Taiwan and specifically Taipei is a destination with simply too much to do! There are of course, the expected “must-sees” that a visitor always should try and experience when taking the time to enjoy this diverse city’s sights. Visit the National Palace Museum, considered to be home to the world’s largest and finest collection of Chinese Art, or take a group up the Maokong Mountain, on the Maokong gondola, which stops at the Taipei Zoo, Zhinan Temple and the Maokong station. The Maokong station stop at the top of the mountain offers a panoramic view of the city and visitors can try delicacies like noodles with tea oil while enjoying the sights.

The traditional temples, museums and sights abound, but Taiwan has so much more than the expected.

One great example of the unexpected is that Taiwan boasts a relatively new, but award winning spirit, Kavalan Whisky. This award winning single malt is made in a distillery which was named “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year” by Whisky Magazine. The Kavalan Whisky Distillery is a short drive outside of the city to Yuanshan Township. More can be found at kavalanwhisky.com.

If enjoying the modern city of Taipei is on your list, consider spending a few hours in the Xinyi district, a beautifully modern district filled with the best shopping and restaurants. Visually anchored by the stunning Taipei 101, Taipei 101 (Chinese: 台北101 / 臺北 101), formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, which is a landmark skyscraper comprised of 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground.

This second tallest building in the world (and the tallest / largest green building in the world) was architecturally designed as a symbol of both the evolution of technology and Asian tradition. Tickets can be purchased to visit the observation deck, a breathtaking view of the city of Taipei.

Bella Vita is one of many upscale malls in this region with great restaurants, wine bars and, of course shopping. If you’re a shopper, you’re going to love Taipei.