Shoot to the top of Taipei 101 in the world’s fastest elevators and take in the unbroken views of the city and surrounding mountains from the viewing deck. You won’t miss the building itself as you make your way around the city, but make sure you take the time to appreciate its innovative architecture.
For the first few years of the 21st century Tapei 101 was the world’s tallest skyscraper. Voted as one of the Seven New Wonders of the World by Newsweek magazine it stands at 508 meters (1667 feet) tall and comprises of 91 floors.
Most visitors make straight for the top, by taking one of the building’s 61 elevators. These are among the fasted passenger elevators in the world and take just 40 seconds to reach the top. Taipei 101 is also where you’ll find some of the only double decker elevators in the world. Elevators go from the gift shop and information centre on the 5th floor.
Time your visit with fine weather and you will have the chance to visit the outdoor observation deck on the 91st floor. The covered viewing area on the 89th floor is always open and has high powered binoculars for public use. Peer through the lenses and try to spot some of Taipei’s best-known landmarks.
On the floor below, the world’s largest wind dampener is well worth a visit. Learn the science behind how the mechanism allows the building to withstand the forces of storms and typhoons. From here, choose to visit the numerous shops, restaurants and bars in the tower, or take a virtual tour through Taipei’s favourite attractions.
Make sure you cast an eye up towards the tower at night, when it is lit up with a different colour of the spectrum every night of the week.
The indoor observatory at Taipei 101 is open daily and there is a charge for entry. The last tickets are usually sold around mid-evening. Buses and MRT trains both run regular services to the tower.