Taipei Travel

HOT-BLOODED SUMMER With the arrival of summer, the temperature inevitably rises, but so too do the passions of the indefatigable folks who call Taipei home. As such, this season our theme is “Summer Passions.”We've got tips for staying cool during the hottest months of the year, and also some touching and intriguing tales of those who dedicate themselves with a fiery resolve to the unique jobs and places that make Taipei great. Even when temperatures soar, there is still a whole lot of cool to discover in Taipei. In this issue’s cover story, we take you on a tour of some of the city’s most treasured businesses, from a century-old custom tailor shop, to a traditional maker of calligraphy brushes. Also see our feature article about a man who dedicates himself to preserving historic vinyl recordings — Taipei’s one-and-only record transcriptionist. In these charming cornerstones of old Taipei, it’s not just about passing down time-tested skills, but about preserving the passion these people hold for their chosen professions. From there we dive into the heart of escaping the summer heat, with the City Scene section chockfull of destinations locals favor when they feel the need to chill out for a while. From refreshing retreats to historic landmarks and evening markets, consider this your guide to keeping cool even when the mercury heads north of 35. Summer is also festival season. It’s the time to celebrate the birthday of the City God, vigilant protector of the Taipei citizenry. It’s also a great time to discover the wide variety of outdoor artistry on display, such as the many murals created by a local master painter. From birthdays of the gods to artistic inspiration, there’s a lot worth celebrating in the pages ahead. As we all get outdoors in the summer months, it’s easy to see just how far Taipei has come toward becoming a city that’s warm and welcoming to people from all over the world. Our interview with Ambassador Chou outlines how the city is fast transforming into an international hub. Last but not least, check out our summer culinary recommendations — the best of the best in food and drink when it comes to cooling off. All this and more, as TAIPEI dives into summer.  

COLORS OF SPRING Spring in Taipei is much like the blooming of the season's perennial flowers. The city experiences a palpable and visible change, as the weather warms and the cool gray of winter is replaced by vibrant colors and upbeat attitudes. To experience Taipei in the springtime is to see this diverse, inclusive capital through lenses of countless different shades, and in this issue, we present to you these many-splendored viewpoints. Much like the city itself, Taipei's clean and convenient metro mass transport system is bursting with color. Wandering the city in springtime is as simple as choosing your favorite color-coded line, hopping on, and consulting our spring cover story, with tours for every hue Taipei's MRT has to offer. The cityscape, too, comes alive with color during the spring season. From the yellow sulfur of the Beitou hot springs that heal body and mind, to the blue-ribbon waterways that crisscross the metropolis, and on to the various flower-viewing spots Taipei has to offer, we've got colorful features for all your can't-miss springtime explorations both indoor and out. Moving on to all things both colorful and cultural that arrive with this season of rebirth and renewal, we check out the glinting gold of the costumes and the origins of Taipei's Golden Lion Group Ta-Long-Tong, and the charming red brick of the historic Minnan architectural marvels. And not to forget the most important color of spring — green — we also head for the verdant fields of a sustainable farm in Gaundu, snuggled contentedly within all the hustle and bustle. When it comes to springtime food favorites in Taipei, it's very black and white. Check out our article on a couple who has made silky-white tofu their life's work, and dive into a story on one company with a mission to promote Taiwanese coffee both at home and abroad. Finally, a carpenter brings us deep into the city both literally and figuratively, on the lookout for old houses decorated with the warm texture of wood. If you're a spring arrival to Taipei, count yourself lucky. There is no such thing as a bad time to come to this multi-colored, multicultural city, but springtime might just be the best of all. COVID-19 ALERT -Please wear a mask and follow the epidemic prevention regulations imposed by the government when going out during the pandemic. -There are many private profile pictures published in this issue, hence no masks are worn by the figures present. ▶Join our lucky draw to win a prize by completing TAIPEI's online questionnaire! Please scan the QR Code or click here.