Taipei 101 is the pride of many Taiwanese. It is modeled after a bamboo, and is extremely stable despite strong winds and typhoons that hit Taipei due to its unique design and sound foundation and architecture. Taipei 101 holds the Guinness record of being the fastest elevator in the world to bring people from ground level to 88 floors.

The 360 degree view of Taipei from Taipei 101 is stunning:

The walk around Taipei 101 during this Christmas season is also very enjoyable with the Christmas illuminations at 16 degreeC nights:

Thanks to the friendly masseur at Shih Lin Night Market, we also got to learn of a park 大佳河濱公園 , which used to be a pier,  where we can see fireworks of Taipei 101 and also other fireworks all around Taipei, so we camped out there with many locals to do the countdown to 2014. Truly a good view to see the amazing Taipei 101 fireworks without having to fight the 1 million people crowd at Taipei 101 itself, while being able to enjoy fireworks at multiple locations across the city, including some right about the park. Tip: this park location is good for all who want to catch the 2015 onwards countdown without squeezing with the crowds at Taipei 101 itself.

Full sets of posts that might be useful for your Taipei planning:

• Wu Fen Pu (五分埔) Shopping and Rao He Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市)
• Xi Men Ding (西門町)
• Shi Lin Night Market (士林夜市)
• Taipei 101, Christmas Illuminations, 大佳河濱公園 Park for 2014 Countdown
• Restaurant – L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon Restaurant (侯布雄法式餐廳)
• Hotel– Hope Hotel (全家歡商務旅店 ) and Cosmos Hotel (天成大飯店)

For locations outside of Taipei:

• Taiwan: Alishan (阿里山) – Fen Qi Hu (奮起湖) and 53.1 Homestay Min Su (民宿)
• Taiwan: Alishan Main Attraction – Alishan National Scenic Area (阿里山國家風景區)
• Taiwan: Alishan 阿里山, Sun Moon Lake 日月潭 , Cing Jing 清境, Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園
• Taiwan: Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園
• Taiwan: Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園 Lodging/Hotel – Silks Place 太鲁阁晶英酒店
• Taiwan: Taroko National Park 太魯閣國家公園 Lodging/Hotel – Leader Village 立德布洛灣山月村