Taiwan loose supplement

A sia - P a c i f i c

Destination Report Taiwan is a special edition of HeadQuarters Magazine - March/April 2010 published by HEADQUARTERS MAGAZINES Pte Ltd Singapore - www.headquartersmagazine.com - press@headquartersmagazine.com

The Place To Meet

Meetings and congresses HANDmade in Taiwan

Taipei, the digital city

A n O c e a n i c I s l a n d n at i o n proclaiming itself a new Meetings and Incentive D e s t i n at i o n i n t h e A s i a - Pac i f i c R e g i o n – t h at a r o u s e d m y c u r i o s i t y. M y f i r s t r e ac t i o n : A r e t h e r e r e a l ly a n y n e w d e s t i n at i o n s ? A n d s o w h e n t h at i s l a n d c a m e o u t w i t h t h e s lo g a n ‘ H A NDM A DE i n Ta i wa n ’ . . . w e l l , m y n o s e f o r n e w s j u s t co u l d n ’ t b e d e n i e d !

Wa s n ’ t Ta i wa n b e t t e r k n o w n f o r ‘ Ma s s P r o d u c e d i n ’ t h a n ‘ Ha n d m a d e i n ’ ? I w e n t t h e r e f o r a w e e k o f e x p lo r at i o n to t e s t t h e m e e t i n g s a n d incentives programmes ag a i n s t m y k n o w l e d g e a n d experience – and I must a d m i t t h at Ta i wa n i s i n d e e d a new option in Asia for i n t e r n at i o n a l b u y e r s ! I ’ l l d o

Meetings and congressEs

handmade in Taiwan A co lo u r f u l pa s t, a technical wonder

Upon my arrival, the guide asked me: Can you point to Taiwan, formerly Formosa, on the world map? I hadn’t noticed that he had put his thumb over that little spot next to the Chinese mainland bordering on the Pacific Ocean, thereby throwing me into a veritable quandary. I now know that Taiwan is not an island-province of China, a bit larger than Belgium (so it’s small), with a strongly independent character. It’s also always good to know how others have called or described a country or an island in the past. There’s a great nickname for Taiwan: ‘Ilha Formosa’ or the Beautiful

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Island. In the West, we’ve come to regard Taiwan just like we’ve come to regard China: places where they produce things in large quantities for cheap prices. Which means, actually, lower quality. But if there’s one thing that has seen change, it’s this last stereotype. At the opening of Meet Taiwan Week (beginning of November 2009), Mr. Shih Yen-Shiang, Minister of Economic Affairs, said: “This is the Taiwanese philosophy, and so Taiwan has made the transition from manufacturing and production to design and research & development – in its 2008 Global Competitiveness Report, the WEF (World Economic Forum) lists Taiwan as the largest

m y u t m o s t b e s t to t e l l yo u w h y. texts and interviews by m a rcel A.M Vissers, Editor in Chief

holder of patents for invention. There is a great future in store for Taiwan with regard to the meetings industry, because there are a lot of new strong industries starting up that have a need for meetings.” I believe the minister is right.

A hub of t e c h n o lo g i c a l i n n ovat i o n

Taiwan is now at the forefront of research and development in all kinds of industries, ranging from information and communication technology (ICT) through to biotechnology and power-sports products. In the second

© LIU Chen-hsiang

half of the last century, Taiwan went through a rapid transformation from an agricultural backwater into a manufacturing and production powerhouse, and then into a global leader of design and innovation. In the Asian Pacific region, Taiwan is an advanced nation in many areas. For decades, Taiwan has proven itself as a sourcing platform for many advanced industries that lead the world in terms of innovation and quality. So, where does the Meetings Industry stand?

In general, people are in agreement that the Taiwanese meetings industry is at square one. However, during my stay, I could see clearly that there is a strong desire to develop this industry further. The two cities, Taipei and Kaohsiung, are well on their way to competing with nearby meetings destinations, and I’m thinking particularly of Japan. As it begins its ascendancy, Taiwan is highlighting its remarkable qualities: a blend of cultures with a rare combination of modernity and tradition.

A legion of p r o m ot e r s at t h e r e a dy

I’ve already observed that people in Taiwan are industriously pulling together to hoist up the meetings industry. Still, because several branches of the political and economic spheres have taken things in hand, it’s sometimes difficult for the outsider to understand who does what. But I’ll do my best. In January 2009, to assist business event organisers, corporations and associations, the Bureau of Foreign Trade (BOFT), under the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) of R.O.C., launched the ‘Taiwan MICE Advancement Programme’. The BOFT works on several fronts to provide the sector with financial support, skills training, industrial promotions and partnerships. So, what does this provocative programme contain?

Performed by Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan

I m p o r ta n t n e w s f o r co n g r e s s a n d e v e n t organisers

To encourage international participation in MICE activities in Taiwan, the government offers various support systems and incentive programmes for congress and event organisers. What can you expect?

• Financial support for business events that are to be held in Taiwan • Sponsorship for hospitality, receptions and banquets related to MICE events in Taiwan • Sponsorship for admission to tourist attractions • Support for the development of MICE-related inbound investments or expansion plans • Bidding and promotional assistance for convention organisers

C u lt u r a l R e v i va l i n Ta i p e i

Taiwan is a leading cultural country in the Asia-Pacific. One of the most beautiful examples is the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre with residence in the New built National Theatre.

According to legend, Cloud Gate is the name of the oldest known dance

in China, a ritual dance of some 5,000 years ago.In 1973, choreographer Lin Hwai-min adopted this classical name for the first contemporary dance company in any Chinese speaking community: Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan.

Cloud Gate’s rich repertoire has its roots in Asian myths, folklore, and aesthetics, but it brings to these age-old beliefs and stories a contemporary and universal perspective.

T h e Nat i o n a l T h e at e r a n d Co n c e r t Ha l l : t h e E y e s o f Ta i wa n

Located in the Boai District in central Taipei, the National Theater and Concert Hall (or the NTCH) feature the traditional Chinese palace structure. The gold roofs, overturned edges, Chinese red colonnades and colorful arches demonstrate an elegant and imposing manner. The two buildings and the four adjacent plazas create an interesting and artistic living landscape, becoming one of the significant landmarks in Taipei.

The architectural streamline drawn by the overturned edges of these majestic and classic national art sanctuaries inspires people to imagine the future on the basis of classicism.

Contact Information Taiwan MICE International Marketing & Promotion Project Managed by Atos Origin (Taiwan) Tel + 886 2 2514 2535 Fax + 886 2 2514 2525 E-mail: marcom@meettaiwan.com Website: www.meettaiwan.com Ms. Hsi-Mei Chang (Mei) Marketing Director

The Place To Meet

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Taipei, 101 skyscraper

Ta i p e i – Ta i wa n ’ s c a p i ta l c i t y – b oa s t s t h e to w e r i n g TA IPEI 101 skyscraper.

A lt h o u g h n o lo n g e r t h e ta l l e s t to w e r i n the world, it remains one of the premier to u r i s t at t r ac t i o n s i n t h e A s i a - Pac i f i c .

Also set within this eclectic environment o f ag e - o l d t e m p l e s , bustling mega shopping malls, extreme modern fa s h i o n s h o p s a n d e n t e r ta i n m e n t co m p l e x e s i s t h e Ta i p e i I n t e r n at i o n a l Co n v e n t i o n C e n t e r ( TICC ) .

Taipei World Trade Centre (TWTC)

Congressing in Towering Taipei MEETTA IWA N WEE K

I was able to experience the Taipei International Convention Centre – located in the Hsin-Yi District, the city’s most up-and-coming international urban development area – first-hand.

Taiwan is one of the few Asian countries that organises a Meetings Week: ‘Meet Taiwan Week’. During this four-day event at the beginning of November 2009, I became acquainted with the building and

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its facilities in the natural way a meeting participant would. And I also discovered the dynamism of Taiwan’s meetings industry. For the first time, the Taiwan Exhibition and Convention Industry Show (EXCO Taiwan) was also organised. This exhibition gives a good overview of the current state of affairs of conference, exhibition, marketing and promotion activities and incentive travel in Taiwan. One thing struck my attention: Taiwan has a great

exhibition tradition. Thirty years ago, Taiwan constructed its first trade centre, which accelerated the development of trade shows, several of which are now major global events, like Computex, Taipei Cycle and TIMOS. This also illustrates the advancement of Taiwan’s MICE industries in comparison with the neighbouring countries. But when you are in Taiwan you also realise that its Meetings Industry still has a long way to go and that there’s a need for

more exhibition facilities. In March 2008, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall opened, and the expanded hall will be completed by 2012. More importantly, there are three cities located in the north, centre and south that plan to build new conference and exhibition centres or expand existing ones, creating new prospects for Taiwan.

Taipei International Convention Centre (TICC)

Ta i p e i WTC , a m u lt i functional venue

In 1986, the most dynamic showground in Taipei was built: the Taipei World Trade Center, which accommodates the TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall, a purpose-built exhibition complex and Asia’s newest trade show venue. A pedestrian sky-bridge runs from TWTC directly into TAIPEI 101. And located right next to TAIPEI 101: the Grand Hyatt Hotel and the Warner Village Shopping and Cinema Plaza. For the congress industry, the TICC is the most important venue and one of the country’s top convention locations, offering a host of state-of-the-art, multifunctional facilities and professional services. The centre offers 14 separate auditoriums and conference rooms, including the huge Plenary Hall, which can seat up to 3,100 people, and the attractive Banquet Hall, which can seat 1,200 people.

TICC – w h e r e d e l e g at e s m e e t !

TICC has a splendid and tasteful design. It is not only the largest indoor conference and event venue, but also the best medium for international cultural events. Since its opening in 1990, the TICC has hosted more than 250 international events. Let’s have a look!

The Taipei International Convention Center (TICC) is a world-class, purposebuilt facility located in the heart of one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. The Center is an integral part of the Taipei World Trade Center complex, which includes a superior exhibition hall, flexible convention facilities, a hotel, and an office tower. Everything you need is here – under one roof!

Across six spacious levels, the 60,000m² TICC has a column-free, multi-purpose plenary hall (seating 3,100 people), 21 meeting rooms of various sizes, and a 1,000-seat banquet hall. The Center

provides the latest technology in audio, visual and communications equipment and is professionally staffed – all of which assure the success of memorable events.

Concentric Table Meeting Room: This room is specially designed for negotiations and symposiums.

Its circular seating accommodates a maximum of 60 people, with symmetrical side entrances and exits, a reception area, and VIP lounges.

Fan-shaped Meeting Room: A scaleddown version of the Plenary Hall, featuring sloped floor, a stage, VIP lounges and a convertible desk-seat design. Ideal for conferences and seminars for up to 200 people.

Video Conference Room: This room can accommodate 20 people and provides high-speed, high-tech conference services throughout the year.

The Place To Meet

For more information: Mr. Yih-Jyh Kang Executive Director Taipei International Convention Centre (TICC) Address: 1, Hsin-Yi Rd.,Sec.5, Taipei, 110 Taiwan, R.O.C. Tel: (886-2)2723-2535 Fax: (886-2)2723-2590 ticc@cetra.org.tw http://www.ticc.com.tw

TA IPEI 1 0 1 s k y s c r a p e r

An extraordinary view of Taipei TAIPEI 101 is the must-see, most-visited attraction in the world today! TAIPEI 101 is an acronym for Technology, Art, Innovation, People, Environment, and Identity, and the building is 101 stories tall. The pagoda building is a model of strength, resilience, and elegance.

At 509 meters, it is one of the tallest buildings in the world and contains

the world’s fastest lift. Located in the posh Hsin-Yi district, it houses stylish fashion boutiques, fine restaurants and chic corporate offices, all under one roof. Other amenities include a contemporary health centre and an executive club. From its observation tower, one enjoys a spectacular view that is unmatched anywhere else.

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Grand Hotel

both classical and modern trends, while carefully selected Chinese and Western antiques and works of art add unforgettable flavor to the trendy art atmosphere of the hotel. For up to 300 people, the meeting facilities of the hotel can be flexibly adjusted, thanks to a dedicated and highly professional staff. www.sherwood.com.tw

H ot e l R oya l Ta i p e i

The Asian feel and look of Conference Hotels in Taiwan W h e n t h i n k i n g i n E u r o p e o f co n f e r e n c e h ot e l s i n A s i a - Pac i f i c , o n e u s ua l ly t h i n k s o f t h e g o l d e n t r i n i t y: h i g h s ta n da r d , to p s e r v i c e a n d at t r ac t i v e p r i c e s . I f yo u t h o u g h t Ta i wa n – to b e m o r e p r e c i s e , Ta i p e i a n d Kao h s i u n g – d i f f e r , yo u ’ r e w r o n g . O n t h e f o l lo w i n g t w o pag e s , w e ’ l l p r e s e n t yo u w i t h a va r i e t y o f h ot e l s a n d r oo m f o r e v e ry f l avo r . D e s p i t e t h e d i f f e r e n c e s , t h e y d o h av e t w o t h i n g s i n co m m o n : t h e A s i a n - Pac i f i c f e e l a n d loo k !

T h e La n d i s Ta i p e i

are equipped with Internet connectivity and guests can enjoy unlimited internet access. For meetings, the Landis Taipei Hotel successfully combines old-world service with 21st century conveniences and can welcome up to 400 people. taipei-en.landishotelsresorts.com

T h e S h e r w o o d H ot e l Ta i p e i

Completely renovated in 2003 in French art deco style, all 209 guestrooms of the Landis Taipei Hotel have been entirely refurnished with cutting-edge technology and with the utmost attention to details. Offering a welcome respite in busy Taipei, it offers its guests a wide variety of facilities combined with a high level of personalized service. All guest rooms

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Located on Chung Shan North Road, a main street and tree-lined boulevard of Taipei City, Hotel Royal Tapei offers a distinctive ambience. Its perceptual French style and European noble temperament and implicit elegance of the oriental tradition have earned her high international reputation. In addition to 2 elegant meeting rooms, the 202 guest rooms and suites are exquisitely and warmly furnished with an atmosphere of tranquility and extreme privacy to underscore Japanese humanistic spirit and modern convenience. www.royal-taipei.com.tw

The Sherwood Taipei is situated in the heart of Taipei’s international finance district, freeing up your business trip agenda of any potential transportation and commuting inconvenience.

The guest rooms are designed in a European style with elements of

S h a n g r i - La’ s Fa r Ea s t e r n P l a z a

Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, Taipei, a welcoming retreat in the heart of Taiwan’s metropolis, soars 43 stories above Taipei’s premier business and shopping districts, with sweeping views of Taipei 101 and the city skyline. This luxury Taipei hotel is just five minutes away from the Taipei World Trade Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The hotel comprises 420 exquisitely appointed luxury guest rooms, including 53 suites. The décor throughout the premises exudes a perfect blend of the East and West,

including artworks inspired by classical Sung dynasty pieces which invariably distinguish the hotel from other luxury hotels in Taipei. http://www.shangri-la.com/en

Taipei 101 Financial Center and the World Trade Centre complex. Located at the very heart of the New Taipei, a burgeoning business, shopping and entertainment district, it provides business travellers the utmost in convenience. The hotel is specifically renowned for the variety of culinary choices it offers, whether it be Chinese seafood, Italian cuisine, casual snacks or Japanese delicacies. As for meeting facilities, the Grand Ballroom accommodates up to 1,200 people. www.taipei.grand.hyatt.com

Grand Formosa R e g e n t Ta i p e i

W e s t i n Ta i p e i

Ideally located, the Westin Taipei provides a unique cultural touch and an oasis for rejuvenation in the financial, commercial and entertainment district of Taipei City. Its 288 deluxe rooms are comfortably appointed with contemporary amenities and beautiful city views. The hotels’s Yong Le Grand Ballroom is the only banquet hall in Taiwan with a seven-meter high ceiling - stunning purples and rich browns reflect the spacious and modern ambiance, accommodating up to 54 tables or 750 guests. There is even an outdoor venue can accommodating up to 100 guests. www.starwoodhotels.com

S h e r ato n Ta i p e i H ot e l

A luxury hotel par excellence, Grand Formosa Regent Taipei is a Four Seasons Hotel located in the heart of the city’s most vital financial, shopping, entertainment and cultural districts. It boasts 538 spacious and attractively designed room. On the top floors of Grand Formosa is TAI PAN Residence & Club, an all-butler hotel that coalesces the traditional Oriental milieu with contemporary comfort. Also found in the hotel are the Wellspring Spa urban resort, a health club, complete meeting and banqueting facilities, a rooftop pool, several shops, and eight world-class restaurants. www.grandformosa.com.tw

G r a n d H yat t Ta i p e i

Grand Hyatt Taipei hotel anchors the city’s most vibrant commercial centre in the Xinyi district and is adjacent to

Conveniently located in the heart of Taipei’s commercial and government districts, Sheraton Taipei Hotel puts all of Taipei and the surrounding areas at your doorstep, with 688 comfortable guest rooms. Little extras such as High Speed Internet and international direct dialing and big extras such as the

A m b a s s a d o r H ot e l Ta i p e i

With a total of 426 luxury guest rooms, the Ambassador Hotel Taipei is a 5-star internationally grand hotel, located in the financial center of Taipei City, close to famous tourism spots and department stores. Thanks to the principle ‘Home away from Home’, the interior of the hotel presents the artful ideas of neo-European-classic residentialism. The hotel embraces twenty meeting rooms, in both Chinese and Western designs, bright and simplistic, the capacity of each room is from 10 to 700 people. www.ambassadorhotel.com.tw

Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed will keep you feeling connected to home. As for meetings, the Sheraton Grand Ballroom is an impressive 2,500 m2 with a capacity of 1,800 guests. A host of small meeting venues for meetings of 10 to 200 is also available. www.sheraton-taipei.com

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We’ve already mentioned this a couple of times: Taiwan has an exceptionally advanced transportation system.

Travelling to the south with the Taiwan High Speed Rail (HSR) takes about 2 hours.

You’ll arrive in the country’s second largest city – Kaoshiung City – which was the host for the 2009 World Games and now has great ambitions for the Meetings Industry. Eco-friendliness is high on the list.

splendor kaoshiung

The World Games City s e co n d m e e t i n g s c i t y i n ta i wa n

Kaohsiung City is a stylish seaport town that is dominated by the Tuntex Sky Tower. The tower is located in the Ling Ya district and stands 347 metres tall. Opened in 1997, it was the tallest building in Taiwan until the Taipei 101 skyscraper surpassed it in height. The tower has an unusual ‘tooth-shaped’ design consisting of two separate parts of 35 stories each. The design was inspired by the Chinese character Kao (or Gao 高), which means ‘tall’ – and it’s also the first character in the city’s name. The building is occupied mainly by offices, but there are also living accommodations, a department store and the Grand Formose Hotel (37th – 70th floors). The Splendour of

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Kaohsiung is a luxury hotel with 592 guest rooms, and delegates can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the sea and the city from the meeting rooms. A second notable meeting hotel is the Grand Hi-lai Hotel: also a 5-star venue, with 546 guest rooms and spacious meeting facilities.

K ao s h i u n g B u s i n e s s Exhibition Centre

Although Kaohsiung might well tempt you to meet in hotels, the city also has an integrated conference centre.

The venue offers a beautiful view of the river, an opera house, a history museum and a public garden. The Business Exhibition Centre provides exhibition space first of all, but it also has several function rooms for mediumto small-sized meetings.

K ao h s i u n g Wat e r f r o n t D e v e lo p m e n t

Many of the world’s harbour cities devote attention to the relationship between city and water. But Kaohsiung City is particularly favoured in this respect, because the harbour is connected directly to the city centre.

The city government has plans to

Bian Sea Food Restaurant is owned by the dynamic business woman Ms. Zhang Su Luan

T h e W o r l d Ga m e s Ma i n S ta d i u m Kaohsiung’s cordial welcome In July 2009, Kaohsiung City could bask in the attention of the whole world. That’s when the World Games were being held: a multi-sports event composed primarily of sports not featured in the Olympic Games. The

entire construction of the 40,000seat multifunctional Main Stadium, designed by Japanese architect Toyo Ito, is inspired by the dragon.

It is the first stadium in the world to make use of solar technology, and all of the raw materials used in the main stadium are 100% reusable and made in Taiwan. The stadium’s

open design signifies a cordial welcome with a cheerful greeting.

An iconic building, it serves as a model for all sport stadiums in the world and, moreover, it is surrounded by 19 hectares of pleasant, natural environment.

T h e C r a d l e o f Ta i wa n M e e t i n g s Ta l e n t

develop the Kaohsiung City port area into a high-quality district featuring a seaside park, public space, cultural institutions, and other activities that promote the city.

The goal is to turn the port area into the city’s key image, ultimately developing Kaohsiung City into a world-class destination. We already see a lot of new restaurants and cafés opening up in the area around Pier 2. Fisherman’s Wharf is the first pier operated by private businesses through the Kaohsiung Harbour Bureau commission. In the former Banana Warehouse, Mrs. Fin Lu has created a magnificent venue where social functions and dinners can be organised for large groups of congress delegates. With a dazzling view of the harbour, of course!

Two things about the Taiwanese meetings industry really strike your attention: lots of young people, and great attention to training talent. More than 1100 people have already participated in the Student of I-Shou Universiy, recommending ‘The first professional courses (Taiwan MICE Convention Complex in Taiwan, called E-DA World Kaohsiung.

Training and Certification Project).

During the ‘EXCO Taiwan’ Meetings Industry show, students from the various universities were given the chance to present a new project. The photo shows an enthusiastic university student recommending a new conference project in the south of Taiwan.

Ov e r 1 , 7 0 0 Pa r t i c i pa n t at t e n d e d 2 0 1 0 W o r l d MU n i n Ta i p e i

The 2010 World Model United Nations (WorldMUN), was located at Taipei International Convention Center (TICC) from March 14 to March 18. NTU estimated more than 1,700 top students from 42 countries have participated in this event this year.

This project stands out from seven other bids. To highlight Taiwan as a Kingdom of Butterflies, the organizers picked butterfly as a symbol of Taiwanese indigenous myths and diverse culture.

According to organizers, Harvard University was impressed with the cultural activities planned for the WorldMUN, which promised to be artistic and fun. “We had a social event at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, and I don’t think I’ve seen anything like that in my lifetime. It was absolutely stunning.”

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Taiwan has it all!

Ta i wa n i s a s m a l l i s l a n d – i t ’ s e a s y to t r av e l t h r o u g h , a n d t h e l i s t o f t h i n g s to d o i s j u s t a b o u t l i m i t l e s s . I ’ v e e x p e r i e n c e d a co u p l e o f h i g h l i g h t s t h at I w o u l d r e co m m e n d to e v e r y co n g r e s s d e l e g at e .

A m u lt i t u d e o f o p t i o n s i n Ta i p e i

Taiwan offers a multitude of options to provide you with an unmatched level of enjoyment: scenic hotspots like Taroko Gorge, Wu Lai, or beautiful Jade Mountain; resorts, business retreats and spas providing leisure activities such as golf or massage. There are also, of course, Taiwan’s world-famous teahouses to enjoy. From water sports, to hiking trails, to world-class night spots, Taiwan has it all – and there’s still so much more!

Dinner in ShihYeh 101 A m b i a n c e Ta i p e i

Attending a dinner on the 85th floor of the almost-tallest building in the world – with the world’s fastest lift! – is a Taipei topper. Afterwards, it’s well worth the effort to climb a couple of floors higher to observe Taipei from the air. Taipei 101 features an Indoor Observatory (89th floor) and an Outdoor Observatory (91st floor). Both offer 360-degree views and attract visitors from around the world.

H ot S p r i n g s

To the north of Taipei, you find Yangmingshan National Park and Beitou Hot Spring Area. Those who love indulging themselves and beautiful natural surroundings should definitely visit these places. Beitou has two faces: Old Beitou (located around Beitou) is the area where the local people have lived and worked for over a century, while Xin Beitou (New Beitou) is the area that was developed as a hot spring resort during the Japanese era (1895-1945).

S i l k s Pa l ac e

Lu n c h at D i n Ta i F u n g

View on Silks Palace (Taipei National Museum)

The New York Times has proclaimed DinTaiFung restaurant as the best dumpling restaurant in the world.

When you go there with a group, you can make dumplings to your heart’s desire. Don’t think it’s easy ... but they’re certainly tasty.

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One of the best memories of Taipei is a visit to the National Palace Museum, followed by an artistic lunch in one of the private rooms of Silks Palace. To give you an example. One of the most famous masterpieces in the Museum, this piece of jade looks shockingly similar to a real vegetable. So, what does the chef serve up? Jadeite Cabbage with Insects. The insects are shrimps. And the lunch carries on in this fashion. Unforgettable. And

you’ve got to see the menu booklet!

It’s phenomenally beautiful. The pride of Taiwan, Taipei’s National Palace Museum ranks as one of the four best museums in the world – in a class with the Louvre, the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum holds the world’s largest collection of Chinese artifacts – around 700,000 items in all – but there is space to display only around 15,000 pieces at a time.

T e a Ta s t i n g i n Ta i wa n

In Taiwan most people drink tea, and tea is not only a drink, but also a culture.

The tea culture of Taiwan can be traced back to the root from Chinese tea culture.

Many people visit one of the numerous traditional teahouses or “tea-art” shops, located all over Taiwan.

Taiwan’s hilly topography and humid climate make for perfect tea-growing conditions, fiving the island the name ‘The Kingdom of Tea.’ Indeed, tea is to the Taiwanese as wine is to the French.

Taiwan produces a wide variety of quality teas in great quantity, and is most famous for its Dongding Oolong, Oriental Beauty, and Tieguanyin Varietals. The typical Taiwanese family owns at least one set of teaware at home. Many people collect teapots as a hobby. Most families in Taiwan have Yixing clay teapots at home.

Traditionally, “raising the teapot” at home is a way of life in Taiwan. A good tea tasting experience is a visit for a Chinese High Tea moment in SanXitan Teahouse at the National Palace museum. Especially for groups.

The wonders of Taiwan

Touring in Taiwan – Teambuilding This text is the best that I have found in the various promotional brochures – it says everything about Taiwan: ‘As the world evolves towards a more open economic and political environment, Taipei is becoming an important gateway to the Asian region. It is a vibrant city, where the tolerant, well-educated, good-humoured inhabitants are blessed with a can-do attitude. Their dynamic society is steeped in the simple traditions and values of ancient Chinese culture, and yet well versed in all of the complex and diverse demands of the modern world. This fine balance, this mix of East and West, simplicity and complexity, makes Taipei a vital and exciting destination for international meetings and conferences.’

S u n M o o n Lak e i n Na n to u

Sun Moon Lake is the island’s largest lake. It is a beautiful alpine lake, divided by the tiny Lalu Island; the eastern part of the lake is round like the sun and the western side is shaped like a crescent moon, hence the name “Sun Moon Lake”.

Its crystalline, emerald green waters reflect the hills and mountains which rise on all sides. Natural beauty is enhanced by numerous cultural and historical sites. Well-known both at home and abroad, the Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area has exceptional potential for further growth and recognition as a prime tourism destination.

Yilan

Yilan is located in the northeastern part of Taiwan. Nestled against lofty mountains and hills in the west, opening up to the expansive Pacific Ocean in the east. Yilan’s stunning beauty, and unique geographical features, which sealed it off from other parts of Taiwan in early times, not only greatly contributed to the area’s well-preserved natural scenery, but also nurtured a rich and unique “Yilan” culture and accompanying practices.

Ta i t u n g

The HualienTaitung area can be termed the back yard of Taiwan, with the Taroko National park, the East Coast and East Rift Valley national scenic areas, and Zhiben forest recreation area.

With such an abundance of tourist resources, this is the ideal choice for your vacation. Whether you like the excitement of white-water rafting, the fascination of whale- and dolphinwatching, the healthful exercise of walking forest trails, the relaxation of soaking in soothing hot mineral baths, or the intellectual stimulation of culture tours, this is the place for you.

The Place To Meet

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