Ben's Guide to Taipei and Taiwan

Traveling by scooter or car, cross the river from Central Taipei going towards Beitou and Yangmingshan, going north on Chengde Rd.(承德路 Chéngdé Lù) Staying on the main road, there will be brown street signs directing you to Xin Beitou and Yangmingshan. From Xin Beitou there is access to Yangmingshan. Basically stay on the main road unless directed by the signs. When you reach Xin Beitou, the MRT station will be on the right hand side and you will be on Daye Rd (大業路 Dàyè Lù) which connects with several roads. To continue to Yangmingshan take Quanyuan Rd. (泉源路 Quányuán Lù) which is ahead and to the left. Continue on and you are in Yangmingshan. Follow the signs for additional options. If you follow Zhongshan Rd. (中山路 Zhōngshān Lù) the park will be on the right hand side which has an adjoining museum and public hotspring. There is no shortage of private spas to choose from if you want something nicer. The public hotspring is built on a hill with several pools. The hottest pools are on top ...

They feature deep dish pizza but it is a mediocre pizza. The fried chicken is also decidedly average. Their commitment to being good enough can be seen by spelling their name wrong on the front door. It reads "Aunt's Su" instead of "Aunt Su's". Monday through Friday they have lunch and dinner buffets. It is located opposite of Sun Yet Sen Memorial (國父 紀念館 guó fù j ì ni à n gu ǎ n ) on Guang Fu South Rd. between Zhongxiao East Rd. and Renai Rd. Main Pizza Page

JP Pub is a small pub with a friendly owner and a Foosball Table. The pub is located in an area which caters to Japanese expatriates, and there are some suspicious looking places, but this one is fine. The owner speaks some English, but in general Chinese or Japanese will get you a lot farther. Located near Linsen N. Road at Zhongshan N. Road, Sec. 2, Lane 77, No. 3, 2F / 中山北路 2 段 77 巷 3 號 2 樓 / Zhōngshān Běi Lù, 2 Duàn, 77 Xiàng, 3 Hào, 2 Lóu Main Pub List

Yakiniku House is a Japanese barbeque. It is very good as long as you don't mind cooking for yourself on the charcoal grill that is brought to your table. There is a ventilation fan over each table so it is not smokey. You can get assorted thin sliced meats or seafood. The seating is split between ordinary tables and sections where you remove your shoes and sit on the floor, but there is a sunken area to put your feet if you don't like sitting cross legged. The salmon rice soup is very good. Service is good too. Located on the 11th floor of the living mall. The Living Mall Main Taipei Restaurants Page

Shandao Temple 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. Taipei Site Seeing Index: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/sites-in-taipei-city.html

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

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. Taipei Site Seeing Index: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/05/sites-in-taipei-city.html

The Grand Hotel / 圓山大飯店 / Yuán Shān Dà 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. The Grand Hotel's Website: http://www.grand-hotel.org/newsite/html/e/ca01.htm 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

I got a pair of custom orthopedic insoles from Dr. Mark. He takes a mold of your feet and they are ready in a couple of weeks. Getting the mold is maybe a 30 minute process. Cost is around NTD 10,000. These are the sports shoe insole.There is a dress shoe insole which I beleive uses leather instead of foam. The white is a dense foam, the gray is a plastic, and the blue is a standard foam you would find in a shoe insole. These are supposed to last for several years, but I don't think that counts the blue foam which must be able to be replaced. Dr. Mark Griffin, Doctor of Chiropractic, USA Chiropractic Care Deep Muscle Tissue Therapy Sport Injuries Custom-made foot orthotics By Appointment Only, Please! Zhongxiao East Rd. Sec. 4, #250, 11F-5 忠孝東路,四段,250號,11樓, Suite 5 entry at Lane 248 Taipei, Taiwan Tel: (02) 8771-3516 0927-183388 see my original page about Dr. Mark: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/10/dr-mark-fixed-my-back.html

Ta Chien Cinema / 大千電影院 / Dà Qiān Diàn Yǐng Yuàn For a bit of luxury the basement of the Westin Taipei Hotel has a theater in the basement level which has sofas with footrests. Tickets are NTD 350 and reservations are advised however if you show up and no tickets are available, you may wait to see if there is a no show and can get seated just before show time. Location: Nanjing East Road, Sec. 3, No. 133, B2 / 台北市南京東路3段133號B2 On the north-east side of the Fuxing Rd. intersection, this is walking distance from the Nanjing East Rd. MRT station on the Brown-Muzha Line. Their website is in Chinese only: http://www.whatis.com.tw/westin2005/act.php http://babelfish.altavista.com/ can provide a half-ass machine translation which should be adequate to see what is playing and maybe even make a reservation. http://www.whatis.com.tw/westin2005/news_content.php?eno=1#mvlist To make a reservation: Telephone reservtations are accepted for the same day only, but English may or may not be spoken: ...

Parco makes an excellent personal size thin crust pizza. They also as the name would imply serve pasta. Bottled beer is available. Service is good, and they make sure there is always a carafe of water on the table. Location: Minsheng E. Rd, Sec. 5, No. 59 / 民生東路 5 段 59 號 / Mínshēng Dōng Lù 5 duàn 59 hào It is not near an MRT stop but is a short bus/taxi ride (or a long walk) from Zhong Shan Jr. High Station, the northernmost station on the Brown-Muzha Line.

AIT is located on Xinyi Rd., Sec. 3, No. 134. It is just east of Jianguo Rd. Most services will require that you make an appointment online. If you are American you won't need to wait in the oppressive line being formed out front, just join the line to go through security. You will have to turn off and check in your mobile phone, and any other electronic devices such as a notebook computer or mp3 player. You will need an ID other than your passport to leave with your checked items. You will need your passport to take care of your business. Proceed to the back of the building and up to the 2nd floor. At the time of your appointment, they will announce that everyone with an appointment at that time should come to the window to check in. They will take your passport and documents and then send you to the cashiers window to pay any fees. Then you will wait for your name to be called. If you need a document notarized make an appointment online, it will cost approx. NTD 1000 (USD 30.00...

I have not yet checked this out, but it seems like an interesting concept: "...the tables look like sleek hospital beds, there are a few wheelchairs and crutches sitting around, backlit X-rays decorate some walls, and above each table hangs a big "IV drip," which functions like a small keg. And then, of course, there are nurses everywhere you look." http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2006/03/31/2003300218 Restaurant: DS Music Restaurant Address : 7 Xinsheng N Rd Sec 3, Zhongshan Dist, Taipei (台北市中山區新生北路三段７號) Telephone: (02) 2587 3226 Open: 6pm to 2:30am; Fri, Sat 6pm to 4am Average meal: NT$300 to NT$500 per person Details: English and Chinese menu; major credit cards accepted Web site: www.drs.com.tw (Chinese only) road, not restaurant, is one block west of the Ritz Landis Hotel. This is near the highway bridge which crosses the river to access Shilin and Tianmu.

Din Tai Fung Dumpling Restaurant is a very nice dumpling restaurant. It is always busy but you shouldn't have to wait too long. There are NO RESERVATIONS, upon arrival take a number and you will be given a menu / order slip (in Chinese only) so you are ready to order as soon as you are seated. Open daily until 9:00 PM. XinYi Road, Sec. 2, No. 194 / 台北市 , 信義路 , 二段 , 194 號 / Xìnyì Lù, 2 duàn, 194 hào West of Daan Park, between JinShan S. Rd and XinSheng S. Rd. Remember Xinyi is one-way, eastbound traffic only. They have other branches around Taipei, Taiwan, and internationally. http://www.dintaifung.com.tw/eng/ Go to main restaurant listings page: http://taipeiguide.blogspot.com/2006/09/restaurants-in-taipei.html

The MRT underground & elevated train network MRT=Metro Rapid Transit. Chinese: 捷運 jié yùn While you are here you may want to make use of Taipei’s public transit system. The subway known as the MRT is very efficient and easy to use. All stops are labeled and announced in English. If you use the MRT on a regular basis you will want to buy an Easy Card. This is a prepaid debit card. You simply touch it to the sensor on the turnstile as you enter and leave the MRT station. You will hear a high-pitched beep and the turnstile will unlock. If you are using a one-time use ticket, feed the ticket into the slot and it will come out on top. Take the ticket, as you will need it to exit. One-time use tickets may be purchased from vending machines located in each station. Check the map on the vending machine to determine the proper fare for your destination. Easy Cards can be purchased at any MRT station ticket window and some automated vending machines in the stat...

If you live in an apartment, then you may have trash removal as part of your maintenance fee. Even so, to stay on good terms with your building staff, you should realize that some garbage must be separated and recycling has been mandated by the city. Follow the link for trash and recycling schedules in Taipei City. If you have to take out your own trash, there are typically two pick-up times per day, which will vary depending on your location, except for Wednesday and Sunday when there is no pick up. Listen for the musical garbage truck, it should come at the same times every day. You will also need special tax stamped bags in Taipei City, which are sold at most supermarkets and convenience stores. Recycling does not need to be in the tax stamped bag, any bag will do. For up to date information, recycling schedules, and more details go to http://www.epb.taipei.gov.tw/

The Miramar (美麗華 Měi L ì Hu ā ) is most notable for it's Ferris Wheel. Besides all of the shopping attractions the Miramar has regular movies, Imax, and Imax 3D movies . Movie and Ferris Wheel combos are available. There is a Wellcome Supermarket in the basement which has a better selection than most, it has offerings similar to what can be found in Wellcome's premium supermarket chain, Jason's . The food court has many different options. For casual western dining there is a Le blé d'or Brewery Restaurant and a TGIFriday's . Located North of the the river from central Taipei in Neihu District. No. 20, Jingye 3rd Rd./ 敬業三路20號 / J ì ng Y è Sān Lù, 20 hào Links: Official Website Tourism Bureau Taipei Site Seeing Index