time, don't miss this biggest or at least most important festival in Taiwan.

External links:

http://www.go2taiwan.net/monthly_selection.php?sqno=13

http://www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/festival/dragonboat/dragon.html