2024 Taipei Travel for Beginners: 8 Classic Attractions from Taipei 101 to Jiufen Old Street!

Taipei, the best choice for Hong Kong people's free travel! Planning your first trip to Taipei but have no idea where to start? Kinnso has compiled 5 must-visit classic attractions in Taipei for beginners, along with food, accommodation, and transportation guides to help you get started and enjoy your trip to Taipei!

Taipei 101 is Taiwan's most famous landmark. The 101 observatory is located on the 89th floor, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Taipei. The night view is especially enchanting. The outdoor observatory allows you to feel the strong wind at high altitude, and the transparent glass floor makes you feel as if you are standing in mid-air. There are also souvenir shops and 101 food street inside the observatory. On New Year's Eve, the Taipei 101 fireworks show is a highlight of the city's New Year celebrations, breathtakingly beautiful. Take a trip to 101 and create your own memories of Taipei! • Observatory Tickets: Adults 600 yuan, enjoy discounts when booked online • If you are brave enough, try the outdoor terrace on the 88th floor and experience the feeling of "walking among the clouds" • There are live guided tours at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm daily Taipei 101 Information Address: No. 45, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City Transportation: Take the Red Line MRT to "Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station" and exit from Gate 4. Opening Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11:00-21:30; Friday-Saturday 11:00-22:00

When it comes to the trendiest spot in Taipei, Ximending takes the crown! From Ximen Red House, Movie Street, Wuchang Street to Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market, this place is a definitive indicator of youth culture. Besides trendy clothing stores and vintage shops, Ximending also boasts numerous creative boutiques and live houses. Moreover, Ximending is a paradise for foodies, with must-try delicacies like fried chicken, stinky tofu, bubble tea, and shaved ice. The nearby Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market is an even more popular spot for late-night snacks. Ximending is best explored at a leisurely pace to truly soak in Taipei's vibrant trendy vibes. **Tips:** * Evenings are the most lively time in Ximending, so plan your visit accordingly. * The Ximen Red House frequently hosts exhibitions, so be sure to check their website announcements. * Don't miss the hidden gem stores tucked away in the side alleys; many hold delightful surprises. **Ximending Information:** Address: Chengdu Road, Wanhua District, Taipei City Transportation: Take the Blue or Green Line MRT to "Ximen Station," Exit 6 leads directly there. Business Hours: Vary depending on individual shops.

Shilin Night Market is Taipei's largest night market, with over 500 stalls and a packed crowd every night. Besides famous snacks like Chen Ji's oyster vermicelli soup and Fuzhou Shizu pepper cakes, there are also chicken cutlets, stinky tofu, large intestine wrapped in small intestine, mango shaved ice, and more, sure to tempt your taste buds! Besides eating, Shilin Night Market also has unique game stalls, such as darts, ring toss, and pinball. If you get tired from shopping, head to the nearby Shilin Official Residence to experience the elegant Japanese garden landscape. **Tips:** * Peak season for the night market is April-September, expect crowded crowds * The storage lockers at the nearby Shilin MRT station are convenient for shoppers to store their loot * Rent a Youbike and cycle to the nearby Yuan Shan Scenic Area for a refreshing ride **Shilin Night Market Information** Address: No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City Transportation: Take the Tamsui Line to "Jian Tan Station" and walk for 10 minutes; or take the bus to "Shilin Night Market" station Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM

To appreciate precious antique artifacts, the Taipei National Palace Museum is a must-visit! With over 690,000 pieces on display, it encompasses bronzeware, ceramics, calligraphy and painting, jade ware, and documents, some even being national treasures of China, such as the Jadeite Cabbage, the Meat-shaped Stone, and Traveling Among Streams and Mountains. The Southern Branch's theme revolves around Asian civilization, with a more modern design. Even if you aren't an art enthusiast, simply walking along the museum's corridors is like stepping into a time tunnel, feeling the historical atmosphere wash over you. **Tips:** * The Palace Museum holds irregular special exhibitions, so keep an eye on its official website announcements. * Admission is free every Saturday at the end of each month, but expect larger crowds. * The Southern Branch exhibits are more novel and interesting, worth a visit. **Palace Museum Information** * Address (Main Branch): No. 221, Section 2, ZhiShan Road, Shilin District, Taipei City * Address (Southern Branch): No. 888, GuGong Avenue, Taipu City, Chiayi County * Transportation: * Main Branch: Take the Taipei Metro's Danshui Line to "Shilin Station" and transfer to a bus to "National Palace Museum" stop. * Southern Branch: Take the High-Speed Rail to "Chiayi Station" and transfer to the shuttle bus. * Opening Hours: * Main Branch: Monday - Sunday 08:30-18:30 (Extended to 21:00 on Fridays) * Southern Branch: Tuesday - Sunday 09:00-17:00 (Extended to 20:00 on Saturdays)

Yangmingshan National Park is located in northern Taipei, a dormant volcano spanning across 7 districts. The park boasts diverse natural scenery, including volcanic landscapes, hot springs, waterfalls, and grasslands. In spring, various flowers bloom vibrantly, such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and taro, creating a picturesque landscape that brightens the mood. Volcanic geological parks like Longfeng Valley, Xiaoyukeng, and Lengshuikeng are also worth visiting, allowing you to experience nature's awe-inspiring power. For those seeking relaxation, Yangmingshan offers numerous hot spring options, including Mazuo and Quanyuan. During winter, there's even a chance to witness the rare sight of "snow in Yangmingshan!" **Tips:** * Datun Mountain is the highest peak in Yangmingshan, offering breathtaking mountain views from Datun Natural Park. * Visitors center provides information about the park's ecology and maps. * The mountain winds are strong and chilly; bring a jacket. * When enjoying hot springs, remember to hydrate and avoid prolonged bathing. **Yangmingshan National Park Information:** Address: Yangmingshan, Beitou District, Taipei City Transportation: Take bus routes 260, 15, 108, or 109 to "Yangmingshan Station." Opening Hours: Open 24 hours. Visitor center: 09:00-16:30

Lungshan Temple: Experience a Rich Religious Atmosphere Located in Wanhua District, Lungshan Temple, founded in 1738, is one of the most important Buddhist faith centers in Taiwan. Stepping onto the temple grounds, you'll be greeted by the magnificent Sanchuan Hall, adorned with intricate carvings on its pillars, dragon pillars, and dragon chairs, a testament to the craftsmanship involved. It is recommended to visit early morning to feel the tranquil atmosphere of chanting scriptures. If you wish for good fortune in love, you can seek an auspicious sign at the Moon Old God Shrine. The nearby Bopiliao Historical Block also exudes a nostalgic charm, worth a stroll. **Tips:** * Besides the Moon Old God, Lungshan Temple also houses the Goddess of Childbirth and Wenchang Emperor, where you can seek divination through lots. * The Wanhua Night Market near the temple offers numerous traditional Taiwanese snacks, such as Ya-mu-liao duck meat soup and Ah-hung eel noodles. * Smoking and consuming meat are prohibited within the temple. When paying your respects, please do so with sincere reverence. **Lungshan Temple Information:** Address: No. 211, Guangzhou Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City Transportation: Take the Blue Line MRT to "Longshan Temple Station" Exit 1, and it's about a 3-minute walk. Opening Hours: 06:00 - 22:00

Jiufen once thrived due to its gold mining industry. Now, it has become the most distinctive mountain town. Narrow alleys, old buildings, and lanterns everywhere seem to freeze time in the past. The famous "A-Mei Tea House" was the filming location for the movie Spirited Away. Enjoying tea and admiring the mountain scenery here is a unique experience. Jiufen Old Street is also a food paradise, with delicious taro balls and bird eggs from Shichuan House, each tempting your taste buds. At sunset, Jiufen's twilight view is even more captivating. The setting sun paints the horizon red, and the townhouses sparkle in the golden afterglow, breathtakingly beautiful. **Tips:** * Nearby attractions worth visiting include Jinguashi and Golden Waterfall. * Fewer tourists on weekdays mean less waiting time for photos. * Temperatures drop sharply after sunset, so remember to bring a jacket. **Jiufen Information** Address: Minsheng Road, Jinguashili, Ruifang District, New Taipei City Transportation: Take a train from Taipei Station to "Ruifang", then transfer to bus 788 to "Jiufen" stop.

Shifen is renowned for its Sky Lantern Festival, the birthplace of wish-fulfilling sky lanterns. Walking along Shifen Old Street, shops on both sides offer various types of sky lanterns. Tourists can buy one, write their wishes on it, and then release it at the designated area. Watching your desires slowly rise into the sky with the lantern fills your heart with hope. The Railway Memorial Park houses a vintage steam engine, witnessing Shifen's mining history. Nearby Shifen Waterfall and Eyeglass Cave Waterfall are also worth visiting, allowing you to experience the grandeur of nature. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival held annually on the Lantern Festival (Chinese New Year's Eve) features a large-scale sky lantern display with thousands of lanterns lighting up the entire night sky, creating a romantic atmosphere that makes everyone want to fall in love! **Tips:** * When releasing sky lanterns, please follow relevant regulations and avoid environmental pollution. * During the Sky Lantern Festival, there are many tourists. It is recommended to avoid peak hours. * There are many trendy shops and cafes near Shifen Station, worth checking out. **Shifen Information:** Address: No. 51, Shifen Street, Shifen Li, Pingxi District, New Taipei City Transportation: Take the "Ruifang" train from Taipei Station, then transfer to the Pingxi Line to "Shifen Station".

I hope this Taipei travel guide for first-timers can provide you with practical information and inspiration for your inaugural trip to Taipei. Remember to allocate time to deeply experience each attraction and immerse yourself in the authentic local culture. This inclusive city of Taipei is sure to offer you a surprising journey!