Taipei – Exploring The Cultural Hub Of Taiwan

by garrett on August 22, 2011

Because of its governmental, cultural, and financial important to Taiwan, Taipei is a very prominent city. What makes it so unique is the blending of the old and the new in a way that seems effortless. This means you an expect a very interesting vacation if you decide to travel to Taipei. With its stunning temples, impressive skyscrapers, and traditional historical influences, Taipei is an engaging place to take a vacation, but you’ll need to get a passport first. Passports, as well as passport renewals for expired passports, are available online.

Americans Will Need A Passport

Everyone in your traveling party will need a passport, even the youngest ones. Expedited child passports – and many more passport services – can be purchased online, and getting them online makes the process that much easier. The best part about getting your passport online is the dramatic reduction in the time it takes to get a passport. Being able to fill out the form online, submit it online, and choose a delivery option (even is as little as a day) prevents people from having to delay or cancel vacation plans because of the long wait time associated with the traditional method, which is between 8-14 weeks.

Taipei 101

If you’d like to start your trip with the best views of Taipei, head to the second-tallest skyscraper on Earth, Taipei 101. The building has a total of 101 floors, and by taking the world’s fastest elevator to the observation deck on the 89th floor, you will have some breathtaking views of the city. Both the daytime and nighttime views are spectacular. The building was built to look like bamboo, a symbol that holds a lot of meaning in this region of Asia. While you’re there, be sure to visit the food store in the basement, the book store on the fourth floor, and the shopping mall located at the base of the building.

Longshan Temple

One of the top things visitors like to check out are the temples that dot the landscape in Taipei. The Buddhist Longshan Temple is among people’s favorites. For many generations, the Taiwanese people have been coming to this temple to pray and seek guidance on every component of life. While you’re there, spare some time to explore the traditional area surrounding the temple, or attend one of the many festivals and other celebrations held at the temple during certain times of the year. Another popular temple is Xiahai City God Temple. It, too, has a wonderful historic area surrounding it, and it’s worth exploring.

National Palace Museum

One very interesting spot is the National Palace Museum, a museum with a world-famous collection of Chinese art and priceless artifacts. Some of the pieces in the museum have faced impossible odds to survive history, and some are from as far back as the 10th century.

Yangmingshan National Park

During your trip, swing by Yangmingshan National Park to experience the nature located outside the city limits. The gorgeous mountainous landscapes provide excellent views of the city, and it’s a great way to simply get some fresh air.

Some places are just bursting with interesting sights and experiences, and Taipei is one of those places. Be sure to leave some gaps in your itinerary,as Taipei is a place where just wandering the streets is a good way to get to know the city. Get your expedited child passports and adult passports online before your trip. Remember that you can also get passport renewals for any expired passports too.

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