The Taipei Zoo is the largest city zoo in Asia. Upon entering the grounds, you will find an extremely popular panda facility on your left. If you cant find the cute pandas, dont worry; theyre probably sunning themselves! Next, take the visitors tram. Listen to the recorded guide as he takes you along to the bird sanctuary, the Amphibians and Reptile House, the Penguin House and other areas such as the Tropical, African, Australian, Desert Animal Areas. In the Insect House, it is possible to come in contact with insects up close.On holidays, explanations are given at each site. Free-guided tours are also available upon advanced reservation. And if you love animals, you can consider adopting an animal and becoming its babysitter!
Maokong is located in the southwest of Getou Mountain in Wenshan District of Taipei outskirts. It is facing the shield of more than 500 meters high. It is said that tea farmers from southern China came here to open teahouses. Later, the teahouses declined and customers no long came. The domesticated cats ran away and thus the place was called "Maokong". However, Maokong has developed its unique sightseeing and tea tasting industry because students of nearby Chengchi University frequently hold activities here and the students nightlife brings about prosperity in the region.The tea farms here are famous for Bouzhong tea and Taiguan Ing. There are many teahouses with diversified styles. They are good places to visit no matter during day or night. In the daytime, there are tea trees and hills forming green scenery. Many citizens visit the place by taking the mountain tracks. After dusk, Maokong is like an enchanting, mysterious lady. Colorful light bulbs are lit in front of every building. Visitors taste tea, chat with each other and admire the nightfall. Sometimes groups of young people have parties and the laughter brings a touch of vigor to Maokong.The tea farms (open for sightseeing) are scattered around Lane 34, 38, 40 of Zhinan Road, Sec. 3, and the former half of Zhinan Road, Sec. 3. Most tea farms provide tea tasting or meals. Recently, the sightseeing industry blooms here. Many residents develop other means of livelihood other than tea farming. For example, they raise mountain chickens or provide country cuisine. Visitors coming here may also want to try the delicious dishes.Taipei Tea Promotion Center for Tie Guanyin Tea and Baozhong Tea:
What, actually, do the famous Tie Guanyin and Baozhong teas of Muzha look like? How are they grown? In what manner should one brew the teas to bring out their optimal flavor? All the answers can be found at the Promotion Center currently managed by the Liu-Kung Agricultural Foundation.The Promotion Center includes a display area, an instructional area, an ecological pond and so on. The display area includes information regarding the tea manufacturing process, the proper way to brew it and the way to store it. The center also provides information concerning the distribution of Taiwanese teas and lectures on the art of tea for the tea novice. While appreciating the diverse variety of plants and flowers cultivated in the outdoor instructional area, one also acquires an understanding of the importance of land and water preservation.
Located in the southern tip of Taipei City, Maokong has evolved into a favorite tourist destination for locals and visitors, who go there to visit its tea plantations and tea houses. The construction of the Maokong Gondola began on November 10, 2005, and the system began operation in July 2007. It is Taipei Citys first high-altitude gondola. This French POMA-made system makes a circuit of four stations: Taipei Zoo Station, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and Maokong Station. There are also two angle stations where the gondola changes direction.
This temple is known to foreigners as " the Temple of a Thousand Steps." This is no exaggerationthere are actually around 1,200 stone steps up to the templeand there is a saying, "live an extra 20 seconds for each step you climb." If this is true, you can add more than six hours to your life by climbing all of the steps. The main deity in this temple is Lu Tunpin, one of the Eight Immortals of Chinese legend. He is a well-loved deity, despite a reputation for somewhat randy behavior. He is said to return frequently to the mortal world to bring salvation to the faithful. Zhinan Temple sits on Monkey Mountain and, in addition to the steps, is accessible by a paved road. But the stone steps are worth a trip in themselves; they are flanked by rows of stone posts topped by stone lanterns that were donated by devotees during the period of Japanese occupation (1895-1945).
The Jingmei Night Market is a renowned location for night market eats in south Taipei, serving a plethora of delicious food, be it cold, hot, sautéed, boiled or deep fried. Enjoying some of the more popular dishes, such as the sesame oil chicken soup, lotus seeds dessert soup, steamed buns, noodle thick soup, stir-fry and seafood often requires standing in long queues. In addition, visitors can also find apparel, home appliance stores and creative boutiques here.
It is an impressive monument to a historic Chinese leader.The majestic hall towers over 25 hectares of landscaped gardens, graceful pavilions,and ponds.A statue of late President Chiang looks out over the city from the main building. An elegant Ming-style arch at the main entrance is flanked by two classical-style buildings, the National Theater and the National Concert Hall. The square between the buildings is a popular gathering place during festive occasions.
Wulai hot springs, in Wulai District of New Taipei City, produce weakly alkaline carbonic acid water at temperatures of 55 to 80 degrees Celsius.The hot springs of Wulai produce mineral water in abundance and were developed long ago; the very name Wulai, in fact, is said to have come from the Atayal aborigine word for "hot springs." The water is clear, colorless, and odorless; it is said that bathing in it keeps the skin moist. Wulai boasts the largest free-of-charge hot-spring area in Taiwan. It is especially popular in early spring, when red cherry blossoms fill the mountainsides so that visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery as they soak in the hot springs and bask in the romance of the Atayal aborigines.
Bitan is one of the eight famous attractions in Taiwan which is near by MRT Xindian station and a good place for people to relax and enjoy their weekend.The Xindian River branches off the Tamsui River and winds its way through the Bitan area. There are terraces, ponds, and sand bars on both banks of the stream. This area is suitable for canoeing, fishing, barbecuing, rowing, and exploring nature.The lakes steep cliffs and aquamarine water make it one of Xindians scenic spots. The green lake suspension bridge was renovated and reopened to public use in 2000. A park on the eastern shore contains paths and viewing stands. Floating in a boat on the lake, the reflection of the green mountains create and exquisitely beautiful scene.
Located beside the Beishi River in Pinglin, New Taipei City, Pinglin Tea Museum presents the Chinese tea culture and is worth visiting for tea lovers. Pinglin Tea Museum has an abundant collection of materials on tea culture. Within the museum are theme exhibition areas and seasonal theme exhibitions. The exhibitions include physical aspects and cultural aspects, presenting all information concerning tea drinking in Taiwan. The museum is made up of the Exhibition Hall, Theme Hall, Multimedia Hall, Tea Art Hall and the Promotion Center. The Exhibition Hall has 3 exhibition areas: tea history, tea making and tea leaves, introducing how tea culture has developed in the Chinese history, rituals of tea making and commercial development of tea. We believe the visitors will have a better understanding of tea history after visiting the museum.The Exhibition Hall has 3 exhibition areas: tea history, tea making and tea leaves. Tea History Area introduces how tea has developed in the Chinese history, tea making, rituals of drinking tea, tea culture and commercial development of tea. On the east side of the museum is a well-designed garden of Southern Chinese style. Inside the garden, there are 2 traditional Chinese buildings, corridors, rockery, pavilion and bamboos.