Tall buildings and ancient wonders in Taipei

More than just a production line for world's goods, Taiwan has a rich history and many fascinating sights, particularly in its capital, Taipei.

One of the greatest collections of ancient Chinese art, crafts and culture is located in Taipei, inside the magnificent National Palace Museum.

The museum's bright yellow walls and blue roofs hold a unique collection of nearly 700,000 pieces dating back five thousand years.

Among the collection are items such as pottery, craftwork made from jade, bronze and porcelain, sculptures, embroidery, calligraphy and paintings.

One of the most popular displays is an incredibly life-like sculpture of a cabbage made from green and white jade, which also has two tiny insects carved onto it - a locust and a cricket. The insects are said to be traditional metaphors for fertility.

Another top attraction at the museum is a tiny boat carved from olive stone dating from the 17th century, which has two tiny figures on it, so carefully carved that you can see their facial expressions.

The Italian artist Castiglione's 18th-century masterpiece, One Hundred Horses, can also be seen in the museum - a wide landscape depicting grazing horses painted on a scroll.

Visitors should note the museum is being renovated with around half the galleries currently closed, but is due to reopen from December 2006 onwards.

As well as whiling away a day at the museum and getting into Taipei's ancient Chinese culture, holidaymakers can experience a much more modern side to the city at Taipei 101 - the world's tallest building.

At 509 metres high, the building is more than twice as high as the UK's tallest building, Canary Wharf, and stands a long way above Paris' major tourist draw, the 300-metre Eiffel Tower.

However, holidaymakers should note that the building also holds other records, including the fastest ascending lifts in the world, and the world's largest New Year's Eve countdown clock.

Like former tallest building in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, holidaymakers can shop in the building's shopping mall and eat at the restaurants and party in the nightclub.

Though very modern, the building's interior follows Taipei's historic Chinese stylings, in that it has been designed by a feng shui master.

Another of the city's top sights is Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a 70s building in traditional style, surrounded by green spaces and the city's main cultural venues - the National Theatre and National Concert Hall.

Made of white marble, with roofs decorated with deep-blue glass, the grand structure is dedicated to the Republic of China's late president Chiang Kai-shek.

For more information on Taipei, including accommodation, visit www.taiwan.net.tw

Return flights from London Heathrow to Taipei cost £555.80 with Cathay Pacific via Expedia.co.uk, departing February 2007. XXX