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History & Evolution
Taipei was a large lake thousands of years ago that eventually dried up and became a dry basin with grassy lowlands. Soon the area was occupied by several tribes migrated from different regions who took fishing as their livelihood. Only a few hundred years after Han Chinese came to settle in the region who again used the waterways to fish. But with the coming of a farmer from Fukien Province in 1790, a farm was established at Takala, what is now central Taipei.

This period was the beginning of a large-scale migration to the area, which led to the formation of several settlements. In the late 19th century, the region became one of the designated foreign trade ports especially for tea exportation and therefore, gained major economic importance.

In 1875(during the Qing Dynasty), the Taipei Prefecture (judiciary office) was separated from Taiwan where many government buildings were erected. Until the beginning of Japanese rule, Taipei remained a temporary provincial capital before it officially became the capital of Taiwan in 1894. After the Japanese take-over, Taihoku (Taipei in Japanese) emerged as the political center. The Japanese contributed much of the architecture of the city including the Presidential Building that was the Office of the Taiwan governor-general.

With World War bombings, the infrastructure and economy of Taiwan were in ruins and the country again came under Chinese rule. Subsequently, a temporary Office of the Taiwan Province Administrative Governor was established in Taipei City.

In 1949, the Communists forced Chiang Kai-shek government to flee mainland China and Taipei was established as a provisional capital of Republic of China (ROC). The city was also capital of Taiwan Province until 1960s, when the provincial administration was moved to central Taiwan. However, People’s Republic of China (PRC) does not recognize this move and still regards Taipei as the provincial capital of Taiwan.

Site-Seeing
Beneath the modern facade of Taipei lies the age old and much celebrated Chinese culture. Not just an ideal stage for free play of economic activities, this beautiful city also provides the world many colorful mixes of attractions.

Famous for friendly and welcoming nature of its inhabitants, 5,000 years old rich cultural heritage of Chinese history and high level of development created by Taiwan's economic miracle makes Taipei a cosmopolitan city that attracts large tourist traffic every year.

Taipei 101:
Originally known Taipei Financial Center, Taipei got its current name from the number of floors it has. Presently the world’s tallest building, Taipei 101 is 2004 recipient of the Emporis Skyscraper Award.

Having world's fastest double-decker elevator running at a speed of 16.83 m/sec, the building for many reasons can be referred as the most technologically advanced skyscraper constructed till date. Standing 508m (1,667 ft) tall, the tower has an outdoor observatory at 91st floor and an indoor observatory at 89th floor.

A prominent skyscraper of the city and lying next to World Trade Center, Taipei 101 is a new international financial center of Taipei.

Location: Xin Yi (Hsinyi)

Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (CKS Memorial Hall):
Shrine to Taipei’s most famous leader Chiang Kai-Shek, the Memorial Hall is an imposing tomb. The museum located on its ground floor exhibits photos and personal possessing of the late president. While an impressive bronze statue of Chiang can be found on the upper floor of the hall.

Its large ground houses city’s main venues for the performing arts like National Theater and National Opera House. Furthermore, it’s imposing architecture and open green spaces, makes it a favourite spot for Taipei’s residents to spend their leisure time.

Location: Zhongshan S. Road

Lungshan Temple:
Lungshan (Dragon Mountain) Temple was originally built in 1738, but has been leveled many times by earthquake, typhoon and the US army.

Dedicated to ‘Guanyin’ (the goddess of mercy), it is one of the most colourful and atmospheric Taoist temples of Taipei decorated with dragons. The Temple serves both as religious and community center for locals where several different deities are worshipped. There are also many lively festivals held here during course of the year.

Location: Guangzhou Street

The National Palace Museum:
Considered one of the three top museums in the world, National Palace is home to over 6.5lakh world’s largest collection of priceless Chinese artifacts.

Besides displaying imperial collections of several dynasties, the Museum's collections particularly cover the complete 5,000 years of Chinese culture.

Location: Wai-shuang-his

Shilin Night Market:
There are six major night markets in Taipei, out of which Shilin Night Market has been the largest and most popular in Taiwan. A favorite focal point for Taipei's nightlife among residents and visitors alike, Shilin is famous for its variety of seafood dishes.

This biggest and oldest night market of the city has a carnival-like atmosphere round the year.

Location: Shilin District