National Palace Museum
The lowdown Housing the world’s largest collection of ancient Chinese artefacts, the present museum was relocated from Beijing’s Forbidden City in 1949. Only a small percentage of the 600,000-piece collection can be displayed at any one time for preservation purposes, with current exhibitions covering Chinese calligraphy, the art of Qing Emperor Jiaqing’s era and the Qing dynasty’s southwest borders among other topics.
For groups Beyond the main exhibition hall, tickets grant admission to Zhishan Garden, an 18,800 sqm traditional Chinese-style garden, and Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines. Private events can be held at onsite Cantonese restaurant Silks Palace, which houses 10 private function rooms (8-20 attendees), a 416 sqm banqueting hall and 504 sqm ballroom. Chefs can also shape dishes to resemble features of the museum treasures.
npm.gov.tw
Night Markets
The lowdown Bars and clubs aside, Taipei after dark revolves around the night markets. Bustling until the early hours, these atmospheric venues are where groups can sample traditional street food, with fragrant delicacies such as ‘stinky tofu’ not to be missed! Groups can soak up local entertainment and barter their way to bargain souvenirs. Popular Taipei options include Shilin, the largest in the city, and Raohe, the oldest.
For groups Taiwan-based teambuilding and event management company In Motion Asia organises Night Market Team Building Challenges across many of Taipei’s night markets,
the most popular choices being Xinmending and Tamshui. A series of photo, culinary and historical challenges help groups learn about these cultural establishments, as well as each other.
inmotionasia.com
Elephant Mountain Hiking Trail
The lowdown An athletic alternative to visiting Taipei 101’s viewing platform, the climb to Elephant Mountain Peak arguably offers better views of the city’s skyline incorporating the landmark skyscraper.
For groups Lasting just 20 minutes, the 650m hike can be easily factored into an afternoon itinerary. Groups are in walking distance of Xinyi Shopping District as well as the famed tower, which
offers three sky-high dining options for another alternative viewing experience.
taipei-101.com.tw
National Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall
The lowdown Built in 1972 as a tribute to the founder of modern China, the hall displays historical relics of Sun Yat-sen’s life and the Xinhai Revolution. Today, the site also welcomes performances and exhibitions. Surrounding the hall is Zhongshan Park, offering gardens, historical walls, and an exhibition and performance area.
For groups Time visits to see the changing of the guard, which takes place on the hour every hour. The historic site caters to private functions with a 2,518-seat auditorium, the smaller 193-seat auditorium and a meeting room with a capacity for 100.
yatsen.gov.tw
Din Tai Fung
The lowdown The internationally renowned dumpling house started life on Xinyi Road, and has been producing its Michelin-starred xiao long bao since the 1970s. Though now a global operation, a trip to the founding store is not to be missed.
For groups None of the Taipei outlets offer private rooms for events, and the flagship outlet, in particular, attracts street-long queues. Planners may wish to visit outside of peak times and split up large groups. Alternatively, many local tour operators offer night tours incorporating dinner at Din Tai Fung.
dintaifung.com.tw
