5 Things To Do - Taipei

With an excellent public transport system (including bi-lingual signage and announcements), Taipei is a busy but stress-free city to navigate. All sights mentioned below can be reached by the efficient MRT system, or in the company of your private driver guide.

1) Take time to learn about Taiwan's complex history.          A must-visit in Taipei is the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, an enormous, imposing monument to Taiwan's former president and leader of the exiled Republic of China government. There is also a memorial to Sun Yat-Sen - the founding father of the ROC and predecessor to Chiang.

2) Gawp at the most obvious symbol of Taiwan's dynamic present and bright future. Until 2010, Taipei 101 was the world's tallest building, with 101 floors above ground and 5 below. The world's fastest elevator takes just 30 seconds to reach the observation deck on the 89th floor, and lower floors have ample opportunities for shopping and dining in the sky.

3) Get elbow-to-elbow with the locals at one of Taipei's night markets. Shilin is the biggest and brashest, although Raohe and equally busy Danshui and have great eating and shopping opportunities (stinky tofu is a must-try). Half a day can also be eaten up at the seemingly never-ending Jianguo Jade, Flower, and Art Market - only open at weekends.

4) Stuff yourself silly. Taipei claims itself as a world culinary capital, and it's easy to see why. Eat little and often is the mantra here, and with numerous fine dining options, street eats, and everything in between you'll need an extra stomach to survive. Eat and drink long enough and you'll find yourself falling into karaoke rooms with local salary-men.

5) Escape the frantic city. After all that, some rural tranquillity may be required. In Taiwan you are a never far away from breath-taking scenery, and within an hour of central Taipei you could be amongst hills and waterfalls on one of the many miles of hiking trails. The famous Yanmingshan National Park makes a fabulous day trip, and presents one of life's few opportunities to stride over a dormant volcano.