NATIONAL PALACE MUSEUM
The National Palace Museum houses the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures, one which spans China's nearly 5,000-year history. Most of the museum's 620,000 art objects were part of the Chinese imperial collection, which began over 1,000 years ago in the early Sung dynasty.
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 221 Chih-shan Rd., Sec. 2, Wai-shuang-hsi, Shi-lin District, Taipei
 (02)2881-2021
 http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/home.htm
 Buses to the museum include: 213, 255, 304
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THE GRAND HOTEL
¡ETaiwan temple-golden dragon of 100 years
The location of Grand Hotel in Japanese reign period was originally where a Japanese god temple was. The golden dragons winding in Golden Dragons Hall were said to be what left at that time. The golden dragons were made of bronze first, Grand Hotel coated them with a golden cover, turning to be more vivid. Up to now, Japanese tourists still come here to seek for the god temple relic of the past years.
¡E9-dragon wall
As Chinese legend goes, dragon, phoenix, Chilin (a fabulous animal resembling the deer said to appear only in time of peace and prosperity) and turtle are four major symbols of good luck. The inside and outside facade patterns of Grand Hotel are made of dragon sculpture mainly, with comparison as emperor. The general number should be about 200,000 dragons! Therefore, Grand Hotel is literally referred to as the "Dragon Palace". The 9-dragon wall of the underground floor wall of the hotel is somewhat similar to the 9-dragon wall of the National Palace in Mainland China.
¡EFortune display of dragon and phoenix-plum flower plafond
In the center of the hotel lobby, one plafond in design of a plum flower is located. The 5 dragons in the plum flower surround one dragon ball, indicating "5 fortunes come to threshold"; at internal surrounding area of the plafond, 23 golden dragons, 16 phoenixes are engraved, with emphasis on its phonetic symbol number 3 as "raise", indicating upgrading step by step, and "16" as 'development', indicating good development all the way. The plum flower plafond symbolizes fortune display of dragon and phoenix.
¡EAntaefixae and arch bond
The antaefixae and arch bond of Grand Hotel describe the ancient Chinese civilization. Above the roof edge, one row of animals dwelling over the antaefixae with a dovetail devised between the fronton and dripping eaves, as a kind of title made animal shaped decoration. Beneath the roof, the splendid yet refined and powerful arch bond is provided, as the most wonderful secret of Chinese architecture.
¡EMystery of glass door
If carefully looking at the wood strip pattern of the glass door frame at the entrance of the hotel, do you find anything? Chinese characters are vaguely involved, a closer look would show "Long live the Republic of China".
¡ESouth and north stone lions of Grand Hotel
There are 3 pairs of lions residing at Grand Hotel. 2 pairs of south shape lions are located at the front entrance of the Hotel, among them, an older pair have existed for 100 years in history, which were donated by Panchiao Lin Ben-Yuan (the Lin family garden today) through request by the Japanese in constructing Taiwan god temple during Japanese reign period, called "Tang Lions". Another pair are Japanese stone lions which are called by Japanese as "Po dogs", because the Japanese in ancient time did not know the existence of lion, by misunderstanding lions to be dogs. They belong to the north shaped lion of China which are not reallocated to the main entrance of Chientan Park under custody of the Hotel now.
¡EChientan temple site
Walking along the right side vehicle lane from the main entrance of the Hotel, above the lower step of the front stone staircase of the ceremonial arch, one large stone sign stands, written with "Chientan Temple" in it. This was written by Mr. Yu Yo-Ren, President of Control Yuan during the old President time, indicating this place to be a sacred place. In fact, from early years till now, the location of Grand Hotel has often been said to be a "dragon tail cave", with extremely good geomancy.
¡EBack hill scenic spot
During Japanese reign period, the Japanese government once set up a poisonous snake research institute at the back hill area of the present Grand Hotel, but after the defeat of Japan in the 2nd World War, poisonous snakes were released at will everywhere. Therefore, in early period, many poisonous snakes could be seen here. At present, the back hill of Grand Hotel already becomes a famous scenic resort area. In the whole hill, many temples are set up, people may see such recreational sports areas as badminton courts, pavilions everywhere. In the sidewalks of the back hill, many people come for morning exercise, that poisonous snakes are seldom perceived.
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CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL
Taipei's majestic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is one
of Taipei's most popular gathering places. The memorial
hall's enormous marble edifice towers over landscaped gardens,
graceful pavilions, and placid ponds. It contains a bronze
statue of the late President, and the rooms underneath hold
an exhibition of the President's life. Soldiers on guard at
the Memorial are changed every hour, which is a favorite sight
for tourists. The memorial hall is also home to the National
Theater and Concert Hall.
Buses to the hall include: 18, 20, 22, 48, 60, 70, 204, 209, 236, and 237
¡ôTop SUN YAT-SEN MEMORIAL HALL
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In the center of Taipei prosperous eastern district; 5km from Sungshan Domestic Airport and 8km from the Taipei Railway Station Near TICC & Grand Hyatt Taipei.
There are 20 galleries in National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, including the Chung-shan National Gallery, Yat-sen Gallery, De-ming Gallery, and others. There are four magor exhibition themes: Historical Documents of the Father of the Republic , the native art , the government's administrative achievements and the art and culture . The aim of these exhibitions is to help people know more about the history of revolution and martyrs' sacrifices and struggles. Art and culture exhibitions are to upgrade the general public's appreciation of quality art. In addition, there are many exhibitions' cabinets in Chung-shen Hall to be displayed in rotation.
505,JEN-AI Rd.,SEC.4,TAIPEI, R.O.C.(postal code: 110)
http://www.yatsen.gov.tw Buses to the hall include:32,51,204,212,232,235,240,254,259,261,263,266,270,278,281,282,288,299,311
,504,621,626,629,651,667,669,901,902
TRTC Pannan Line, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station
¡ôTop NATIONAL MUSEUM OF HISTORY
Situated within the grounds of the Botanical Gardens on Nanhai Rd. and built in a classical Chinese style, the museum is a treasure house of Chinese culture and history. On long-term exhibition are ancient artifacts, including oracle bones, bronzeware, jade, ceramics, and documents.
Tel : (02)2361-0270
Buses: 0 West, 1, 204.
 Hours : 09:00-17:00 daily
¡ôTop FINE ARTS MUSEUM
Located at 181 Chungshan N. Rd. , Sec. 3, near Yuanshan, the museum is equipped with exhibition galleries, lecture halls, and picture rooms. Its spacious and light interior make it particularly suitable for exhibitions of modern art.
181 Chungshan N. Rd. , Sec. 3
Tel: (02)2595-7656
Buses: 216, 217, 218, 220, 224, 247, 277, 301, and 310
Hours: 10:00-18:00 Closed: Monday
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YANGMINGSHAN NATIONAL PARK
Yangmingshan National Park is a mountainous area where visitors can find picturesque lakes, terraced rice paddies, volcanic craters, steaming hot springs and, in the spring time, cherry and azalea blossoms. Walkways and trails lead to the park's main scenic spots, and offer ideal hiking for a couple of hours or a full day. With its location at north of Taipei, Yangmingshan is Taiwan's most accessible national park for international visitors.
(02) 2861-3601
For more information, call: (02) 2861-3601, Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters.
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