Enjoy a Chinese language course in Taiwan
at our language school in the city of Taipei.

Taipei City is the capital of Taiwan and the island’s fourth largest city with 2.6 million people. The metropolitan area contains 6.7 million, however, making it the largest urban area in all of Taiwan. It is the political, economic and cultural hub of Taiwan with transportation lines extending across and throughout the island. Taipei is on the northern tip of Taiwan it lies within the valleys of the Keelung and Xindian rivers which form the Danshui, as a result it held great importance as a port city and developed its wealth by these means. Taipei has been the capital of the island originally with the Chinese and when it was taken by the Japanese. It bears the impressions of both cultures and is now a vibrant and fascinating city. Despite its size Taipei is incredibly safe with no neighbourhoods one needs to be careful in even at night.


Taipei began its history as a modern capital when the govern of Taiwan of the Qing dynasty moved the capital to the city in 1184. This began a series of construction projects and urban planning that have continued until today. When Taiwan was ceded to the Japanese in 1895 its northern location and excellent port made it a suitable capital and so they began. Little concern was given to the traditional Chinese architecture and large-scale building projects were put underway. During the revolution by the Chinese Communist Party many refugees and the Republic of China government fled to Taiwan and predominately Taipei. Hastily built concrete apartments covered the city and only with the improving economy has this begun to change. Now, with a coming economy, Taipei has become a beautiful city. The West of the city has retained its authentic charm while the East side has developed into a modern, international space. The two in combination make Taipei a fascinating and unique city.


The most striking landmark in Taipei is the second highest skyscraper in the world, the Tapei 101, so called for its 101 stories. Built to resemble a stalk of bamboo, it has the world’s fastest elevators which can take you to the 89th-floor observation deck in just 37 seconds. Predictably there are stunning views of the city to behold. Within Zhongshan Park is the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall built for the founder of the Republic of China. With a large library and many resources it has become a major community center. More geared to visitors is the Chian Kai-shek Memorial Hall the giant courtyard is used for both political discussions and national celebrations. The best collection of Chinese artefacts can be found in the National Palace Museum.


Meanwhile, the old city of Taipei can be explored in the Datong district with narrow streets and old shops, markets and teashops to explore. This area is also filled with a number of important temples including the Xiahai City God Temple (1859) built for the city’s deity, the Baoan Taoist temple (1805) with impressive murals and sculptures, and the Confucius Temple (1879). The most important temple, however, is Longshan Temple which is surrounded by fortune tellers and blind masseurs. A visit to Taipei should also include a visit to their incredible hot springs which could be an incredible place to relax and reflect on your amazing experiences learning Chinese in Taipei!


What we like about Chinese in Taipei:

  • Taipei is a city of exciting contrasts with Chinese and Japanese influences and an ancient history living alongside its current wealth and expansion.
  • It is an incredibly safe city with very little crime and no dangerous neighbourhoods.
  • The city is the transportation center of Taiwan and the entire island can be explored from Taipei with ease.