About Taipei

Historically Taipei has always been a place where cultures collide and coalesce. The earliest archaeological evidence of human presence in Taipei was found in the Yuanshan Prehistoric Site (B.C.5000) and the Zhishanyan Prehistoric Site (B.C.1000-200). The two sites confirm the early human presence in Taipei and Taipei's past as a lake. Later, the Ketagalan group belonging to the Pingpu ("Plains") Aboriginal tribes began to thrive in areas such as Danshui, Beitou and Bali.

The Spanish arrived in Danshui from Keelung and built Fort Provintia (now known as Fort Hongmao, or "red-topped tower".) Shortly after, the Dutch invaded from south Taiwan and fought for control of the island with Ming Dynasty general Koxinga, who was then stationed in Tainan. With the defeat of Koxinga forces, the Qing government assumed total control of Taiwan.

Southern Chinese immigrants from Quanzhou, Zhangzhou and Canton began to arrive in Mengjia, then Taiwan's largest port, in search of arable land. They fought constantly with the Pingpu tribes as well as among themselves for territory. These early immigrants built housings and temples that reflected a number of regional architectural styles.

Construction of Taipei City was completed in the late 19th century during Emperor Guangxu's reign. The original city gates we see today were constructed during this period.

Taiwan became a Japanese colony in 1895, after China lost the First Sino-Japanese War. Taiwan remained a Japanese colony until the end of WWII, when the mainland Chinese Nationalist government took over. The influx Nationalist troops and personnel brought with them mainland Chinese culture to Taiwanese society. In recent years, increased immigration from Southeastern Asia has further contributed to Taipei's ever more diversified cultural climate.

The cultural kaleidoscope of Taiwan's capital city pulses wherever you go. Incense-veiled temples dating back to dynastic times blend seamlessly with a neat street life of a decidedly more modern era. Taipei has dozens of world-class restaurants where gourmets can sample the best regional Chinese cuisine; and for the gourmand, there are plenty night markets serving up scrumptious evening snacks in an environment of chaotic excitement and fun.

The polarities of Taipei are vividly present as well in the joining of the urban and natural. Just a few minutes from the heart of the city you can soak away the cares of the world in mineral-rich hot springs nestled in the lush mountain foothills ringing the Taipei Basin. And throughout the city there are plenty of trails, parks and other oases of tranquility to lift and invigorate your spirits.

Whether you're just stopping over a route to another Asian destination, or planning a longer stay, Taipei is a many-faceted treasure that will call you back again and again.

Discover the heart of Asia in beautiful Taipei!