SHOPPING:
1. Xinyi Shopping District
What to Love-
The newest shopping and commercial district in Taipei is home to Taipei 101 as well as upscale department stores, flagship retail shops for LV, Tiffany and Adidas. A Vieshow Cinema and numerous foreign and local style eateries make this place a must-visit for lovers of shopping and food alike. In the evening, the area becomes host to some of the city’s hottest clubs and bars making it the ideal spot for dancing or enjoying a cocktail.
Information-
• Getting there: Taipei City Hall or Taipei 101 MRT Station
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 5 km
• Retail hours generally run between 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.. Clubs and Bars from 9:00 p.m.
2. Ximending
What to Love-
Often referred to as the “Harajuku” of Taipei, this pedestrian-friendly shopping and cultural center is home to a wide variety of clothing shops, eclectic restaurants, cinemas (independent and major motion picture), coffee shops, clubs and bars. Street performers, vendors and food stalls line the walking areas making for a lively scene. And for those who want to taste some of the local cuisine, Ay-Chung Flour Rice Noodle has been serving up delicious Taiwanese-style stewed intestine vermicelli noodles for over 40 years.
Information-
• Getting there: Ximen MRT Station
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 5 km
• Retail hours generally run between 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.. Clubs and Bars from 9:00 p.m.
3. Tian Mu
What to Love-
Taipei’s most affluent neighborhood and home to its largest expatriate population, this district features exotic boutiques and antique shops featuring both western and eastern furniture and art. Many restaurants specialize in both eastern and western cuisine. Both the Sogo and Dayeh Takashimaya department store chains have large, multi-story stores located in Tianmu – providing shoppers with an endless variety of choice.
Information-
• Getting there: Take the 203 or 279 bus towards Tianmu. Get off at Zhong Cheng Park.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 9 km
4. East District / Dongqu
What to Love-
Roughly defined as the area between Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT station and Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, DonQu (translation, Easter District) is home to some of Taipei’s best shopping, and an endless array of cafes, pubs, karaoke bars and restaurants. Featuring local and foreign cuisine found mostly within the lanes and alleys just north and south of the main drag. At the eastern edge of the retail area you’ll find the flagship store for Taiwan’s most famous department store, Pacific Sogo, featuring 14 floors (including 2 basement floors) of designer men’s and women’s wear, luxury goods, elegant dining, and much more.
Information-
• Getting there: MRT Zhongxiao Fuxing, ZhongXiao Dunhua or Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall Station
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 2.6 km
• Retail hours generally run between 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m..
5. Guanghua Digital Plaza
What to Love-
Taipei’s largest electronics marketplace houses hundreds of retailers across 6 stories who sell, buy, or repair new and used consumer electronics and computer components. Next door you’ll find Syntrend, which provides a more retail-friendly experience similar to a mall that specializes in consumer electronics such as audio and video equipment, photography gear, and handheld consumer electronics.
Information-
• Getting there: MRT ZhongXiao Xingsheng (walk 5 mins North) or 226 Bus towards SongRen Rd- get off at Kuanhua Market Stop.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 2 km
• Retail hours generally run between 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m..
• Website: http://bit.ly/1JUfsnT
HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE:
6. Xingtian Temple
What to Love-
Built in 1967, Xingtian Temple (also Hsing Tian Kong), is a Taoist temple primarily dedicated to Guan Gong (關羽, also Guan Yu), the patron god of businessmen. As such, the temple is particularly popular with younger Taipei office workers who come to pray after work, as well those who are seeking good fortune in business. Unlike many other temples in Taiwan, Xingtian Temple prohibits the burning of ‘ghost money’ improving the air quality throughout the facility.
Information-
• Getting there: 277/286 bus toward Xiapi Village or 12 minute walk north on SongJiang North Road
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 1.3 km
• Website: http://bit.ly/2HC8oQm
7. Taipei Xiahai Chenghuang Temple
What to Love-
Constructed over 100 years ago, Xiahai Chenghuang Temple is primarily dedicated to the worship of the City God, but also features statues of the City God’s wife, the Chinese Cupid, and several hundred other gods and demigods. The temple boasts the largest collection of deity statues in Taiwan. According to folklore, if Chinese Cupid is standing, it is an auspicious sign for those looking to marry, making this place a popular worshipping spot for single people and couples hoping for cupid’s blessing.
Information-
• Getting there: Mingsheng Mainline bus towards Minsheng Xi Road, get off at Nanjing West Road Stop
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 3.5 km
• Website: http://bit.ly/2HBg4m6
8. Presidential Office Building
What to Love-
This iconic building was originally built to serve as the Office of the Governor-General of Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. After being damaged in World War II, the building was restored after the war and became office of the Governor-General of Taiwan province and military affairs office. With the arrival of the Kuomintang leadership in the the late 1940s, the building was repurposed as the Presidential Office Building.
Information-
• Getting there: 5 minutes walk away from MRT Ximen Station
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 4.9 km
• Hours: Weekdays 9a.m. – noon
• Website: http://bit.ly/2tRxZCY
9. Taipei Confucius Temple and Dalongdong Bao-an Temple
What to Love-
Completed in 1831 and designated a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Site in 2003, Bao-an Temple is typically visited by people praying for good health or recovery from illness. The temple deity is Baosheng Dadi, a 9th century doctor who was revered for his healing powers. During the annual Taipei Cultural Festival, complimentary traditional Taiwanese opera performance takes place in the garden. The adjacent Taipei Confucius Temple is a great place to learn about the great philosophers influence in East Asian culture.
Information-
• Getting there: 8 minutes walk away from MRT Yuanshan Station
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 4.2 km
• Address: 61, Hami St., Datong District., Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-2-2595-1676
• Hours: Daily 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. ; (Confucius Temple) 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday – Sunday.
• General admission: Free
• Website: http://bit.ly/2FDMu2N
10. Zhishan Garden
What to Love-
Located within the grounds of the National Palace Museum, the traditional Chinese garden reflects the style of the Song and Ming dynasties and was designed to evoke the feelings of a beautiful poem. Take yourself back to the 10th century China with a quiet stroll in the late afternoon.
Information-
• Getting there: Take bus 304 at MRT Shilin Station and then a 2-minute walk from National Palace Museum Stop.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 6.7 km
• Address: 221, Section 2, Zhi Shan Rd., Shilin District., Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-2-2881-2021
• Hours:Tuesday – Sunday 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• General admission: Free with a Palace Museum ticket or $20.
• Website: http://bit.ly/2IuUW28
ARTS & MUSEUMS:
11. Miniatures Museum of Taipei
What to Love-
The exquisite collection of miniatures comprises artworks custom made exclusively for the museum by various world-renowned artists. This is also where you’ll find the world’s smallest TV set. An absolute delight for those into miniature art, and a fun way, for all ages, to spend a rainy afternoon in Taipei.
Information-
• Getting there: 6 minutes walk away from MRT Songjiang Nanjing Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 950 m
• Address: B1-96, Section 1, Jianguo North Rd., Zhongshan District., Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-2-2515-0583
• Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• General admission: $200.
• Website: http://bit.ly/2p6Drwn
12. National Taiwan Science Education Centre
What to Love-
Fall in love with science at this family-friendly exhibition centre that showcases engaging content on life sciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics and earth science. Have fun with the fully-equipped science labs for a hands-on experience.
Information-
• Getting there: 16 minutes walk away from MRT Shilin Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 5.7 km
• Address: 189, Shihshang Rd., Shilin District., Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-2-6610-1234
• Hours: Vary; see website for details.
• General admission: $100.
• Website: http://bit.ly/2GuPUSy
13. Children’s Art Museum in Taipei
What to Love-
An education centre where young families learn and appreciate self expression and creativity through arts in various forms, such as drawing, painting, sculpture and mix media creation.
Information-
• Getting there: 17 minutes walk away from MRT Shipai Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 8.4 km
• Address: B1-20, Lane 50, Tianmu W. Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-2-2872-1366
• Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• General admission: $150
• Website: http://bit.ly/2ph2oFl
14. National Concert Hall and National Theater
What to Love-
Featuring traditional Chinese Ming and Qing palace architecture, NTCH is the island’s go-to place for internationally acclaimed performing arts, including Broadway shows. After a performance, stroll down the Liberty Square to end a culturally romantic evening.
Information-
• Getting there:Exit 5 at MRT Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 5.1 km
• Address: 21-1, Chung-Shan S. Rd., Zhongzheng District, Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-2-3393-9888
• Hours and admission: Vary; see website for details.
• Website: http://bit.ly/2Ic3tGV
15. National Palace Museum
National Palace Museum
What to Love-
A showcase for over 600,000 artefacts that were transported for safekeeping from mainland China to Taiwan during the Chinese Civil War. A sprawling repository for some of the most exquisite Chinese artworks in existence – representing some eight millennia of heritage – and a destination those with an interest in Chinese craftsmanship should endeavour to visit at least once.
Information-
• Getting there: Take bus 620 at MRT Jiannan Station, followed by a 6-minute walk at Gugong Road Kou stop.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 8.4 km
• Address: 221, Section 2, Zhishan Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-2-2881-2021
• Hours: Weekdays 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., weekends until 9 p.m.
• General admission: $250.
• Website: http://bit.ly/2pgczd6
FOOD & NIGHT MARKETS:
16. Addiction Aquatic Development
What to Love-
Taipei’s answer to Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market, AAD serves eclectic mix of seafood in a modern and vibrant environment, where you get to see how they prepare your seafood, live from the tank to your table. Avoid the lunch and dinner hours when visiting with young children.
Information-
• Getting there: 14-minute walk away from MRT Xingtian Temple Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 1.4 km
• Address: 18, Alley 2, Lane 410, Minzu E. Rd., Zhongshan District, Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-2-2508-1268
• Hours: Daily 6 a.m. – midnight for supermarket.
• General admission: Free.
• Website: http://bit.ly/1CZkqvn
17. Liaoning Street Night Market
What to Love-
A quiet hidden gem near Minsheng Taipei. Liaoning is the best option when you want to avoid crowds and tourists but are looking for authentic Taiwanese style snacks and a great variety of seafood. Stop by for a quick bite while enjoying the relaxed yet vibrant street life in central Taipei.
Information-
• Getting there: 6 minutes walk away from MRT Nanjing Fuxing Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 1.5 km
• Address: Start from the intersection at Zhulun St. and Liaoning St. in Zhongshan.
• Tel: +886-2-2341-5241
• Hours: Daily 6 p.m. – midnight.
• General admission: Free.
• Website: http://bit.ly/2HChEnO
18. Siping Yangguang Shopping District
What to Love-
The locals call it “Ladies Street”, as this permanent open-air market is stocked with essential gadgets for the homes, clothing, handbags, jewelry, kidswear, local and international eateries, preserved fruits and much more. Don’t miss out the world-renowned pig knuckles when you come down for a visit.
Information-
• Getting there:2-minute walk away from MRT Songjiang Nanjing Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 750 m
• Address: Siping St. in Zhongshan District, between Section 2 Nanjing E. Rd. and Changchun Rd.
• Tel: +886-2-2501-8531
• Hours: Daily 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• General admission: Free.
19. Yongkang Street
What to Love-
Taiwanese cuisine mecca and home to the original Din Tai Fung restaurant, this lively street that attracts millions of visitors from around the world is packed with quirky boutique stores, affordable eateries, and souvenir shops. Scallion pancakes, mango shaved ice, and beef noodle soup are some of the must-try in the area.
Information-
• Getting there: Exit 5 at MRT Dongmen Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 3.5 km
• Address: Start from the south side of the intersection on Section 2 Xinyi Rd. and Yongkang St. in Da’an District.
• Tel: +886-2-2881-2021
• Hours: Generally runs 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.
• Website: http://bit.ly/2IhPmAa
20. Fu Hang Soy Milk
What to Love-
A long queue stretches all the way down to the ground floor and around the corner, a herd of fans waits patiently to start a day off right with an authentic Taiwanese breakfast. Some of the beloved specialities include savory soy milk, breakfast bun with eggs and Chinese donut, and the egg pancakes.
Information-
• Getting there: 1 minute walk away from MRT Shandao Temple Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 3.2 km
• Address: 108, Section 1, Zhongxiao East Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City.
• Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays 5:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
EXCURSIONS:
21. Beitou Thermal Valley
What to Love-
Home to hokutolite, a rare type of rock that contains the radioactive element Radium, and can only be found here and Akita Prefecture in Japan. Enjoy a relaxing walk with the dreamy scenery along a steaming thermal stream. The surrounding area has public and private bath houses.
Information-
• Getting there: 11 minutes walk away from MRT Xinbeitou Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 13.8 km
• Address: 112, Wenquan Rd., Beitou District, Taipei City.
• Hours: Tuesdays-Sundays 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• General admission: Free.
• Website: goo.gl/XnmU9Z
22. Wulai
What to Love-
Hot Springs, Old Streets, Falls and Trails. Discover the beauty of Wulai just one hour from Taipei. Make a day trip and experience the wonder of the Wulai Falls, local village, hot springs, and markets.
Information-
• Getting there: Take bus 849 from MRT Xindian Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 29.7 km
• Address: Wulai District, New Taipei City.
• Admission: Free
• Website: bit.ly/2oTLUnd
23. Qingtiangang Grassland Trails
What to Love-
At the heart of Yangmingshan National Park lies the Qingtiangang – “lava terrace” – Grassland Trails. Notoriously cloudy, if you manage to visit the Park on a sunny day, enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Be prepared and bring a rain jacket – the weather patterns change quickly here!
Information-
• Getting there: Take bus S15 from MRT Jiantan Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 20.3 km
• Address: 246, Lane 101, Jingshan Rd., Shilin District, Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-2-2861-3601
• Hours: 24/7
• General admission: Free
• Website: goo.gl/ZuVV14
24. Taroko Gorge
What to Love-
One of Taiwan’s most visited sites. Witness spectacular views of the coastline, and experience nature at its finest. Main attractions include aboriginal settlements, temples, museums, and numerous hiking trails for visitors to experience the true beauty of mountainous Hualien County and eastern Taiwan.
Information-
• Getting there: At Taipei Main Station, take the train to Hualien, followed by an hour bus ride.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 170 km
• Address: Xiulin Township, Hualien County.
• Tel: +886-3-862-1100
• Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• General admission: Free.
• Website: http://bit.ly/2peJek9
25. Pingxi Old Street
What to Love-
A quaint, riverside town. Explore the windy cobblestone streets of Pinxi and its many shops, restaurants, and street vendors. If you are lucky enough to be in Taiwan during Spring, be sure to get to Pinxi for the famous annual lantern festival.
Information-
• Getting there: Take bus 795 from MRT Muzha Station.
• Distance from Minsheng Taipei: 30.7 km
• Address: Pingxi District, New Taipei City.
• Tel: +886-3-2495-1510
• Admission: Free
• Website: goo.gl/Z61tSN