The people of Taiwan are very cosmopolitan probably due to the number of people who have been overseas in the past decade. Before the borders were relaxed in 1987, few people had the opportunity to go abroad and be exposed to the outside world. Mandarin and Taiwanese are the main languages spoken in Taiwan.

Many locals have a basic knowledge of English, but they appreciate visitors making an effort to learn at least a few words of their language - and you are there to learn much more.

Shopping in Taipei, you can buy almost anything you can think of, from designer names, to antique curios, up-to-date eletronics, original jewelry, hand--painted scrolls, fragrant tea, and cool childrens' toys. Departmant stores, boutiques, and small stores all offer quality at reasonable prices.

Night markets are fun to shop in, accept cash only, and vendors rarely speak English, but shoppers can often bargain. That's where the best selections and prices for souvenirs, gifts, casual clothing, and traditional handicrafts can be found.

There are several sizaable markets to shop and eat in. These markets include the Dinghao Market for clothing, jewelry, footwear, souvenirs, pubs, teahouses, bookshops and department stores and some of the leading departmant stores are located here. You may purchase designer labels at the boutiques offering international brand-name fashions and accessories, or inexpensive casual wear a variety of footware can also be found easily.

Street vendors in the maze of alleys sell clothes, trinkets, and costume jewelry at bargain prices. Established jewelry stores offer gold and other fine jewelry, and can give certificates of guarantee. Several movie theaters show both Western and Chiness films until midnight.

A walk through the Tihua Street area gives visitors a feel of Taipei city's past. The old-town market has scores of shops selling a variety of traditional goods such as Chinese medicines and herbs, temple icons and incense, spices and dried food, colorful bolts of cloth, and bamboo and wooden crafts. A fascinating patch of the past!

The Shihlin Night Market to the north of city proper, this vast and rambling night market had scores of stalls that sell clothing, footware, souvenirs, and delicious snacks and fruits. Here you will experience the sights, sounds and smells of Chinese culture. This is the king of Taipei night market!

Sightseeing in Taipei is a full-time diversion. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is a majestic marble monument surrounded by gardens and ponds. Confucius Temple is a tranquil place which comes to life only at dawn on September 28.

On this day every year rites are perforned, some of which date back nearly 3,000 years, by school children in ancient costume to honor Confucius on his birthday.

The Pao An Temple is a short walk from the Confucius Temple is the 230-year-old Taoist Pao An Temple. The three main deities worshipped here are Pao Sheng, God of Medicine; Ju Lai Fo, God of Luck; and Chu Sheng Niang Niang, Goddess of Birth and Fertility.

The Hsing Tien Temple is home to the God of War and other deities, an interesting place to see people worship and view the intricate temple architecture. Lung Shan Temple, built in 1738, is one of the best temples to see in Taipei.. Examine the intricately carved stone dragon pillars, roof and caves.

The Martyrs Shrine is an excellent example of classical Ming dynasty architecture, dedicated to the fallen heroes of China's wars. One must also visit the National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of Chinese art spanning China's 5,000-year history. Treasures from the ancient imperial collection include jade, porcelain, paintings, bronzes, and more.

The Yangmingshan National Park is a massive mountainous park on the outskirts of Taipei has waterfalls, volcanic craters, hot springs, and abundant wildlife. Cherry and azalea blossom in spring, and cool, fresh air in the summer are added and very welcome attractions.

Our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture and customs. Below are some of our recommended highlights. Some tours and packages can be organized when booking your program, please see the program price page for more information.

city tour
One area you will want to stroll around is the old Wanhua section. There's excellent shopping among the street vendors there (you'll find loads of unusual items, but be prepared to bargain). The brightly colored Lungshan Temple is also there -- built in 1776, it's the oldest temple in Taiwan. Another Wanhua attraction, Snake Alley,is not for the squeamish. It's where you'll find dishes made of snake and turtle in some of the specialty restaurants, and the snakes are often slaughtered in full view. A shot glass of the serpent's blood may be offered to any tourist who looks sufficiently shocked by the slaughter.

There are many interesting museums and exhibits around Taipei, including the National Museum of History, the New National Taiwan Science Hall, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum and the Taiwan Provincial Museum, which houses original Taiwan wood carvings and fabrics. Another of the more important sights in the capital is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

Hsimenting, near the West Gate of the old city, is the hot spot for the young and fashion-conscious. It specializes in trinkets, clothes, movie theaters and certain other, often less reputable, forms of nightlife. The East Region Shopping Area offers great atmosphere, crowds and a wide variety of street vendors selling everything from animals to zodiacs. Be ready to bargain for everything except food.

Taipei's "night markets" are especially enjoyable as the streets swirl with activity and take on a special glow. Shihlin, a northeastern suburb, has one of the best of such markets.

chiang-kai-sheck memorial hall
Downstairs there is a display of CKS memorabilia and a careful presentation of the Nationalist perspective on Imperial Japan and Communist China. With its 62-acre/25-hectare grounds, the CKS Memorial is one of the few really nice open spaces in downtown Taipei. In the late 1980s, two more huge buildings were added to this complex -- the National Theater and the National Concert Hall.

taipei city zoo
In addition to the usual collection of animals from around the world, the zoo is home to a number of native species that you can't see elsewhere. There is a nocturnal house and a marvelous butterfly house.

excursions

wulai aborigine village
About an hour's drive south by car passing through beautiful mountain scenery. Tours of the village include dance and music. Plan a trip to Taiwan's fabulous East Coast -- Hualien and Toroko Gorge.

half-day excursions
*yangmingshan national park
*the hot springs of Peitou (a suburb of Taipei)
*Yaumingtau Park, which is accessible by city bus and has hiking trails through the mountains as well as hot springs with bathing facilities
*the coastal town and beaches around Tanshui
*beaches along the coast from Tanshui to Wanli

Other good half-day trips include Lake Benevolence in Ta-Hsi, Shihimen Reservoir, the Safari Park in Leofoo and the pottery-producing village of Linkou.