Taipei, Taiwan — Activities
Taipei Culture
The National Theater and National Opera House (tel: (02) 2343 1100; website: www.ntch.edu.tw) in the grounds of the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (whose wide open plaza is often used for large scale shows and folk performances) is the most important venue for the performing arts. 800 performances annually feature both local and international performers in programs including dance, theater, Chinese and Western operas, dramas, and ballets, as well as vocal and instrumental concerts. The Cloud Gate Dance Theater of Taiwan (tel: (02) 2712 2102; website: www.cloudgate.org.tw) hosts the world-famous Chinese contemporary dance company.
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, 505 Jen-ai Road, Section 4 (tel: (02) 2758 8008; website: www.yatsen.gov.tw) is the largest indoor auditorium in Taiwan and is used for large scale dance and musical productions. Shih-Ming Hall houses Taipei Eye (tel: (02) 2568 2677; website: www.taipeieye.com), Taipei's main theater and dance troupe, known internationally. Huashan Cultural-Creative Park (tel: (02) 2351 6003) showcases work by theater groups, painters, wood sculptors, writers, movie producers and directors from Taiwan and abroad.
Warner Village Cinema Multiplex, Shin Yi District, is also a great area for eating, drinking and shopping. Spot, Taipei Film House (tel: (02) 2778 2991; website: www.spot.org.tw) shows art house movies and hosts film festivals. It has a dedicated film-centric bookshop and a cafe.
Get information on cultural events at www.taiwanfun.com.
Taipei Tours
The most comprehensive range of coach tours including day and night tours of Taipei and tours to scenic spots is offered by the tourist board's Taiwan Tour Bus (tel: 0800 011 765 (24 hours); website: www.taiwantourbus.com.tw/english) in association with major tour companies in Taipei.
Golden Foundation Tours (tel: (02) 2773 3266; website: www.gftours.com.tw) is the largest tour company in Taipei, offering the widest range of coach tours. Tailor-made walking tours around night markets are available. The Taiwan Tourist Board (website: www.taiwan.net.tw) suggests independent round island rail tours and self-drive itineraries. Bike tours are also emerging as a good way to see Taipei's less congested areas. The tourist board recommends a bike ride on the cycle path alongside the Danshui River. Bikes can be hired from nearby Giant Bikes, 159 Bowuguan Road, Bali Township, Taipei County (tel: (02) 8630 4585).
