The Multi-diversity of Taipei

Taiwan attracted 11 million inbound tourists in 2019, contributing around 5% to its GDP. You would probably come up with local food in the night market, street performance in Shimen Ting, and even treasure hunt in Taipei Station. But it has more to offer than you can imagine.

The National Palace Museum symbolized Taiwanese identity. A collection of 700,000 pieces of Chinese artifacts making it one of the largest types in the world. Taiwan is well-known for its cuisine. The Meat-Shaped Stone and Jadeite Cabbage won’t disappoint you.

Personally, I was surprised by the Miniatures Museum of Taiwan. Founded in 1997, Mr Lin and his wife showed a collection of miniatures, which was initially a gift for their children from business trips. From famous landmarks to fairytales. The world is small yet fascinating.

It all begins with a scar of the land. The 228 Memorial Museum reminds how a peaceful demonstration was suppressed by the KMT government in 1947. A victory of democracy. The pain was a turning point and awakened the demand for the separation of 5 powers.

Today, Liberty Square just reminds us of the transition from the single party to a democratic system in the 1990s. The public plaza is home to 3 landmarks: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall in the east; National Concert Hall and National Theater are in the north and south separately.

The square serves as a site of mass gathering. Taiwan's President greets the foreign dignitaries under this backdrop, while the Lantern Festival takes place in the same venue. Fun fact: it also sits within sight of the baroque Presidential Office, which is on Ketagalan Boulevard.

As an art-and-culture classroom, the memorial hall hosted “The Art of Disney: The Magic of Animation” in 2023. Visitors could explore the evolution of animated technology by Walt Disney Animation Studios through the 500+ sketches. Utilize the magical power of storytelling.

Taipei 101 was the tallest building before 2010. This icon can be seen from every corner in the city. The observatory offers a panoramic view, from the Yangmingshan National Park, to the Taipei Arena, where Lin Cheng-hsin reunited with Hsu Tai-yu in the movie “Our Times”.

As a Chinese saying goes, "a sparrow may be small, but it has all the vital organs". True. Just like Taiwan.