Taipei City Government

According to Acting Chief Zhong Ling-ling from Taipei City Government Department of Information and Tourism’s (TPEDOIT) Media Relations and Publications Division, this issue of Discover Taipei features “A Perfect Blend of Old and New – New Life for Taipei’s Old Homes” as cover story. The cover story seeks to take reader to discover the creativities that was carried through time and to witness the multiculturalism of the city.

For readers interested in discovering old houses, the latest issue explores the century-old Japanese-style hot spring hotels of Beitou, the old U.S. military dormitories at Yangmingshan Shanzaihou, the old homes of Dihua Street neighborhood, and Bangka’s Xinfu Market. At each of these locations, a combination of restoration and cultural creativity shows visitors how an old setting can be revitalized.

In recent years, the hipster way of life has exploded in popularity. This issue introduces “A Hipster Tour through an Old Urban District,” guiding readers along a leisurely itinerary which includes old shops and boutiques specializing in creative and cultural products. These stores congregate around Taiyuan Road, Changan West Road, and Chifeng Street. Visitors may also tour typographer’s shop and the Museum of Contemporary Art, as well as small streets and alleys.

Famed musician Chang Chen-chieh shows readers how to explore Taipei through the five senses and to feel the City with the heart. Cheng’s suggestions include enjoying a lively morning at National Sun Yet-sen Memorial Hall and Guangfu Market, followed by a visit to markets and temples of old Taipei near Yongle Market. Finally, wrap up your day by attending a concert at the National Concert Hall.

Another way to explore Taipei is through hiking. In the “Fun Taipei” section, the publication introduces 10 hiking trails located in the outskirts of the city that are useful for “battling the bulge”. These trails include well-maintained, family-friendly hiking trails at Zhinan Temple, Mt. Qixing, Mt. Wuzhi, and Mt. Jinmianshan.

The 2015 Taipei Children’s Arts Festival will be held from July 1 to August 9. The festival will feature 7 free large-scale outdoor performances and 74 free community performances, as well as many performances brought by international artists. The Bopiliao Historic Block will feature installation art and an animation film exhibition suited for the whole family.

The Discover Taipei brochure is available in Chinese, English, and Japanese. Readers can obtain a printed copy at any of the 13 Visitor Information Centers in Taipei, Museum of Contemporary Art, Mayor’s Residence Arts Salon, The Red House, SPOT-Taipei Film House, all MRT stations, and Eslite Bookstores. The brochure is also available at “Tourist Guide > Publications” on http://www.taipeitravel.net/en/. Please call TPEDOIT via the 1999 Citizen Hotline (Ext. 7564 or 2029) for more information. For callers outside Taipei, please dial 02-27208889.