Travel guide Taipei 台北市

A tour of this fascinating megalopolis of 2.7 million inhabitants reveals many treasures. Taipei's history dates back to the ^19th century, when the first governor of the Qing dynasty transferred the capital of Taiwan province to the north of the country. At the time, Taipei was a simple market town, industrialized under Japanese colonial rule. The exile of the KMT and Chiang Kai-shek accelerated its development. Today, Taipei is a dense, skyscraper-covered capital. What strikes you at first glance is its unique blend of Chinese traditions, Japanese influences and Western modernity. Traditional events such as Chinese New Year and the Lantern Festival are celebrated with fervor. The city is also renowned for its culinary scene, night markets, ancient temples and world-class museums. Green spaces such as Daan Park offer peaceful havens for city dwellers.