Taipei Travel

Taipei’s Vibrant Summer Scene Summer in Taipei may be scorching hot, but it is a season filled with an abundance of amazing activities.  This issue’s cover story highlights the sensational “Taipei Summer Festival” held in the historic Dadaocheng area from July 1st to August 20th, where people can enjoy weekly themes, breathtaking fireworks, and enchanting illuminations along Dadaocheng Wharf for a romantic summer evening stroll. In the City Scene section we also introduce a captivating destination — Maokong, suitable for a leisurely hike and a refreshing cup of tea to soothe your summer days. Meanwhile, moving to the northern district of Tianmu, a favored spot among expatriates. We follow Dr. Ching-Chih Lee, an esteemed expert from the Department of Architecture at Shih Chien University, to unveil remarkable locales and the joyous Tianmu Beer Festival, a delight for beer enthusiasts. Summer is also the time for the renowned Taipei Film Festival, a yearly extravaganza of the film industry’s boundless creativity and remarkable achievements. To indulge in an immersive cinematic experience beyond the confines of the theater, we take you to explore shops filled with movie memorabilia and visit some iconic filming locations. And don’t miss out on the trip to the transformed Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, once the historic Songshan Tobacco Factory, to revel in its rich heritage. Additionally, our interview with Jean Chang, the visionary founder of Picupi and a passionate advocate of sustainable fashion, provides insights into environmental issues. In Taipei, trending culinary topics always capture people’s attention. We bring you three internationally recognized coffee shops, where expert baristas create exquisite brews to tantalize your taste buds. Also follow us to savor Taiwanese-Style Steak, a fusion dish that has become a local favorite and gained popularity among international visitors. The open and welcoming city of Taipei also attracts expatriates seeking new thrills and adventures. We catch up with a Japanese curry restaurant manager/streetwear consultant who shares how Taipei offers the perfect blend of flexibility and freedom in the evolving realm of work. Whether you’re attending summer events, sampling local delicacies, or exploring different parts of Taipei, let this issue be your inspiration and guide to all that Taipei has to offer in the summer of 2023. ★★★Join our lucky draw to win a prize by completing TAIPEI's online questionnaire! Please click here for more details.

LIVABLE CITY, COZY LIFE Every city has its own unique charm, and Taipei is no exception, having long been world-famous for its gourmet cuisine as well as its friendliness, safety, and convenience. In the last decade, international media has repeatedly named Taipei one of the most livable cities in the world, as more and more people from around the globe make this place their home. That's why the theme of this issue is “Cozy.” We examine the city from four different angles — public art, transportation, food, and healthcare — and invite four Taipei residents to tell us just what makes this city such a wonderful place to live. Taipei's architectural landscape features a fascinating mix of styles, both new and old. In this issue, we present an introduction to a few examples of Taipei's modern architectural marvels. Modernism aside, Taipei is also a treasure trove of historical riches. Adjacent to Dadaocheng sits the Dalongdong Baoan Temple. Temple president Liao Wu-jyh takes us on an informative tour of the temple's history and unique architecture, as well as the 2023 edition of the Baosheng Cultural Festival. A city's intellectual character is manifested in the reading habits of its inhabitants. We invite long-time editor and strategist Jenny Lee to share with us how she promotes reading in Taipei. What’s more, Taipei possesses a very diverse population. As the number of migrant workers continues to grow, the government has implemented care and counseling programs targeted at them, while the non-profit startup One-Forty offers learning opportunities to make their lives in Taiwan easier. In the section on gourmet cuisine, we take a look at two delicious favorites: dumplings and Taiwanese pastry. And finally, our interview with one of the many expatriates in Taipei, Tim Berge, a Taipei resident who is currently general manager of a radio station, gives us a glimpse on his observations regarding life in the city and points out why Taipei is a wonderful place to travel or live. We hope that this issue of TAIPEI will instill in you what makes Taipei such a fascinating and pleasant place to live. ★★★Join our lucky draw to win a prize by completing TAIPEI's online questionnaire! Please click here for more details.