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I’m scared of heights. It’s not so much being high up that scares me, it’s more the fear of falling. Hike with me up a mountain and watch me stay far away from any edge. I once went hiking with a girlfriend and made her get away from the edge because it freaked me out too much. Driving along winding mountain roads also freaks me out. I can’t sit on the road side of the car. I only got over my fear of roller coasters a few years go. Any sign of turbulence in an airplane and my white knuckles grab the seat. Essentially, I don’t like being high up. So it was with a little fear and trepidation that I went to go visit the tallest building in the world, Taipei 101.
Taipei 101 is the most impressive modern structure I’ve ever seen. It rises up and towers over the surrounding area. 101 is a beautiful building built like a bamboo reed. Construction began in 1997 and was completed in 2004. It’s the tallest building in the world (until the one in Dubai takes over) and, well, I can’t say this enough, quite impressive. It’s a very high-end building, and its offices and apartments are for those with money. There’s also the Taipei 101 mall, where you’ll find stores like Dolce and Gabana, Prada, Armani, Gucci, and many high-end restaurants. On my last night, I did eat at the sushi restaurant here, and though it cost me a fortune, it was the best meal I had in Taiwan.
Visitors can head up to the 88th–91st floors and take a look outside at the surrounding city and mountains. Being the sadist I am, I bought my ticket, waited in line, and headed up the elevator. The elevator ride is actually really fun. There’s a screen that shows how fast you’re moving and where you are in the building. It takes about 30 seconds to go from bottom to top. I even felt my ears pop a little.
Getting up to the 89th floor, I got to see Taipei and the surrounding area in all its glory. It took me about 10 minutes before I even got up to the glass, but when I did, I saw how beautiful Taipei is from above. The city sort of reminded me of the game Sim City. All of the buildings, apartments, and industrial zones are laid out so perfectly that they almost seem artificial from above.
After walking around and learning about the history of the area, I headed up to the 91st floor, where you can actually go outside. There are huge bars making sure people don’t fall or jump off, and the wind actually creates a loud pitch when it moves through the bars. The view isn’t that great because the iron bars sort of block your view, but you can get a good view of the tower that makes 101 the tallest building in the world. It also took me about 10 minutes to get to the edge and after a photo, I crawled right back to the center.
What I really liked seeing was the building’s earthquake dampener. Down on the 88th floor, this big metal ball in the middle of the building is designed to help absorb any sway from powerful winds or earthquakes. Leading up to the ball is this very cool floor that is touch sensitive. When you walk over it, clouds disappear to show Taipei. I managed to get an OK video, but the tour groups that kept walking by me always got in my shot. Check it out:
Overall, Taipei 101 was stunning. It’s amazing to see. It’s beautiful. And it’s really impressive to think that people made that. When you consider the technology and new thinking that had to go into it, it makes your jaw drop. It’s by far one of the most impressive things I’ve ever seen, and at night, when it’s all lit up, it’s still great. I’m just sorry I waited three months to see it up close.
How to visit Taipei 101
The tower’s address is No. 7, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District.The Observatory is open daily from 9am-10pm, with last ticket sale at 9.15pm. Tickets are 600 NT (free for children). To get there, take the MRT Red Line (Xin-Yi Line) to TAIPEI 101 Station and exit #4. Tou can get more infomation at the tower’s website, taipei-101.com.tw.
Book Your Trip to Taipei: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight to Taipei by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines. Start with Momondo.
Book Your Acommodation
You can book your hostel in Taipei with Hostelworld. If you want to stay elsewhere, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates. (Here’s the proof.)
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. I never ever go on a trip without it. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. You should too.
Need Some Gear?
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Want More Information on Taiwan?
Be sure to check out this post on Taiwan for even more ideas on how to spend your time!
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