Taipei 101
Taipei 101 was voted by Newsweek magazine as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World and by the Discovery Channel as one of the Seven Wonders of Engineering. The tower has held the Guinness World Record for having the world’s fastest passenger elevators.
At 508 metres (1,667 feet), Taipei 101 was the world’s tallest building for several years during the early 21st century. Designed in an architectural style known as Oriental revivalism, the building has a unique shape that some have lightheartedly referred to as a towering stack of Chinese restaurant take-out containers. As you study the facade made from glass, try to identify the incorporated elements of feng shui. The entire structure is based on the Chinese lucky number, eight. Look for the curled ruyi motifs that adorn the structure, symbolizing protection and fulfillment. Each night of the week, the tower’s light display shows one of the seven colours of the spectrum.
The tower’s 61 elevators are among the world’s fastest. This is one of the few places where you can ride a double-deck elevator. Head to the fifth floor information counter and gift shop. From here, it takes just under 40 seconds to rocket to the 89th-floor indoor observatory where you can look through high-powered binoculars over Taipei. If the weather permits, venture outside on the 91st floor where you can look at the city from the observation deck.
On the 88th floor, see the world’s largest wind damper, an incredible mechanism that stabilises the building in high winds and typhoons. Immerse yourself in a multimedia experience that will take you through Taipei’s scenic attractions. After returning to earth, explore the hundreds of shops, restaurants and clubs in the mall adjoining the tower.
Taipei 101’s indoor observatory is open seven days a week, with the last ticketing and entry at mid-evening. The tower is easily accessible by public transport; catch the bus or MRT train to Taipei City Hall Station.