CULTURE
Cultural experiences begin the moment one steps through the jetway into Taoyuan International Airport, where art installations and images depict local landmarks. Taipei itself brings these images to life, whether by stepping into one of more than three dozen renowned temples, spending an afternoon at the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, or attending a tea ceremony.
Jiufen Old Street
Credit: f11photo
The Longshan Temple in the Wanhua District is considered a must-visit cultural icon. Founded in 1738, the temple celebrates Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian teachings and is renowned for its ornate wood carvings of dragons and phoenixes. The stone Xingtian Temple in central Taipei attracts many thousands of visitors daily through its impressive red doors.
Taipei Fine Arts Museum, located in the Zhongshan District, was the city’ s first museum dedicated to contemporary art. Taipei Expo Park’ s signature building showcases the TFAM collection, featuring works by national and international artists, displayed within architect Kao Erh-pan’ s modernist design. Taipei Expo Park, a byproduct of the 2010 Taipei International Flora Expo, presents an array of botanical displays, including a rare flowers and plants section, green walls, and“ Flora Rainbows,” large swaths of vibrant flowerbeds.
The Taipei Palace Museum exhibits hundreds of thousands of historical relics and ancient artifacts. The museum also houses the Zhishan Garden, a classical garden that incorporates elements of feng shui, indigenous architecture, and regional folklore. The smaller Zhide Garden also offers paths through local foliage, places to relax, and inspiration for the gardener or thinker.
Old Taipei guides us through the historic five gates into this shimmering city’ s 19th-century past. Completed in 1884, the Taipei City Wall Gates open onto Guiyang Street, the city’ s oldest thoroughfare. Tea lovers also flock to Old Taipei, the hub of the city’ s bustling tea trade two centuries ago.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
With over thirty-two major parks spread across the city, one needn’ t travel far to find greenspace when visiting Taipei. Ficus, maples, and other broadleaf trees line the paths through Daan Forest Park. The“ lungs of the city” span twenty-six hectares and offer immediate respite from an urban safari.
Taipei 101
Credit: tupungato
“ You cannot leave Taipei without visiting and hiking Maokong Mountain,” says Daniel Chao.“ Take the gondola up, then walk to the Taipei Tea Promotion Center to sample tea and learn how tea is harvested in the country. Walk back down toward the MRT station, stop by one of the restaurants with a view, and have lunch.”
Tea rules the day in Maokong, particularly Tieguanyin, a famous oolong tea, served daily in the teahouses and featured on many menu items at nearby restaurants. A visit to the Taoist Zhinan Temple offers further restoration, as do the city and sunset views from several trails that wind like a vine around the mountain.
“ We hiked Elephant Mountain, which was pretty steep,” says Julia Linn.“ It’ s a great experience, especially if you aren’ t used to having nature right in the middle of your city. We only made it halfway, but there were still great views of the downtown skyline. There were other tourists, for sure, but also plenty of people out exercising as part of their daily routine.”
FLYWASHINGTON. COM 8 SPRING & SUMMER 2026