Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/870050
14 BCA A .COM FALL 2017 iStock, Kirsten Rodenhizer MUST-SEE TAIPEI Compared to Hong Kong, Taiwan's capital feels more relaxed; a little gentler and greener. But it's no less captivating. Trees, bikes and hordes of scooters line the city's sparkling-clean streets and boulevards, and its friendly denizens are quick to smile and call out hello to visitors. Taiwanese culture is a fascinating blend of Mainland Chinese, local aboriginal and Japanese elements (the latter courtesy of Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945). If time permits, get out beyond the city limits to Taiwan's pastoral villages, gorgeous surfing beaches and verdant mountain parks. Or, start compiling a to-do list for a return visit, because you'll definitely want to come back. 1 Zip to the top of Taipei 101 This 508-metre-tall tower, whose segmented shape was designed to resemble a bamboo stalk, is Taipei's most recognizable landmark. Buy a ticket and ride the stomach-dropping 60.6 km/h elevator to the observation platform for a 360-degree view of the city. Cooks prepare dumplings at Din Tai Fung restaurant. 2 Devour a feast of dumplings These tasty little bundles of dough come steamed or fried and stuffed with meat, fish or veggies (or even chocolate, for dessert). The Din Tai Fung restaurant chain, with 130-plus locations worldwide – including one in the mall at the base of Taipei 101 – serves around 14,000 dumplings per day. Thanks to a glass-enclosed kitchen, guests can watch assembly lines prepare each one by hand. Wash down the house specialty, xiao long bao (soup-filled dumplings), with swigs of Taiwan Beer Gold Medal, the national lager. Gan bei! (Cheers.) 3 Soak in sulphuric hot springs at Beitou This resort area, a 30-minute metro ride north of downtown, is home to natural mineral springs. Stop by the Beitou Hot Spring Museum, a bathhouse built by the Japanese in 1913, now set in a pretty park with a steaming brook meandering through. Then take a dip in the public baths, or book into a hotel to soak in style. (The Gaia Hotel's luxe rooms have private spring baths.)