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  • Taiwan's capital, Taipei, is situated at the country's northern tip.

  • The city sits in a basin between the Central and Yangming Mountains, and is surrounded by the larger, but quite distinct, New Taipei City.

  • In recent decades, Taipei has busily transformed itself into one of the region's most livable cities and into one of Asia's premier travel destinations.

  • Today, Taipei has one foot striding towards a futuristic utopia and the other respectfully rooted in ancient Chinese traditions.

  • It's easy to fall in love with this friendly city.

  • The aroma of Chinese street food fills the air.

  • Scooters and bicycles roll the streets.

  • And surrounded by nature, tranquility is never more than a bus ride or hike away.

  • Start your day with a slice of classic Taipei.

  • Situated in the city's oldest neighborhood, Wanhua, the Longshan Temple is the spiritual heart of Taipei.

  • It's a place where generations of locals have come to seek a good fortune, health, and even guidance on who to marry.

  • Taiwan's political heart is the district of Zhongshan.

  • The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall honors the memory of former president of the Republic of China.

  • Memorial Square is also home to one of the city's most important cultural sites, the National Concert Hall, a stunning example of neo-classical Chinese architecture.

  • Just a short stroll away is 228 Peace Park, a tranquil memorial to the 1949 uprisings that sowed the seeds of Taiwan's independence.

  • Step even further back into Taiwan's past at the National Taiwan Museum and discover the country's rich natural, cultural, and political history.

  • Hop on Taipei's excellent MRT and head to the National Palace Museum, home to the world's greatest collections of Chinese art and antiquities.

  • There are plenty of riches to be found on Taipei's streets too.

  • Enjoy the blooms and haggle for jewelry at the flower and jade markets.

  • Hunt down bargains in giant department stores like SOGO, or cruise the smaller boutiques and restaurants in Yongkang Street.

  • Once you've explored Taipei's streets, rocket to the heavens aboard the high-speed elevators of Taipei 101, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers.

  • While some have suggested that the design resembles a stack of noodle boxes, the tower is widely regarded as a stunning example of oriental revivalist architecture.

  • There are plenty of natural vantage points around the city too.

  • Just a fifteen-minute walk from Taipei 101 is Elephant Mountain, the most accessible of the city's peaks.

  • There are no high-speed lifts here, but the 20 minute climb to the top is worth it, especially at sunset.

  • For more great views, head to Maokong Mountain.

  • The mountain's gondola service starts at the Taipei Zoo, the largest zoological collection in Asia.

  • This zoo holds a special place in the hearts of locals, and the animals are treated like members of Taipei's extended family.

  • From the zoo, step aboard a gondola and glide over the forest canopy to Maokong Mountain.

  • With villages and temples to explore, Maokong makes a fabulous day trip.

  • As an important tea growing area, it's also the place to learn the finer points of tea tasting and appreciation.

  • You'll have to walk to get to Taipei's highest peak, Mount Qixing which lies just to the north of the city in the Yangmingshan National Park.

  • Climb the one thousand steps, up through the subtropical forest and into the grassy highlands that gave the area it's original name - Grass Mountain.

  • All that hiking and mountain air can build up an appetite.

  • So when it's time to return to the city, head to the Shilin Night Market.

  • At times it seems half the population is here, doing what Taipei locals do best,

  • enjoying great food, hunting down bargains and simply enjoying their incredible city.

Taiwan's capital, Taipei, is situated at the country's northern tip.

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