Taipei, Taiwan Hotels and City Guide

Taipei - Going Out

Taipei Entertainment

Taipei, although certainly a city steeped in rich historical roots, has moved boldly forward into being a wildly captivating cosmopolitan center for world-class entertainment of every type. From outstanding ballet and opera to the trendiest nightclubs you will find anywhere, Taipei has made its mark in the entertainment scene.

Theatre, Music and Dance

Located in the Boai District of central Taipei, the National Theater and Concert Hall resemble traditional Chinese palaces with their gold roofs and elegant red colonnades. The National Theater holds Taipei's main opera house and dramatic theater, and has hosted such internationally acclaimed artists as Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras from the Three Tenors, the New York Philharmonic, the San Francisco Symphony, the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra and the Australian Ballet Company.

At the Fu Hsing Dramatic Arts Academy, you can not only experience a three-hour performance by the China Peking Opera, but go behind the scenes with a tour of the academy’s museum and even try on some of the elaborate stage make-up and opera costumes.

Arts and Events in Taipei

There are nearly 50 museums and countless small art galleries in and around Taipei, so whether you prefer to study ancient artifacts, or more modern displays such as comic books and miniature toys, you will not be disappointed, there is certainly a collection exhibited somewhere nearby for your viewing pleasure. From postage stamps to puppets, the naturally creative people of Taipei seem to recognize every avenue of art form as valuable.

The Taipei Art Village, located at the intersection of Bei-Ping East Road and Jian Jin Street, is drawing large crowds to enjoy the performances, exhibitions and programs in various mediums. The colony has become famous for the sculptors, painters and poets who share their creative visions through lively discussions during the "Artists Talking" events where various artists give lectures and slide presentations. There are also workshops where visitors can experience the creative process and work directly with some of the artists. On "open studio" days, you can view an artist's studio to learn more about the individual artist and the techniques involved in their craft.

A visit to The National Palace Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of Chinese art, is a lesson in China's 5,000-year history. Treasures from the ancient imperial collection include jade, porcelain, paintings, bronzes, and more. In fact, there is so much to display, it can never all be out at once, and the exhibits must be rotated. For those with more contemporary tastes, tour The Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taiwan’s first museum designed specifically for modern and contemporary art exhibitions.

Annual Events in Taipei

January

January 1: Founding Day
This day marks the foundation of the Republic of China and the first president who took office in 1912. Fireworks and parades are the main attraction, along with lion and dragon dances throughout the streets.

February

Chinese New Year
The most spectacular annual celebration of the year, the New Year begins on the first day of the first lunar month. As the New Year approaches, families engage in vigorous spring cleaning which is said to ‘sweep away bad luck’ in preparation for a prosperous new year. Families typically celebrate together with grand-scale get-togethers. Little red packages along with cash are given to children and unmarried adults.

March

The 15th day of the first lunar month: Taipei Lantern Festival
Held for three days on and around the grounds of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, this spectacular event will have thousands of lanterns on display of all shapes, sizes, and colors, from the traditional paper lanterns stretched over a bamboo frame, to huge animated floats, to high-tech extravaganzas with laser rays, artificial smoke and synthesized music. Traditional lion and dragon dances, as well as acrobatic acts, folk art skits, mock battles and musical performances will an be ongoing part of the festivities, as well.

March 29: Youth Day
This holiday serves to encourage Taipei's youth with stories of national heroes and their accomplishments. The main event takes place at the Martyr's Shrine, where the president of the Republic of China presides over a lavish ceremony paying respect to fallen heroes who have served Taiwan. Ten young people are also chosen to be honored at this ceremony by the president.

May

Tomb Sweeping Day
Also known as the Eternal Brightness Festival, on this day families pay respect to their loved ones who have passed away by gathering at cemeteries and grave sites and cleaning up the premises. Children enjoy flying kites on this occasion, and many farmers ceremoniously plough their fields as a symbol of new life and renewal. Also in keeping with new beginnings, young singles are encouraged to begin new courtships at this time.

June

Early June: The Taipei International Dragon Boat Championships
Over 130 teams from across Taiwan and around the world will compete in the Dragon Boat races in Keelung River. The festival at Dajia Riverside Park will feature plenty of fun, from fairs to concerts and other activities.

Late June through Mid-July: The Taipei Film Festival
Promoted through the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs, this is the only film festival in Taiwan that offers a New Talent Competition for aspiring directors from around the world and a Taipei Award competition for Taiwanese filmmakers. With more than 200 films from more than 30 countries worldwide screened before over 100,000 attendants each year, this has become one of the most important film festivals in the Chinese-speaking world.

July

4 July: 4th of July Celebrations
Surprisingly, Taiwan does a wonderful job of celebrating the 4th of July, American style, with live bands at pool parties, hot dog eating contests, and beer bongs. One of the biggest parties has always been at the Taipei Country Club, called The Oasis Pool Party, with a full 4th of July theme, so make certain to pack your red, white and blue swimsuit!

Late July: The Taipei International Choral Festival
This 8-day music feast will bring together well-known choruses from here and abroad, including the Taipei Philharmonic Chorus. The Taipei Philharmonic Foundation hosts this international music event, considered one of Asia's largest choral festivals.

August

Late August: The Taipei Tap Festival
This 10-day event will take place at various venues around the city, with world-renowned dancers performing and hosting workshops at the festival.

15th day of the eighth lunar month: Mid-Autumn Festival
This festival traditionally marks the end of the harvesting season, when farmers could begin to wind down after a season of hard labor. Traditional moon cakes are eaten to symbolize family unity. Across Taipei, families host barbecues with friends and indulge in gazing at the moon.

September

Early September: Taipei Fringe Festival
Beginning with a massive parade on the streets near the Bopiliao District, and staged at numerous venues around the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, Guling Street Theater, and more, over 60 performing groups will be organizing up to 150 performances during this 16-day avant-garde festival of various artistic genres.

September 28: Teacher's Day
Held on the birthday of Confucius, teachers are honored in an elaborate ceremony that begins before sunrise at the Confucius Temple. Students are specially selected by their teachers to attend the ceremony and each must hold a goose feather - symbolic for a quill, traditionally a scholar's most important tool.

October

Mid-October: Taipei Street Artists Carnival
Over 30 groups of street artists will be performing at this 2-day event held at the Taipei Water Park, including jazz musicians, rap singers, modern circus acts, magicians, flamenco dancers and ethnic dance groups.

9th day of the 9th lunar month: Double Ninth Festival
This event is held on the ninth day of the ninth lunar month, and special attention is given to respecting the community's elders at this time. Families join together to celebrate, and chrysanthemum blossoms are a recurring motif. A special cake is eaten on this day, and many residents of Taipei head out into nature to climb hills, a long-standing tradition on this occasion.

December

Mid-December: Taipei International Travel Fair
This event, held at the Taipei World Trade Center, will represent 62 travel destinations and host over 1,200 booths, in six exhibition areas. Aside from all the valuable information available at the fair, there will also be various performing groups, giving 50 or more professional and traditional folk dance performances from around the world throughout the 3-day event.

December 31: New Year’s Eve
There will be parties at all the major hotels and nightclubs, however the biggest party will be in the plaza in front of Taipei City Hall, where you’ll be joined by thousands of other people looking to celebrate with you. Live bands will lead-up to the spectacular fireworks launched from the top of Taipei 101 when the clock strikes midnight.

Taipei After Dark: Taipei Bars and Nightlife

Many visitors to Taipei may desire to spend some time in the historic entertainment area known as Ximending. Still full of plenty of bars, theaters and Red Envelope Clubs, the Ximending District is not quite as popular as it once was, except with students. When you are ready for the ultra chic side of the city, head over to the Da-An district, which offers up all the hottest trends in international nightlife with its 20 bars and 4 nightclubs.

For jazz and hip-hop check out Taipei Underground, which features both live bands and DJs to packed houses. TU’s is across the street from the Howard Plaza Hotel. Always a great place to dance the night away, Juliana’s has a disco on Civil Blvd. that never fails to attract the hippest crowds around.

The Shi-Da District is a bit less pretentious than Da-An, but the music is still high energy and goes on all night and into the wee hours of the morning. The Shi-Da neighborhood is where you will find students, both domestic and foreign, hanging out with other casually dressed night clubbers.

The area's nightlife is highlighted by two clubs, Roxy99 and Roxy Vibe. Roxy 99 lives up to its reputation as one of the best clubs in the very hip Shi-Da area. The music is an eclectic mix of recognizable favorites in every genre from rock to oldies to R&B and rap. Roxy Vibe offers a live band from 9PM until midnight when the DJ takes over to keep things rocking until dawn. If you happen to be in Taipei on October 31, head over to this club, since their Halloween party has been said to be the best one in town.

Hotels in Taipei, Taiwan