Reaching for the sky in Taipei

Surrounded by mountains and home to some of the friendliest people you are ever likely to find, Taiwan's capital city of Taipei is brimming with wonderful opportunities and experiences.

Despite a population of over 2.5 million, one of the first things that you notice in Taipei is the lack of general hassle, stress and noise you normally associate with large capital cities.

The presence of ten million scooters in Taiwan, while making crossing the road a slightly hazardous experience from time to time, may well contribute to this peace and at the same time adds to the fun and laid-back atmosphere of the city.

Taipei is the very definition of a new city with development on this site not beginning until Chinese immigrants arrived in the 18th century. In recent years, and with Taiwan transforming into one the world's newest economic powers, Taipei has become a thriving modern city.

Navigation around Taipei is made extremely simple due to the city being set out in a grid pattern, thereby making taxi rides and general travel a stress-free experience for visitors. The capital's efficient metro system connecting all the main sections of the city also makes it quick and easy.

Taipei's relative youth, however, does not prevent the presence of culture and ancient history in the city and there is plenty to see and do.

The National Palace museum is one of the largest museums in the world and houses an astonishing collection of Chinese artefacts numbering some 600,000 and highlights Taiwan and China's inescapable shared heritage.

The changing of the guard ceremony at the Martyrs Shrine is also a must-see for those visiting Taipei, especially for those who have been dragged to the slightly anti-climatic experience in London.

In Taipei the ceremony it isn't simply an old military tradition camped up for the tourists, it’s a full blown spectacle. Wearing immaculate uniforms and impossibly shiny helmets, the four guards march with perfect timing into the centre of a square before turning to face each other and begin a simply awesome display of acrobat gun juggling.

Not content with simply shifting their weapons from shoulder to shoulder, in Taiwan the guards throw their guns into the air and twirl them effortlessly around and around with one hand while the other sits arrogantly on their hip.

All this is done without the slightest flinch or grimace before they carry on their march to the temple to relieve the guards on duty and perform one final display of gun twirling.

There are also numerous shrines and temples dedicated to Taiwan's principal religions of Buddhism and Daoism scattered around the city, all of which offer an intriguing insight into the ancient and modern beliefs of the local people.

The most obvious symbol of the city's contemporary standing and one of Taipei's biggest trump cards is the fact it possesses the world's tallest inhabited building.

At 509.2 metres, Taipei 101 dominates the skyline, constantly visible from most areas of the city.

The skyscraper will hold onto its record only until the Burj Dubai in Dubai is officially opened. But this in no way makes it less appealing and, styled in the shape of a bamboo shoot rising majestically from street level into the sky, the building is an awesome sight.

Handily, Taipei 101 is next door to a five-storey shopping mall, allowing those who may not be so happy with heights to engage in a bit of retail therapy. Apart from the obvious benefits of being hundreds of metres in the air looking down on a sprawling city surrounded by mountains, it is the interior of the building which impresses as much as the views.

Taipei 101 currently houses the world's fastest lift which takes just over 30 seconds to rocket from the ground floor to the 90th. Fascinatingly, the speed at which the lift travels is barely noticeable apart from your ears start popping as you near the top and the curious buzz you get when stepping off after travelling so far so fast.

Once visitors are finished with the culture and history of Taipei there is still lots on offer in the evenings.

There are expansive night markets for those with serious shopping interests and countless beer houses for those with other things of their minds. Snake Alley houses the city's most famous market, offering everything you could possible need as well as the infamous snake handlers.

Finally, if all the shopping and drinking has tired you out, there are numerous massage parlours positioned on the main streets of the city offering Taipei foot massages.

Giwado in Zhetang and Zaichunguan in Zaichunguan are two of the more popular destinations where a massage will cost you around £10.

Be warned, however, Taipei foot massages are not for the faint-hearted or ticklish. If you want to see grown men squirm and giggle then this is the place for you.

While it may seem a little uncomfortable at the time, the light-footedness and relaxed feeling you experience afterwards make it very worthwhile.

Taipei has so much to offer every kind of visitor. It's brimming with heritage and culture while providing the most modern and contemporary features you can find.

The combination of new and old with the friendliness and welcoming nature of its people make Taipei a place you will never forget.

How to get to Taipei
EVA Airways flies from London Heathrow to Taipei via Bangkok six times a week. Return airfares in economy class start from £644 (inclusive of taxes). Book online at www.evaair.com or by telephone on 020 7380 8300.

Where to stay in Taipei
Hotel accommodation at the Grand Formosa Regent Taipei or the Landis hotel can be booked online.

For further information about visiting Taiwan see the Taiwan tourism website or telephone 020 7928 1600.

Richard James