DoubleTree By Hilton Taipei Zhongshan

Tamsui used to be called Huwei. It is a derivation from the ancient tongue "Hoba." It means the river outlet. Tamsui is located in northwest of Taipei basin. Tamsui is surrounded by mountains and rivers and the scenery is beautiful. Hongmao Castle is a historical site in Tamsui with historical meaning. It was built by the Spaniards in 1626 and restored by the Dutch. The castle was called Anthony Castle. Because Taiwan people called the Dutch people Hongmao (people with red hair), the castle thus was called Hongmao Castle. It was also called Huwei Castle. The castle was once taken by the English and it was returned to our country in 1980. The castle is more than 300 years old and is designated as 1st class historical site. The building is red brick construction. The original furniture is reserved for indoor decoration. There are exhibition showrooms for historical data and pictures related to early Taiwan years. Across the lawn and garden, there is another red brick building facing the castle. It used to be the dormitory of British Consulate. When one ascends to the overlook platform, one can view one of the eight great scenes of Tamsui, the sunset at Shutai. Nearby there are Old Oxford School, Residence of Dr. Mackay and Tamsui College. These old buildings are mostly well preserved. When one walks among these buildings, he (she) would feel that times have turned back. One can enjoy the old streets, the cool breeze, the flower/trees planted by residents and the sense of relaxation. Walking on the old streets along the riverbank, visitors may view the old buildings and may try the tasty local dishes, such as fish dumplings, Ah Gei (Oily Bean Curd) and hard eggs, etc. The dock is a good place for marvelous sunset viewing. Visitors can also take the boat ride between Tamsui and Bali. Anyone would love to watch the flying cranes and listen to the river flowing. At Bali, they have this famous dish from peacock clams. Tamsui is such a wonderful place and be sure to visit it.

At 382 meters above the ground the 89F Observation Floor offers visitors a commanding view of the city and Taipei Basin at all directions. The world’s largest damper, weighing 660 metric tons, is also exhibited at this level. The Observatory is equipped with high - power binoculars, drinks bar, image services, pre-recorded audio tour guides in seven languages, & souvenir shops. TAIPEI 101 Observatory’s elevators are Guinness Record - breaking high-speed pressurized elevators in 2004, with a speed of 1010 meters per minute. It takes only 37 seconds to reach the 89th Floor.

With a total length of 4.03 kilometers, the Maokong Gondola is the first gondola system in Taipei City. One-way travel time on the gondola is about 20 to 30 minutes. The gondola ride includes four stops, namely the Taipei Zoo Station, Taipei Zoo South Station, Zhinan Temple Station, and the Maokong Station. It is very easy to ride the Maokong Gondola; after getting off the last stop of the Metro's Wenhu Line—Taipei Zoo Station—walk to the Maokong Gondola's Taipei Zoo Station to take the gondola. The three most beautiful times to take the gondola are in the midst after rain, when the sun is setting, and when the lights of the city are shining at night. As the gondola passes over the undulating terrain, you can glimpse moving Metro trains, the park along the Jingmei River, and the "giraffe" incinerator. When you reach the second stop, the gondola takes a big turn, and you will get a panoramic view of the landscape, including vehicles moving along the freeway below. After passing the Zhinan Temple Station, you will enter a steep V-shaped gully; this is the climax of the gondola ride, and is an unforgettable experience. The final stop is at Maokong, where numerous tea plantations and tea shops are located. Many visitors specially make the trip here to have tea and chat. Make sure to visit a tea shop and order the famous “Muzha Tieguanyin” or “Wenshan Pouchong tea” when you visit Maokong. The trip will be worth your while when you taste the delicious specialty tea and meal combo, and view the stunning scenery of Taipei Basin.

The Red House was constructed in 1908 by Japanese architect Kondo Juro, which was the first government-built public market in Taiwan and also the most well-preserved Class III historic building in the nation. The Red House consists of “Bagua" shaped Octagonal Display Hall as the grand entrance for it’s meaning— people visiting from all around the world, a characteristic Cruciform Building as main construction and adjacent South and North squares. The Red House has been through few functions, shifted from public market, bookstore, cinema, to a theatre. More than a decade has passed since 2007 when Department of Cultural Affairs entrusted Taipei Culture Foundation to manage The Red House as a platform to promote Cultural and Creative Industry in the goal of reviving Ximending’s community. After gathering years of cultural and creative energies, Ximending is now considered as the most iconic location of Cultural and Creative Industry in not only Taipei, but all around Taiwan.

-Eslite Bookstore (popular bookstore chain that offers shopping and dining venues in addition to just bookstore). -Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store. -Variety of local delicacies and Japanese pubs.