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.