Taipei Travel

Historic Taipei



The Taipei of winter is a city cozy with warmth and good cheer! We've got a Christmas stocking-full of experiences, both entertaining and educational, this issue. Let's unwrap the articles we've gift-wrapped specially for you...



We present a trio of cover stories, with the rich heritage side of Taipei as the focus. First, you'll travel through the city's commercial and political past, with visits to prominent works of architecture and infrastructure, related to railways, water infrastructure, and postal services, spanning the Qing era, Japanese era, and post-war period. Next up, explore two of the island's unique retired military dependents' villages transformed with new missions as living heritage sites. Finally, we offer up a report with practical pointers on where to find trained guide services for day-tour walkabouts in our history-richest neighborhoods.



In our regular A Day in Taipei department, we take you on a guided wander through Taipei's oldest community, Wanhua, taking in a "heritage sugar refinery, nature park, iconic night market, great eats," and then explore the Shilin-Yuanshan area, visiting a former Chiang Kai-shek residence and surrounding expansive gardens, a "forest ark," a well-known night market and pub/bar area.



Our two Out in Nature files introduce you to the historic Zhinan Temple Trail in the hilly Maokong tea-plantation area and to the lizards of "untamed Taipei" – and where to find them. You'll then switch from feasting for the eyes to feasting for the tummy in three articles, with a session at a local studio in DIY Fun using Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients to craft your own health-enhancing herbal cola, trying out traditional food delicacies at four popular family-run century-old eateries in one Fine Food writing, and in another savoring appetizing intros to seven new Taipei recipients of Michelin stars.



And to wrap everything up tight with a nice bow, Christmas is the timely subject in this edition's Where to… – where you'll find the city's best spots for a Christmas festive vibe.



The cool air is filled with warm holiday spirit throughout the Taipei winter season, and the city's schedule is stuffed with large-scale festive activities. We're tickled and honored that you've chosen to spend your time with us – enjoy!