Ben's Guide to Taipei and Taiwan

Taroko National Park / 太魯閣國家公園 / Tàilǔgé gúojiā gōngyuán Taroko is one of the must see sites in Taiwan. Winding along a mountain pass on one side the cliff goes straight down to the river and on the other side straight up. This is definitely at minimum a weekend trip, but a long weekend would be more realistic. Free camping was available, although this may have changed. In 2005 sites were available with parking, wooden tent platforms, and toilet facilities. The only thing missing was hot water. Also in 2005 the hotsprings were closed indefinitely after falling rocks killed and injured visitors. Taroko is an excellent site to drive if you have a car. If you are more adventurous, you can take the train and then rent a motor scooter. Depending on which shop you go to, you may or may not have a problem renting without a Taiwan driver's license. The closest larger city is Hualian. This is where many people stay and do day trips into Taroko. They have all of the necessities and luxuries ...

Dr. Sun Yat Sen’s House is a very small walled in park near Taipei Main Station. If you are near Taipei Main Station (MRT & Train 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 on Zhongshan North Road . 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. Taipei Site Seeing Index

Sun Yet Sen Memorial / 國父 紀念館 / Guó Fù J ì ni à n Gu ǎ n 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. The memorial itself is not such an overwhelming attraction, but it is the center of a very nice park which offers an excellent view of Taipei 101. Taipei Site Seeing Index: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/sites-in-taipei-city.html

CKS (Chiang Kaishek) Memorial Hall and National Concert Hall 中正紀念堂 Zhōngzhèng jìniàn 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. By MRT 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. Main Taipei Site Seeing Index

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. Taipei Site Seeing Index