EASEC - 11
November 19-21, 2008, Taipei, Taiwan
Contents
Beauty of Engr.
in TAIWAN
About Taipei
As the capital of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Taipei is a vibrant blend of traditional culture and cosmopolitan life. Taipei is the political, economic, educational and recreational center of the country, offering an array of significant cultural sights.
The city is situated in a basin in northern Taiwan that was inhabited by aboriginal peoples until settlers from China moved into the area about 300 years ago. The first permanent settlements were in the present-day districts of Wanhua and Datong, in western Taipei. These areas still retain many of their old customs, as visitors can readily see in the architecture, sculptures, and ceremonies of the old streets and temples.
A more recent cultural focal point in the city is the National Palace Museum , which houses hundreds of thousands of Chinese antiques and art works. The museum is located in the north of the city and is a must-see for lovers of ancient Chinese culture.
Eastern Taipei was largely underused fields until the nineteen-seventies, when the city began to develop the area as a financial and commercial district. Here, the modern face of Taipei shines through, with its glass and steel skyscrapers, wide boulevards, and the World Trade Center. Taipei also boasts dozens of world-class performance venues, where you can enjoy world-class theater and concert events. The city also offers a wide range of other diversions -- shopping malls, nightclubs, live-music bars, quality hotels, and exotic restaurants.
With the wealth of interesting and fun activities available in Taipei, and its warm hospitality, visitors are certain to have an unforgettable experience in this remarkable city.
(From official website of Taipei City Government )
Attractions
Taipei is nearly unrivaled among big cities in the extent to which the pulse of urban excitement fuses with the beauty of nature. Where else in the world can you hop on the subway in the center of town and 30 minutes later find yourself in the embrace of a volcanic national park? Taipei is just that kind of place.
With so much to see and do in Taipei, you will want to do a bit of advance planning to get the most out of your trip. Looking for a taste of old Cathay? Millennia of cultural treasures and historic temples will take you back to the Orient of old. Something a bit more modern? You can take a trip up the world's fastest elevator to the heights of the world's tallest building. Taipei is also a haven for hikers, cyclists and golfers, with plenty of trails, bike paths and golf courses to choose from. And if you just want to get in touch with your inner consumer, the shopping and eating options in Taipei are nearly endless.
Please check the page "Attractions" of the Taipei Travel Net website for detail information.
Cuisine
To the Taiwanese, eating is an art and a cultural expression. Because of Taiwan's specific historical background, its food culture has become extremely diverse. Not only are Chinese dishes enhanced, the finest food from around the world converges here, so whether you feel like having some traditional Chinese food or would like to try something different, its all there. All you have to do is choose from the endless array of American, European, Italian, Asia-Pacific or even Mediterranean dishes. It is for good reason that Taiwan is called the "Republic of World Cuisine". Finding something to eat in Taipei is not only easy, eating itself proves to be a joy time and time again. Please check the page "Dining" of the Taipei Travel Net or Travel Yellow Pages of the Taiwan Net for more information.
Transportation
Taipei has a convenient public transportation system. The Taipei Metro or MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is very efficient and there are six different lines operating (Route Map). For more information about Taipei Metro, please check on-line: http://www.trtc.com.tw/ The bus system is also reliable and efficient. There are more than 300 bus lines and the major transfer hub is around Taipei Main Station. The bus system is extremely comprehensive, but can be difficult for non-Chinese speakers. Buses do not provide change. Most bus services run until 23:00.
Driving in Taipei is difficult for drivers unaccustomed to heavily congested city traffic. Roadside parking is extremely scarce in the city center. Taxis are plenty, fast, and the fare rate is reasonable. English Taxi Drivers Association(ETA; tel:(02)27-997-997) provides taxi drivers with a certificate for speaking English. However, most taxi drivers cannot speak or read English, so providing the destination in Chinese characters or a map is helpful. Toll Free Taxi Hotline : 0800-055850.
For more transportation information, please check Taipei Transport guide.
