Spotlight: Taipei, Taiwan

When compared to the size of cities like Montreal, Toronto, Chicago, and even Madrid and Milan, Taipei comes off as a huge city. Its metropolitan area counts 7.5 million people, more than all of the aforementioned cities, and its development is quite staggering.

This said, Taipei's growth and sheer size absolutely pale in comparison to other Asian juggernauts. Tokyo's metropolitan area, for example, counts around 38 million people, more than SEVEN times Taipei's population. Other Asian powerhouses with populations exceeding 20 million people include: Seoul, Jakarta, Manila, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. By comparison, therefore, Taipei is reduced to nothing but a mere village.

But Taipei is much, much more. Though often glossed over by travellers doing an East-Asia trip, this gem of a city provides visitors the opportunity to eat abundantly, experience a unique, Chinese-influenced culture and explore some stunning nature. Nestled on an island just southeast of China, it's no wonder that this is the case.

Taiwan has a long and complex history (which I discuss HERE), but it's important to keep in mind that China claims Taiwan, whereas Taiwan claims its independence, and the international community is kind of forced to side with China because China has threatened to cut off trade with any country who recognizes Taiwan's autonomy.

The city of Taipei itself also has an interesting history. The city was originally inhabited not by Chinese, but by native Taiwanese people, who quickly became a minority on their own island as the Han Chinese began to arrive and settle the land. The Han Chinese chose Taipei as their key destination due to its proximity to mainland China as well as its convenience as a trade port. Shortly thereafter, Taiwan fell victim to Japanese colonialism, as did other countries in Asia, such as Korea, China, and even parts of Vietnam. Taiwan remained under Japanese control until the end of World War Two, when Japan was forced to hand back control of all territories acquired during wars, and this included the island of Taiwan. To this day, however, Japanese influence can be seen across Taipei, primarily in the form of the architecture seen throughout the city.

Over time, Taipei has developed its own distinct identity with its own unique culture and people, and it truly is a wonder to wander around the city and experience it first hand.

Other than the newly erected Taipei 101 Tower and its neighbouring Elephant Mountain, which I talk about HERE, Taipei's most famous attraction has to be Liberty Square, a historic gathering place for residents since it was built in the late 1970s, and a symbol of Taiwan's transition from one-party rule to modern democracy in the 1990s.

Like many other Asian countries, Taiwan is historically a Buddhist country, and therefore many Buddhist temples can be spotted throughout the country. In Taipei, one of the most famous Buddhist temples is called Longshan Temple, and I was lucky enough to walk in just as people were busy praying and honouring, though I tried hard not to appear rude as I was taking my pictures.

Perhaps one of the most exciting Taipei experiences, however, has to be its many delicious food markets. The Shilin night market is one of the most famous, and was only a few steps away from my hostel. This night market spanned several blocks and offered a wide variety of food, suiting just about anyone's preferences.

Some of the foods I tried included: a brochette, some oyster mushrooms (delicious!), some grilled octopus and some squid. Everything was delicious, and well worth the price (not that it was expensive). You can read about my full culinary experience in Taiwan HERE.

Taipei is unique. It is a colourful, energetic and vibrant city. Taipei isn't as busy or as stressed out as some other, bigger Asian cities can be, and its blend of tradition and modernity certainly make it worth the trip.

-Daniele