Taipei City Government

Taipei is one of the few great cities on Earth where citizens have immediate access to both mountain and river. In spring, when all the world is abloom, it is worthwhile taking day-trips up the hills to enjoy floral colors and back down to the riverside to enjoy the impressive scenic vistas.
In this issue, titled “Taipei Mountain and River Music”, we introduce the trails at five mountain ranges surrounding this city. You can ride on the riverside biking trails along the Tamsui and Keelung River, or visit Yangmingshan Park for the beautiful spring-season floral blooms that color Taipei.
In our Taipei Metamorphosis section we list a few must-visit destinations: a “new shopping paradise” duo -- Citylink (Nangang Store) and Hasdaq Plaza; the “Taipei’s Streets” exhibition at Discovery Center of Taipei; and to the Dihua Sports Park Cross-Dike Viewing Platform. Whether shopping, sightseeing, or both, a new horizon awaits you!
Calligraphy is a Chinese art form that’s been around for thousands of years. Want to know about the unique qualities of the calligraphy brush? In our In-Depth City Culture Explorations section, we interview a master brush maker who offers tips on choosing calligraphy brushes. If you’re the sort of person who loves a sense of design flair in purchases you make, be sure to spend time browsing the ingenious gift items in this issue.
In “Taipei Slow Living,” we introduce a day of strawberry-picking at local farms near the Neihu hills; a colorful element of the city’s “mobile scenery” – the street performers; and creative trendy hotels which fill the days of travel-loving folk with the serendipity. In addition, we highlight two fun experiences for the entire family – the BIORHYTHM, a Music and the Body Exhibition, and the Get Rhythm with Paul Klee Interactive Exhibit and Workshop Series. These experiences will surely overturn your perceptions with the sound and dance art.
This spring, use your eyes to search out Taipei’s sights, nose to discern its aromas, mouth to taste its freshness, and ears to hear its voice. You’ll find all the myriad elements that make up this city’s spring character are now in full bloom!