The Taiwan Tour Bus service is one of the easiest ways toexperience the attractions in and around Taipei. Busespick up passengers directly from major hotels, airportsand train stations and offer tours to most major visitordestinations, including the North and Northeast coasts,Yangmingshan, Sansia, Yingge, Wulai, and Pinglin, toname just a few. For a complete list of tours and details,visit the Taiwan Tour Bus website at: http://www.taiwan-tourbus.com.tw/english/index.php

Taiwan

TourBus

Taiwan DIY Travel Guide

18

Buses to Taipei depart about every 15~20 minutes fromTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport between 05:40and 01:30. The trip from the airport takes about 50~60minutes. One-way ticket prices range from NT$110 toNT$140. For more details visit the airport website at:http://www.taoyuanairport.gov.tw/CKSeng/transporta-tion/bus_e.jsp

Bus

Taipei's mass rapid transit system is one ofthe best ways to get around the city, witheight lines serving most major areas. Thetrains run from 06:00~24:00 and arriveevery 3~15 minutes depending on the timeand day. One-day passes are available atthe stations for NT$200. For details seepages 22~24.

MRT

Getting to Taipei from the Airport

Getting Around Taipei

INFORMATION

INFORMATION

Bus

20 21 22

24-hour taxi service isavailable from the air-port. Fares are chargedat the meter rate plus 50%and highway tolls. Theaverage fare to the city isabout NT$1,100.

Taxi

Taxis charge NT$70 for the first1.5km and NT$5 for every 300meters after. NT$5 is charged forevery two minutes of waiting,and a 20% surcharge is addedto fares between 11 p.m. and 6a.m. There is also an NT$10 feefor trunk-stored luggage.

Taxi

Little Garden

NanmenMarket

Ten Ren Tea

Linjiang St. Night Market

Dihua St.

Bus fares in Taipei city are NT$15 foradults and NT$8 for kids per zone trav-eled. You can also pay by EasyCard(available at MRT stations) and get anNT$7 discount on the bus fare whencombined with MRT travel. For routedetails visit:http://www.taipeibus.taipei.gov.tw/index_e.ht

19

Introduction toNorthern Taiwan

Nestled in a mountain-ringedbasin, Taipei is Taiwan's biggestand most international city, offeringa dynamic mix of traditional charmand modern energy.

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Guide to the TaipeiMRT System

Taiwan DIY Travel Guide

23 24

With eight lines accessing most parts ofthe city, the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit systemis one of the easiest ways to get around town. This sec-tion briefly introduces the MRT system, and for moreinformation you can visit:http://www.trtc.com.tw/e/

Opened in 1997, the Danshui(Red) Line runs north from TaipeiMain Station to the riverside town ofDanshuei. Several tourist sites arelocated near Zhongshan and Jiantanstations.

First train: 06:00Last train: 24:00Peak train frequency: ~7 mins. Off-peak train frequency: ~8 mins. After 23:00: ~15 mins.

Danshui(Danshuei)

Line

Opened in 1999, the Xindian(Green) Line provides access toTaipei's southern districts and satellitecities, including Gongguan, Guting,and Sindian City.

First train: 06:00Last train: 24:00Peak train frequency: ~7 mins. Off-peak train frequency: ~8 mins. After 23:00: ~15 mins.

Xindian(Sindian)

Line

Linking Banciao City and Taipei's Xinyi(Sinyi) District, this line is a recentlyopened extension of the Bannan Line, withservice to Eslite's flagship bookstore andother popular sites.

First train: 06:00 Last train: 24:00Peak train frequency: Kunyang-Yongning: ~7 mins. Kunyang-Far Eastern Hospital: ~3 min. 30 sec. Off-peaktrain frequency: Kunyang-Yongning: ~8 min. Kunyang-Far Eastern Hospital: ~4 min.

Banqiao(Banciao),Nangang,

andTucheng

Line

The Muzha Line runs between theTaipei Zoo in the south andZhongshan (Jhongshan) Jr. HighSchool near Songshan Airport in thenorth.

First train: 06:00Last train: 24:00Peak train frequency: ~3 min. Off-peak train frequency: ~5 min.

Muzha(Mujha)

Line

1. Check the route map for the fare to your destination.

2. Select fare and number of tickets.3. Pay fare in coins or bills.5. Retrieve ticket.6. Retrieve change.

Ticketing Machines1. Feed ticket face up into the gate slot.2. The ticket will appear at the top slot and must be retrieved

before the gate will open3. Tickets will automatically be reclaimed at the gate upon exit

ing the station.

Turnstile Guide (for single trip tickets)

Ridingthe MRT

25

Muzha(Mujha) Line

Touring Taipeiby MRT

Many of Taipei's top scenic sitesand shopping areas are withineasy walking distance of an MRTstation, making the subway agreat way to see the city.

As lush as the name implies,this city park is a great place for apicnic, walk, or bike ride.Performances are also frequentlyheld at the outdoor stage.

The spacious Taipei Zooincludes a children's area,Asian tropical rain forestarea, and Taiwan animalarea. There isalso a shuttlebus ser vicewithin thezoo.

Taipei Zoo

Scenic sites

This tea-growing area inMujha is a good place toenjoy Taiwan's world-famousteas. Make sure to try thefragrant local Guanyin tea.

Maokong

Scenic sites

Area bordered by Sec. 3, Xinyi (Sinyi) Rd.,Sec. 2, Jianguo S. Rd., Sec. 2, Xinsheng(Sinsheng) S. Rd., and Sec. 2; Heping E. Rd. Take the MRT Muzha Line to the TechnologyBuilding and walk along Heping E. Rd. for about15 mins.

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Da-an Forest Park

Scenic sites

Zhinan (Jhihnan) Rd, Taipei Takethe MRT Muzha (Brown) Line to WanfangCommunity Station and catch theMinibus 10 to Makong.

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26

The Ximending (Simending)shopping area is usuallyabuzz with young peoplehunting for the latest inJapanese and western cheapchic. Make sure to try a bowlof flour-rice noodles at Ay-Chung's.

Chengdu Rd., Taipei Take the MRTBannan Line to Ximen Station.

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Ximending (Simending)

Scenic sites MA P P.19 (4A)

Built in memory of R.O.C.founding father Dr. Sun Yat-sen, this memorial hall fre-quently hosts major art exhibi-tions and other cultural activi-ties. The hall is situated in alarge park with a pond for ascenic in-city stroll.

505, Sec. 4, Ren-ai Rd., Taipei(02)2758-8008 09:00~17:00 LunarNew Year's Eve Take the MRT Bannan(Blue) Line to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial HallStation.

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Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall

Scenic sites MA P P.21 (4E)

Taiwan Storyland

Scenic sites MA P P.20 (4B)

Return to the Taipei of the1960s at this nostalgicallyrecreated street scene in thebasement of the KMall. Theold-style street stal ls andrestaurants here sell a varietyof traditional Taiwanese dish-es.

B2, 50, Sec. 1, Zhongxiao (Jhongsiao)W. Rd., Taipei 0800-887-70110:30~23:00 Adults NT$250, StudentsNT$150 Take the MRT Bannan Line toTaipei Main Station

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30, Sec. 2, Xinguang (Singuang) Rd.,Taipei (02)2938-2300 09:00~17:00

Lunar New Year's Eve Take the MRTMuzha (Brown) Line to the Taipei ZooStation

Bannan Line (Nangang-Banqiao-Tucheng Line)

TaipeiFun

26 27

板 橋 線

With its collection of foodstalls and foot massage clinics,Huaxi Street Night Market haslong been one of Taipei's topattractions for international visi-tors. Nearly every regionalsnack is sold here, offering agood sample of the many fla-vors of Taiwan.

1 Huaxi (Huasi) St., Taipei Take theMRT Bannan (Blue) Line to the LongshanTemple Station.

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Huaxi (Huasi) Street

Scenic sites Map P.19 (5A)

Located next to the LivingMall, the Puppetry Art Centerhas breathed new life into thetraditional art of puppetry withdisplays, performances andclasses on this fascinating artform.

2-4F, No. 99, Sec. 5, Civic Blvd., Taipei(02)2528-7955 10:00~17:00

Monday NT$200 Take the MRTBannan (Blue) Line to Sun Yat-sen MemorialHall Station and walk about 10 mins

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Puppetry Art Center of Taipei

Scenic sites Map P.21 (4E)

Huashan Culture Park

Scenic sites Map P.20 (4C)

The centerpiece at this parkis a former winery converted in1997 as a venue for perform-ance art and other culturalactivities. Several other histori-cal buildings can also beenjoyed here.

1, Sec. 1, Bade Rd., Taipei (02)3343-6376 09:00~22:00 Mon. and nation-al holidays Take the MRT Bannan(Blue) Line to Zhongxiao Xinsheng Stationand walk about 5 mins.

D．A．T．A

29

TaipeiFun

28

The namesake memorialhere was erected in honor ofthe 228 Incident in 1947. Thepark is also home to theNational Taiwan Museum, ahistoric memorial arch and aretired steam locomotive.

3 Ketagalan Blvd., Taipei (02)2389-7228 Memorial Hall 10:00~17:00 Monday Adults NT$20 Take MRT tothe NTU Hospital Station, then walk for 2min.

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228 Memorial Peace Park

Scenic sites Map P.20 (3B)

Although its name literallytranslates as "Green Lake,"Bitan is in fact a slow-flowingsection of the Sindian River.This is a popular destination forpaddle boating, weekend con-certs and riverside strolls. Thereare several cafes in the scenicarea to enjoy the view.

Sindian, Taipei County Take the MRTXindian Line to Xindian Station and walkabout 5 mins.

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Bitan

Scenic sites

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall

Scenic sites Map P.20 (5B)

Erected in memory of thelate R.O.C. president, thisstately blue-roofed edifice isflanked in front by the equallyimpressive National ConcertHall and National Theater. Thehourly honor guard display isa popular attraction here.

21 Zhongshan (Jhongshan) S. Rd., Taipei(02)2343-1100 CKS Memorial Hall

09:00~17:00, Park 05:00~24:00 Take the MRT Xindian Line to Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station.

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Located near Taiwan NormalUniversity, Shida Rd. and its ten-tacular lanes are often referred toas Shida Night Market. This areais packed with reasonably pricedrestaurants, snack stalls, trendycafes, pubs and fashionable bou-tiques that attract a largely studentclientele.

Shida (Shihda) Rd. and Longquan(Longcyuan) St. area Take the MRTXindian Line to the Taipower BuildingStation.

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Shida (Shihda) Road

Shopping Map P.20 (5C)

Gongguan

Shopping

Restaurants, bookstores,street stalls and a small nightmarket offer bargain eats andfashion for the largely studentclientele from nearby TaiwanUniversity. Make sure to savetime for a stroll through theleafy university campus.

Roosevelt Rd., Xinsheng (Sinsheng) S. Rd.and Dingzhou (Dingjhou) Rd. Take theMRT Xindian Line to the Gongguan Station.

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Vintage pumping facilitiesand a Baroque-style museumbuilding are among the topattractions at this grade-threehistoric site dedicated to one ofear th's most precious sub-stances. The park is especiallyattractive lighted at night.

1 Siyuan (Sihyuan) St., Taipei (02)8369-5096 09:00~18:00 (July and August:09:00~22:00) Monday Weekdays:NT$40, Weekends/holidays: Adults NT$150,Half-fare NT$70, Winter NT$50 Take theMRT Xindian Line to the Gongguan Station.

D．A．T．A

Museum of Drinking Water

Scenic sites

Xindian(Sindian) Line

31

TaipeiFun

30

113, Sec. 2, Zhongshan (Jhongshan) N. Rd., Taipei(02)2568-2677 Fri. & Sat.: 20:00 Take the

MRT Danshui (Red) Line to the Shuanglian Station orMinquan W. Rd. Station and walk about 10 mins.

D．A．T．A

Amazing acrobatic feats,opera and other traditionalperformance arts come dra-matically together at TaipeiEye. Prepare to be enter-tained and amazed.

Taipei Eye

Scenic sites Map P.20 (3B)

Built by the Spanish in 1629, thisDanshuei landmark opens a windowto Taiwan's early colonial history. Alsomake sure to visit the nearby RedCastle to enjoy Chinese cuisine in ayesteryear ambiance.

1, Lane 28, Jhongjheng Rd., DanshueiTownship, Taipei County (02)2623-100109:00~18:00 Monday NT$60 Takethe MRT Danshui (Red) Line to Danshui Station.Across from the station you can take the Sindianor Sanchong bus to the Aletheia University stop.

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Fort San Domingo

Scenic sites

Danshuei Township, Taipei County Take MRT Danshui (Red) Line and get off at theDanshui Station.

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This street is lined with old-timebuildings and shops selling "ironeggs" and other famous local snacks.

Danshuei Old Street

Scenic sites

15 Jhenli St., Danshuei, Taipei County (02)2623-1001 09:00~18:00 Monday and Lunar NewYear's Eve.. full ticket, NT$40; discount ticket, NT$30

Take the MRT Danshui (Red) Line to Danshui Station.Across from the station you can take the Sindian orSanchong bus to the Police Station stop.

D．A．T．A

The Li t t le White House,named for its white exterior,was the former residence of thechief customs officer in theCing period. It was designatedas a historical site in 1997.

Little White House

Scenic sites

34-1, Lane 6, Sec. 1, Jhongjheng Rd., DanshueiTownship, Taipei County 09:00~18:00 Day afterholidays Full ticket, NT$20; discount ticket, NT$15

Take the MRT Danshui (Red) Line to Danshui Station.Across from the station you can take the Sindian orSanchong bus to the Huwei Fort stop.

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Built in 1886 by Taiwan'sfirst governor Liu Ming-chuan, this grade-two his-toric site has several old gunemplacements. This is also agood spot to view theDanshuei River.

Huwei Fort

Scenic sites

Left Bank Park, Bali Township, Taipei County(02)2960-3456 24hr Take the

MRT Danshui (Red) Line to Danshui Station, thentake the boat from the Ferry Pier.

D．A．T．A

A short ferry trip fromDanshuei, Bali has a niceriverside park with restau-rants and walking and bikepaths.

Bali Left Bank

Scenic sites

201, Guanhai Road, Danshuei Township,Taipei County (02)2805-8476 24hr

Take MRT Danshui (Red) Line to DanshuiStation and transfer to the Red 26 bus.

D．A．T．A

This newly developed tourist hotspot is a good place to enjoy thescenic Danshuei River. Boat toursdepart frequently from the wharf.There are also several decentseafood restaurants here.

Fisherman's Wharf

Scenic sites

200 Museum Rd., Bali Township, TaipeiCounty (02)2619-1313 Weekdays:09:00~20:00, Holidays: 09:30~21:30Monday Adults NT$100 Take the MRTDanshui (Red) Line to Danshui Station. Then takethe Red 13 bus to the Ren-ai Rd. stop.

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Discover Taiwan's prehistoricpast at this archaeological siteturned museum at the mouth ofthe Danshuei River. Excavatedrelics up to 1,500 years old areon display here.

Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology

Scenic sites

Danshui(Danshuei) Line

Taipei

32

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Built in 1983, the TFAM is Taiwan'sfirst museum of modern art. Apartfrom its permanent displays of contem-porary art, the TFAMhosts special exhibitionsof works by local andinternational artists.

Taipei Fine Arts Museum

Scenic sites Map P.20 (2B)

60 Fulin Rd., Shilin (Shihlin) Dist., Taipei(02)2881-2512 Jul.~ Sept.: 08:00~19:00;Oct.~Jun.: 08:00~17:00, Holidays: 08:00~19:00 Take the MRT Danshui(Red) Line to Shilin Station and walk about 5mins. Or from Taipei Main Station take the 310,260 or 220 bus to the Shilin (Shihlin) OfficialResidence stop.

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History and flower gardenscome together at the home oflate President Chiang Kai-shek, now opento the public.

Shilin (Shihlin) Official Residence

Scenic sites

B1, 96, Sec. 1, Jianguo N. Rd., Taipei(02)2515-0583 Tues.~ Sun. 10:00~18:00Monday Adults NT$180, ConcessionNT$150, Children NT$100 From Taipei MainStation take the 202 to Chang-an Rd. Sec. 2; orthe 652, 605, or 307 bus to the Nanjing-JianguoRd. intersection.

D．A．T．A

Asia's first and the world's secondminiatures museum, MMOT presents theglobe's biggest miniature collection. Forover a decade, the museum has beenacquiring pieces from around the world,from amazingly detailed dollhouses tofairytale scenes.

Miniatures Museum of Taiwan

Scenic sites Map P.20 (3C)

68, Sec. 2, Jhongjheng E. Rd., Danshuei Township, Taipei County. MRT Hongshulin Station2F (Mangrove Ecology Museum) (02)2808-2995 09:00~16:30 Monday Take the MRT Danshui (Red) Line to the Hongshulin Station.

D．A．T．A

This is Taiwan's largest mangrove pre-serve and the world's biggest forest ofmangrove of the Kandelia candel species.

Mangrove Preserve

Scenic sites

33

181, Sec. 3, Zhongshan (Jhongshan)N. Rd., Taipei (02)2595-7656Tues.~Sun. 09:30~17:30, Sat.09:30~21:30 Monday AdultsNT$30, Concession NT$15, Studentsfree from 17:30~21:30 Take theMRT Danshui (Red) Line to YuanshanStation and walk about 10 mins; orfrom Taipei Main Station take the 310,260, 218 or 40 bus to YuanshanStation and walk about 10 mins. The247 bus also goes directly to the muse-um from Taipei Main Station.

City ShoppingAreas

With dozens of depar tmentstores and traditional markets,Taipei is a shopper's paradise fornearly everything under the sun.

Taiwan DIY Travel Guide

Tianmu & Zhongxiao (Jhongsiao)-Dunhua Shopping Areas

This stretch of road in northernTaipei is lined with a number ofspecialty shops, restaurants, cloth-ing boutiques and second handstores, with a heavy emphasis onAmerican-style items.

Zhongshan (Jhongshan) N. Rd. Sec. 7From Zhongshan (Jhongshan) N. Rd. take

the Tianmu-bound 220 or 224 bus and getoff at the last stop.

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Zhongshan (Jhongshan) N. Rd., Sec. 7

Shopping

This is shopping central as faras Tianmu is concerned. Theexpat influence in this northernTaipei neighborhood is evident inthe internationally geared shops,restaurants and supermarkets.

Tianmu W. Rd. and Tianmu N. Rd.From Zhongshan (Jhongshan) N. Rd. takethe Tianmu-bound 220 or 224 bus and getoff at the Tianmu Plaza stop.

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Tianmu W. Rd. & Tianmu N. Rd.

Shopping

Conveniently located next to anMRT station, SOGO is a popularplace for shopping. The hugecuckoo clock in front of the storehas also made the store a popularmagnet for kids.

45, Sec. 4, Zhongxiao (Jhongsiao) E. Rd.,Taipei (02)2771-3171 Take theMRT Bannan (Blue) Line to the Zhongxiao-Fuxing Station.

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Pacific SOGO Department Store

Shopping Map P.20 (4D)

Shopping, dining and enter-tainment come together at thisfashionable shopping mall.Home to many of Taipei's finerboutiques, this is whereTaipei's fashionista shops.

39, Sec. 1, Fuxing (Fusing) S. Rd., Taipei(02)6600-8888 Take the MRT

Bannan (Blue) Line to the Zhongxiao-FuxingStation and walk about 3 mins.

D．A．T．A

Breeze Center

Shopping Map P.20 (4D)

Fun&

ShoppingDanshui

(Danshuei) Line