It is an impressive monument to a great Chinese leader. The majestic hall towers over 25 hectares of landscaped gardens, graceful pavilions, and ponds. A statue of late President Chiang looks out over the city from the main building. An elegant Ming-style arch at the main entrance is flanked by two classical-style buildings, the National Theater and the National Concert Hall. The square between the buildings is a popular gathering place during festive occasions.

Taipei's National Palace Museum houses the world's largest collection of Chinese art treasure. Most of the 620,000 art objects were part of the Chinese imperial collection that was brought to Taiwan for safe-keeping. The collection is too large to be displayed at one time! While many popular pieces remain on permanent display, other items are rotated regularly, making each visit unique.

It is a one-stop shopping place in Taipei for gift, jewelry, art, furniture, and many other inexpensive mementos.

Wulai, about 10 miles south of Pitan, is the most accessible area from Taipei to view the aboriginal tribesmen who once were the head hunters of Taiwan. Driving along scenic mountain road following a winding river, let us escort you to the authentic aborigine village and ride in unique push-car to the top of deep ravine. This is Wulai where aborigine girls will tell you of their lives in graceful song and dance.

Sanhsia, about 22 KM southwest to Taipei, is a bustling town with narrow, winding streets and brick buildings at least a century old. The main attraction is the Tsushin (Divine Ancestor) Temple, built in honor of Sung Dynasty loyalist, Cheng Chao-ying. This temple was in ruins at the end of World War II, and a meticulous restoration project has been underway for some forty years. The temple is known for its intricately carved stone and bronze columns and statues, carved stone lions, camphor wood carvings, and exquisite bronze bas-reliefs.

A short trip to the lush countryside southwest of Taipei brings you to Yingko where hand-painted replicas of elegant Ming (1368-1644) and Ching (1644-1911) vases are produced. The small town is Taiwan's pottery center and its narrow streets are lined with shops selling everything from earthenware tea sets to delicate statues.

Yangmingshan, the mountainous area north of Taipei City, is famous for its beautiful scenery with traces of volcanic activities and abundant natural resources. Yangmingshan National Park is Taiwan's third national park and the one closest to a major city. All year round, Yangmingshan has attractions to offer-flowers in spring, beautiful sky in summer, fruits and maple leaves in autumn, as well as hot-spring bathing and snow in winter.