🇹🇼 – Overview
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is a modern, dynamic city blending traditional Chinese culture with Japanese, American, and Southeast Asian influences. It’s a tech hub, business center, foodie paradise, and a travel hotspot known for its friendly people, night markets, and stunning nature.
🌏 Travel in Taipei
Best Time to Visit
✔ Autumn (Sept–Nov) – Best weather, mild temperatures (~20°C), and less rain.
✔ Spring (March–May) – Comfortable weather, cherry blossoms in parks.
⚠ Summer (June–Aug) – Hot & humid (~30°C+), risk of typhoons.
⚠ Winter (Dec–Feb) – Cool (~10–18°C), occasional rain but still great for travel.
🏛️ Top Attractions & Things to Do
🌆 City Landmarks
- Taipei 101 – Once the world’s tallest building, with a breathtaking observatory.
- Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – A historical landmark with a massive square.
- Ximending (西門町) – Taipei’s version of Shibuya, a trendy youth area.
- Longshan Temple (龍山寺) – One of the oldest and most famous temples.
🍜 Food & Night Markets
- Shilin Night Market – The most famous night market for street food.
- Raohe Night Market – Must-try black pepper buns and Taiwanese snacks.
- Din Tai Fung – World-famous Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
🌿 Nature & Outdoor
- Yangmingshan National Park – Hiking trails, hot springs, and cherry blossoms.
- Beitou Hot Springs – Natural hot springs in a scenic mountain setting.
- Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan, 象山) – Best free view of Taipei 101 at sunset.
- Tamsui (淡水) – A charming riverside town with seafood, sunsets, and colonial history.
🎡 Day Trips from Taipei
- Jiufen (九份) – A magical old town that inspired Spirited Away, with lantern-lit streets.
- Shifen (十分) – Famous for sky lanterns and the Shifen Waterfall.
- Yehliu Geopark (野柳地質公園) – Unique rock formations on the coast.
🚆 Transportation & Getting Around
✔ MRT (Metro) – Super clean, efficient, and cheap. Get an EasyCard for all transport.
✔ YouBike – Bike-sharing system, great for short city rides.
✔ Taxis & Uber – Taxis are cheap and safe; Uber is also available.
✔ High-Speed Rail (HSR) – Fast trains to Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan.
✔ From Airport to City – Take the Taoyuan Airport MRT to downtown in ~35 mins.
🛍️ Shopping in Taipei
- Ximending (西門町) – Best for fashion, streetwear, and pop culture.
- Taipei 101 Mall – Luxury brands, high-end shopping.
- Shida & Gongguan Night Markets – Affordable clothes, accessories, and unique finds.
- Guanghua Digital Plaza – Best place for electronics, laptops, and tech gadgets.
🏨 Where to Stay?
✔ Ximending – Best for nightlife, shopping, and young travelers.
✔ Zhongxiao Dunhua – Trendy, stylish area with cafes and boutiques.
✔ Da’an District – More upscale, good for families and foodies.
✔ Taipei Main Station – Convenient for transport and day trips.
💼 Business in Taipei
🏢 Why Do Business in Taipei?
✅ Tech Hub – Home to TSMC, ASUS, Acer, Foxconn, and many semiconductor & AI companies.
✅ Business-Friendly – Low corporate tax (~20%) and easy foreign investment policies.
✅ Strong Supply Chain – Taiwan is a key player in semiconductors, manufacturing, and electronics.
✅ Skilled Workforce – High education level, strong in engineering and R&D.
✅ Strategic Location – Easy access to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
🚀 Key Business Sectors
- Semiconductors & Tech – Taiwan leads the world in chip production (TSMC).
- Electronics & Hardware – Many global brands (ASUS, MSI, HTC, Foxconn).
- AI & IoT – Taiwan is pushing innovation in smart tech & automation.
- Green Energy – Solar, wind, and sustainable solutions are growing.
- Finance & Banking – A strong financial center with a stable economy.
💼 Setting Up a Business in Taiwan
✔ Company Types: Limited Company (Ltd.), Branch Office, or Representative Office.
✔ Corporate Tax: 20% flat rate.
✔ Foreigners Can Own 100% of their business.
✔ Work Visa: Gold Card Visa available for skilled professionals & investors.
📌 Government Support: Taiwan offers incentives for foreign startups and tech companies, including tax breaks and grants.
💡 Taipei vs. Hong Kong for Business
| Feature | Taipei 🇹🇼 | Hong Kong 🇭🇰 |
|---|---|---|
| Legal System | Civil Law (Taiwanese law) | Common Law (British-based) |
| Corporate Tax | 20% | 16.5% |
| Cost of Living | Lower | Higher |
| Tech Industry | Strong in semiconductors & AI | Strong in finance & trade |
| Foreign Business Ownership | 100% allowed | 100% allowed |
| Internet Freedom | Fully open | Fully open |
| Real Estate Costs | Lower | Very high |
🔑 Key Takeaways
✅ Taipei is an amazing mix of tech, culture, and food.
✅ Great for business, especially in tech, AI, and semiconductors.
✅ Easy transportation, safe, and friendly for expats.
✅ A must-visit for food lovers, nature explorers, and city travelers!
