01 December 2013 -
Todays adventure is to "Taipei 101" and the "CKS Memorial Hall"
Taipei 101(臺北101)is one of Taiwan's iconic skyscraper.
With a beautiful view from the observatory decks.
To get there you could take the metro there, but it is not connected directly by the metro, or you could take a FREE shuttle bus via Taipei City Hall Station.
I like to take street pictures... especially in Asia because I find it unique and very intriguing.
Often comparing it back home (AUS).
When you arrive to "Taipei 101" you may wish to wonder around, because it is linked to a giant mall and great food court.
The observatory has 101 levels, hence its name, there is an admission fee to enter the top.
It is best to book a restaurant which they have located on the 85th-86th floor, i think.
May wish to research on that again.
You can get a view and a meal, but in this case you just pay for the meal :) You can thank me later.
Map of the building HERE
My friend and I decided to go to Starbucks, you will need to make a call at the service desk so that they can issue you a visitor pass or permit. I recommend not going during the weekends, because there will be a long waiting line. We had to come back the following day to get in.
The trouble was worth it tho.
Starbucks is not located up the very top, but the view was still great.
Here are some snaps while I enjoy my frappuccino...
( ^_^)/
We sat for a long time taking in the view, later taking the metro to CKS Memorial Hall (Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall)
I forgot to mention earlier that this (picture below) is a token pass to the metro, you choose your destination, and depending where you go, you will pay for each journey, according to the distance apparently. Prices can range from 15-60TWN.
If you are planing to stay for more than 4-5 days, I suggest you buy a metro card and top it up with some money. This will also save you time from standing at the machine for a token. You must keep the token with you so that you can insert it at the exit gates.
As i may have mentioned earlier, the places you go in Taipei is very convenient.
The monumental building is located at the exit of the station, in Zhong Zheng District.
We managed to arrive in time, in time before the sun began to set.
Information about CKS Memorial Hall:
In April, 1975, the entire nation mourned the passing of President Chiang Kai-shek. In June, in response to suggestions from all sectors, the funeral committee members decided to build the CKS Memorial Hall in Taipei, in order to commemorate the memory of the great leader.
Here are a few snaps before it got dark...
Beautiful.. isn't it?
You also have to visit the main doors, where you will see a large grand bronze statue of Chiang Kai Shek.
But these doors do not open 24/7,
they have a specific trading hour.
I think they closed at 10pm, we were lucky to get a glimpse.
The statue is shown smiling,
seated and wearing traditional Chinese dress.
Inscribed on the wall above and behind the seated figure are the Chinese characters for Ethics, Democracy, and Science.
Inscriptions on the side walls read: "The purpose of life is to improve the general life of humanity and The meaning of life is to create and sustain subsequent lives in the universe."
I really enjoyed going to the CKS Hall, perhaps going at night had a much magical feel.
(also it is less crowded and more peaceful)
We sat at the steps from the grand doors, just chillin' and chatting the night away.
(p.s: unless disclaimed, all pictures were taken by me on iphone 4s, apologies for any blurriness)
