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So where is the coolest part of town nowadays? The answer is one of the last places in Taipei City to be developed: the Xinyi District.

Perhaps the high real estate prices of this mid-western part of the city aren't enough to convince you how popular the area is. Take a trip down there and see for yourself – the district is packed with financial buildings, one-after-another shopping malls, as well as Taipei World Trade Center. Oh yeah, and it's also in the shadow of the grand Taipei 101, the city's No. 1 landmark since a decade ago.

Nevertheless, Xinyi isn't just another developed corner; it symbolizes the progress of modern Taiwan.

Before embarking on the journey towards the futuristic Taipei, let's stop by Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall to reflect on his contribution towards the making of Taiwan.

Paying Respects to Dr. Sun Yat-sen

In commemoration of the country's “Father” Dr. Sun Yat-sen's incomparable dedication to revolutionary activities that transformed the history of Republic of China, the memorial hall was built in 1972, after six years of drafting and careful planning.

Not only did the beautiful monument honor the nation's founder, but it also added culture and an artistic touch to the area. It's also an additional perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

The majestic, solemn structure with a golden-orange roof spread so wide like a big birds' wings, which reminded me of a phoenix, was based on renowned architect Wang Da-hung's design, later modified by former President Chiang Kai Shek with Chinese architectural elements.

The hall, committed to promote Dr. Sun Yat-sen's many philosophies, prolongs the Three Principles of the People – Nationalism, Democracy and Livelihood; the aim is to integrate his beliefs with contemporary Chinese culture. It is also an educational and cultural arts center where various exhibitions and performances take place.

I attended a concert in the national performance hall and clearly remember being bowled over by the space's dimension and the traditional Chinese ambiance. The hall's also internationally renowned for its combination of elegance and practicality, with innovative projection and audiovisual systems.

There is also a shallow pond in the area, adding colors to a lush park with its pink lotuses and reflecting the sky and clouds. Turtles paddling around the pond or resting on rocks make the environment even more inviting.

Now let's move forward towards the 21st century of Taipei via the Taipei City Hall direction.

The Celebrity Structure

Without a doubt, Taipei 101 is the island's must-visit site, especially the Taipei 101 Observatory.

In 2004, Taipei 101, the “pride of Taiwan,” became the world's tallest building standing at 508 meters, until Burj Dubai (opening January 2010) topped its height at 818 meters. Nonetheless, I was overwhelmed by the structure's countless amazing attributes.

As I walk closer and closer to the building, my neck gets sorer and sorer. It's hard to believe that something so tall and stylishly stunning was built by men.

The tower combines the centuries-year-old Chinese wisdom of feng shui with innovative design and advanced construction. Shaped like a bamboo with eight units of eight floors each, the edifice stands for growth (bamboo) and prosperity (the number eight).

Situated on the skyscraper's 89th floor, the observatory sits at 382 meters above ground, offering visitors a 360-degree view of the city. The floor is clean and spacious, with audio guides available in eight languages, including English, Japanese, French and Spanish.

Besides a delightful must-have-in-all-tourist-traps souvenir shop, the floor also houses the “highest mailbox,” where visitors can send off postcards to family and friends.

The observatory also provides a popular imaging service that Photoshops you into pictures of the building, in which you hug Taipei 101 or climb it, King Kong-style.

Another exciting feature of the building is its world's biggest passive wind damper – a gigantic metal ball weighing 660 metric tons suspended between the 88th and 89th floors.

Two viewing platforms, each on one floor, allow visitors to take a closer look at the sphere, made of 41 layers of 1.25-meter thick solid steel plates. According to Observatory Manager Stephen Chi, the steel plates were lifted up to the 88th floor one by one, and later stacked together inside the building.

The metal ball stabilizes the building when earthquakes or strong winds strike, by swinging in the opposite direction of the force. The device, although very simple in theory, can protect the building from the most severe earthquakes.

An outdoor observatory located on the 91st floor provides a slightly scary top-of-the-world experience – my hair was flying all over the place because of the strong winds.

Note: The outdoor observatory is only open in good weather conditions. Signposts will indicate its availability.

My favorite trait of the wonderful giant is the world's two fastest elevators that transport visitors to the observatory in about 38 seconds – what else can anyone do in that span of time? The elevator ladies giving instructions could barely finish their introductory talks.

With a top speed of 1,010 meters per minute, the Japanese Toshiba elevators feature an aerodynamic body, full pressurization, and emergency brakes!

Personally, I find Taipei City very seductive in the evenings – I fell in love with the panoramic view when I visited right before sunset.

The observatory is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, with the last entry at 9:15 p.m. (operating hours during holidays are subject to change). Admission is NT$400 for adults, NT$370 for children under 12. The ticket booth and the entrance are located on the fifth floor, above a luxury mall and fabulous restaurants.

Taipei 101 transforms into a torch at night when a bright yellow light atop the tower, signaling a warm welcome.

Got More Time And Energy?

Another emerging characteristic that integrates the Taiwanese way of life is the shopping culture, big in Xinyi District. People naturally refer Xinyi as the “shopping district” due to its abundant departments stores and malls.

Between several shopping centers are wide clean pedestrian walkways that are neatly designed with comfortable stone benches and decorated with modern sculptures.

A footbridge that connects most of the shopping centers, including the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and New York New York, illustrating the collectivistic habit of the local culture.

Besides shopping, visitors can also entertain themselves at the movie theater or select a restaurant from the many available choices. And if you're in the area well after dark, check out some of the hottest clubs and lounges in town in the Neo 19 building – you'll be complaining that 24 hours a day just isn't enough to experience the world of Xinyi.

How to get there:

By MRT- Get off at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT Station on the blue Bannan line.

By bus - 204, 212, 232, 235, 240, 245, 254, 261, 263, 266, 270, 278, 282, 288, 299, 311, 621, 672, 651, 662, 663, 665, 667, Chih-Nan Bus, Free Go Bus

-The China Post/Asia News Network

Way Up High in Taipei

By Tricia Chen, The China Post/ANN | Wed, Jan 13 2010

Explore the Xinyi District in Taipei, which captures the progress of modern Taiwai, and don't miss the Taipei 101.

Keywords

taipei

So where is the coolest part of town nowadays? The answer is one of the last places in Taipei City to be developed: the Xinyi District.

Nevertheless, Xinyi isn't just another developed corner; it symbolizes the progress of modern Taiwan.

Before embarking on the journey towards the futuristic Taipei, let's stop by Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall to reflect on his contribution towards the making of Taiwan.

Paying Respects to Dr. Sun Yat-sen

Not only did the beautiful monument honor the nation's founder, but it also added culture and an artistic touch to the area. It's also an additional perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon.

Now let's move forward towards the 21st century of Taipei via the Taipei City Hall direction.

The Celebrity Structure

Without a doubt, Taipei 101 is the island's must-visit site, especially the Taipei 101 Observatory.

As I walk closer and closer to the building, my neck gets sorer and sorer. It's hard to believe that something so tall and stylishly stunning was built by men.

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