Way Up High in Taipei

Another exciting feature of the building is its world's biggest passive wind damper – a gigantic metal ball weighing 660 metric tons suspended between the 88th and 89th floors.

Two viewing platforms, each on one floor, allow visitors to take a closer look at the sphere, made of 41 layers of 1.25-meter thick solid steel plates. According to Observatory Manager Stephen Chi, the steel plates were lifted up to the 88th floor one by one, and later stacked together inside the building.

The metal ball stabilizes the building when earthquakes or strong winds strike, by swinging in the opposite direction of the force. The device, although very simple in theory, can protect the building from the most severe earthquakes.

An outdoor observatory located on the 91st floor provides a slightly scary top-of-the-world experience – my hair was flying all over the place because of the strong winds.

Note: The outdoor observatory is only open in good weather conditions. Signposts will indicate its availability.

My favorite trait of the wonderful giant is the world's two fastest elevators that transport visitors to the observatory in about 38 seconds – what else can anyone do in that span of time? The elevator ladies giving instructions could barely finish their introductory talks.

With a top speed of 1,010 meters per minute, the Japanese Toshiba elevators feature an aerodynamic body, full pressurization, and emergency brakes!

Personally, I find Taipei City very seductive in the evenings – I fell in love with the panoramic view when I visited right before sunset.

The observatory is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day, with the last entry at 9:15 p.m. (operating hours during holidays are subject to change). Admission is NT$400 for adults, NT$370 for children under 12. The ticket booth and the entrance are located on the fifth floor, above a luxury mall and fabulous restaurants.

Taipei 101 transforms into a torch at night when a bright yellow light atop the tower, signaling a warm welcome.

Got More Time And Energy?

Another emerging characteristic that integrates the Taiwanese way of life is the shopping culture, big in Xinyi District. People naturally refer Xinyi as the “shopping district” due to its abundant departments stores and malls.

Between several shopping centers are wide clean pedestrian walkways that are neatly designed with comfortable stone benches and decorated with modern sculptures.

A footbridge that connects most of the shopping centers, including the Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and New York New York, illustrating the collectivistic habit of the local culture.

Besides shopping, visitors can also entertain themselves at the movie theater or select a restaurant from the many available choices. And if you're in the area well after dark, check out some of the hottest clubs and lounges in town in the Neo 19 building – you'll be complaining that 24 hours a day just isn't enough to experience the world of Xinyi.

How to get there:

By MRT- Get off at the National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall MRT Station on the blue Bannan line.

By bus - 204, 212, 232, 235, 240, 245, 254, 261, 263, 266, 270, 278, 282, 288, 299, 311, 621, 672, 651, 662, 663, 665, 667, Chih-Nan Bus, Free Go Bus

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