City Overview
It is only in the last 10 years that architecturally challenged Taipei, the boisterous business metropolis of one of the ‘tiger’ economies of Asia, has become more stylish and cosmopolitan. Taiwan’s population density is second only to Bangladesh and this city of 6 million people isn’t for the agoraphobic, or for those who like silence and greenery. But this fledgling democracy has the most open and helpful people in the region, as well as the most varied Chinese food. In Taiwan’s ‘Year of Tourism 2004’, Taipei is focused on promoting its historical and cultural treasures in a bid to attract more tourists. Boutique hotels and trendy bars have sprung up in a flurry of construction and Taipei recently unveiled a huge leisure and shopping complex housed in the ‘world’s tallest building’, Taipei 101. The government are also constructing parks and much needed infrastructure. Previously colonised by Japan, modern day Taiwan only came into existence in 1949, when 2 million nationalists fled here from the mainland, following defeat by the communists. The political issue of its relationship with China remains a sticking point in international relations. Taipei has warm weather year round, with high humidity and the occasional typhoon.
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