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Travelers to the Far East may be inclined to regard the semi-tropical island of Taiwan as merely a place to stop and refuel en route to destinations further afield. But there is more to this island than meets the eye.

The island’s distinct history has turned modern day Taiwan into a true melting pot. Chinese, American, Japanese and European influences effortlessly blend with Eastern exoticism.

Whether you are flying in for business or pleasure, here’s how to get the most out of your time spent in Taiwan’s fascinating capital, Taipei.

Sleep

It may come as no surprise to the initiated style-seeker that the top three hotels in Taipei have the word ‘grand’ in their title. The Grand Formosa Regent–a Four Seasons Hotel–is located in the heart of the financial district.  The magnificent views of the city and Taipei 101 are matched only by the availability of the world’s top designer boutiques which lie right on your doorstep. 

Over at the Grand Hyatt, the the sleek rooms and suites are minimally decorated in a chic yet contemporary style, and the hotel’s 10 restaurants and bars are a popular port of call for the city’s residents. Try the delicious dim sum on offer at the Pearl Liang Chinese Seafood Restaurant. 

Craving the nostalgic, decadent interiors of old-world China? Then no visit to Taipei is complete without at least a glimpse of The Grand Hotel’s lobby. Built in 1973 as an emblem of ancient China, the hotel is often referred to as ‘The Dragon Palace’.  With two secret underground tunnels, the Grand Hotel is positively dripping in history, mystery, and dragons.

Eat

Taiwan is a mecca for foodies–from Asian to Western and everything in between, the range of dishes available is staggering. ‘Have you eaten yet?’ is a common question heard throughout the day, and don’t be alarmed when you are presented with up to 8 courses at one sitting.

Book a table at one of the Five Dimes Restaurant designed by Hsieh Li-hsiang, Taiwan’s self-taught ‘Gaudí’. Each strangely fascinating restaurant is fashioned from driftwood, ceramics, concrete and oyster shell. The restaurants are so popular that busloads of tourists turn up at the weekends to stand and stare at these examples of avant-garde architecture.

Drink Oolong black tea on a tatami mat at Wistaria Tea House, a favourite hideout of writers, artists, intellectuals and politicians. The issue of re-unification with China is hotly debated throughout the island over a civilized cup of tea.

See

The National Palace Museum is a must. Displaying 650,000 pieces of ancient Chinese artefacts, the building is the national museum of the Republic of China and is the fifth largest museum in the world.

Taipei 101 is one of the world’s tallest buildings, soaring 101 floors above ground and 5 floors below. Designed in the form of a bamboo stalk, it is built to withstand earthquakes and typhoons, and its elevators travel at 55.22 feet per second–hang on to your hats!

For an insightful look at Taiwanese culture, join the throngs at the Shilin Night Market and be prepared to be both amused and surprised by this bustling market.

Longshan Temple is located in Taipei’s old town and is the city’s most popular temple, celebrating both Buddhism and Taoism

Spa

Visit the Wellspring Spa on the top floor of The Grand Formosa Regent Hotel. The Jetlag Recovering Massage will leave you feeling in tip top condition for your travels ahead. Alternatively, do as the locals do and check into one of the many street level foot spas. Here you can have a relaxing foot massage at midnight over a cup of Oolong tea. 

For more on Taiwan, visit www.go2taiwan.net and www.taiwan.net.tw