Sites in Taipei City
A few blocks South of Taipei Main Station and next to NTU Hospital MRT Station is one of Taipei’s bigger parks (2nd after Daan). It has walking paths, fishponds, shaded pagodas, and an outdoor stage.
CKS (Chiang Kaishek) Memorial Hall and National Concert Hall
中正紀念堂 zhōng zhèng jì niàn táng
This is a great example of Chinese architecture in the center of the city. It is easy to get to and can be seen quite quickly. Although it is very impressive and should be on your list, there’s really not that much to see beyond the exterior. Inside you will find a statue of Chiang Kaishek and some honor guards. This is also a gathering place for public events such as New Year’s celebrations and political rallies. On Either side of the courtyard are two towering red pagoda style buildings. One is the National Theatre Hall and the other is the National Concert Hall.
It is located on the Red-Danshui Line 2 stops south of Main Station. Get off at CKS Memorial Hall Station, exit and you will be right there.
Grand Hotel圓山飯店 yuán shān fàn diàn
This lives up to its name; it is a towering pagoda style structure with a view of the city. It is starting to show signs of age, but is still very impressive. There are no doubt more luxurious hotels, but none with as much character. Take the MRT to Yuanshan. From there you can take a taxi for $70.
Ximen Night Market and Red House Theater
This is more of a large pedestrian thoroughfare lined with shops than a traditional night market, but of course there are some street stalls as well. The Red House Theater is a dinner theater across the street. The building is backlit in red so it really stands out at night. They have a good gift shop if you are trying to find souvenirs to take home.
Go to the Ximen MRT Station, which is one stop west of Taipei Main Station. If you are on the Red Line, you can bypass the chaos of the main station by transferring at CKS Memorial Hall to the Pea Green-Ximen Line.
Shin Kong Life Tower Observatory is CLOSED, no one wants to say they went to the second tallest building in Taipei.
Sun Yet Sen Memorial國父紀念館 guó fù jì niàn guǎn
There is a nice courtyard and park, which are the best features. Inside you will find an art exhibit and a big statue of Dr. Sun. Located near the Sun Yet Sen. MRT Station on the Blue Line.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s House
A very small walled park near Taipei Main Station. If you are near Main Station, this is a nice escape from the city around you. There are fishponds and you can walk through Dr. Sun’s house. From Taipei Main Station (train station) go out the East exit, cross one street and you will hit a white wall. Follow the sidewalk around to the opposite side and there will be an entrance. There is not much inside the house; it’s the courtyard that makes it worth visiting. All of the signs are in Chinese but be aware that no photography is allowed inside the house, but don't worry you won't be missing out.
Shandao Temple
This is not particularly noteworthy, but it is near the main station area. Get off at Shandao Temple MRT Station, one stop east from Main Station on the Blue Line, go out Exit 6.
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