The lively Taiwanese metropolis of Taipei is known around the world for its well-developed infrastructure and economic success. The city boasts a wealth of tourist attractions that include Japanese colonial architecture and Qing dynasty temples that reflect a fusion of Buddhist, Taoist, and animistic elements.
 Taipei is an important air traffic hub for visitors to the region. China Airlines and EVA Air both have their headquarters here, and regularly shuttle passengers between Southeast Asia, North America and Europe.
 The wisest tourists incorporate Taiwan into a tour of East Asia, as there is a stunning assortment of traditional architecture and excellent museums located throughout the city. Long Shan Temple is a favourite attraction, representing classic Taiwanese architecture. Worshippers here observe an interesting assortment of religious rites that extend far beyond typical Buddhism.
 Taipei is also a paradise for shoppers, with several rambling market areas emanating from the city centre. Shilin Night Market is the most popular place for locals and tourists to shop, but there are number of other shopping districts such as Ximending Market and the leviathan Taipei 101 shopping mall.
Several local museums catalogue the region's history, cultural diversity and ecological endowments. Some of the most notable institutions include the National Palace Museum, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, National Taiwan Museum and the Miniatures Museum, all of which pack in fascinating items.
Taipei's accommodation offerings are endless. Large, chain hotels offer internationally renowned five-star service alongside more economically-minded offerings that cater for mid-range travellers. A wonderful assortment of restaurants is also onsite to provide local dishes and international favourites alike.
Taipei is a world-class holiday destination with excellent public transportation links to connect visitors with outlying attractions. Despite all of the modern touches, visitors don't have to travel far before they've found themselves buried in the forested mountains, a world away from rush hour traffic.
History
Archaeological records indicate that Taiwan's first settlers lived here some 30,000 years ago, though current inhabitants didn’t descend from these ancient peoples. The aboriginal tribes that live on the island today descended from ancient Polynesians whose boats landed here some 4,000 years ago.
 Chinese historical records indicate that the island may have been known to Chinese dynasties as long ago as the 3rd century, although it was largely ignored since it was not seen as a strategic outpost. Han settlers from mainland China arrived in the 1200s, marking the beginning of Taiwan’s place in world politics.
Portuguese traders arrived in the 16th century and added the island to their conquests in the Pacific Ocean. This paved the way for Spanish and Dutch colonists, who made a brief appearance in the 1600s and succeeded in converting some aboriginal tribes to Christianity before being driven off by mainland Chinese forces.
Unstable mainland politics kept China from developing Taiwan, and it wasn't until the 1800s that the island began to build any significant infrastructure. Japanese colonists began a series of invasions and ultimately wrested Taiwan from the Qing dynasty in the late 19th century. The coming decades saw the development of railroads and other industrial strides alongside Taipei's rise to power as the island's capital city.
 After WWII, Taiwan was ceded to the Republic of China. Chiang Kai-shek fled the communist uprising on the mainland and spearheaded a powerful campaign on the island. He ruled Taiwan through a harsh single-party military regime. A transition into pluralistic democracy didn't come until Chiang Kai-Shek death, when power passed to his son.
Taiwan received a great deal of financial assistance from Western nations wishing to hem the expansion of the communist empire. This economic stimulation led to a booming age of prosperity under which Taiwan emerged as one of the 'Asian Tigers' in the 1990s.
 Today, Taipei is the cultural nexus of a prosperous nation that has preserved a great deal of its history and culture. Buddhism and Taoism are practiced throughout metropolitan and rural areas alongside fanciful festivals that have been held for millennia under the lunar phases of the Chinese calendar.
Weather
 Taipei's semi-tropical climate is typically hot and humid throughout most of the year. The rainy season reaches its peak between May and September, though there is also a substantial amount of precipitation from February until April. Even outside of the official rainy season, consistent bouts of rainfall are normal.
The hottest months are July and August, when highs average at around 35°C. At this time of year, sightseeing around Taipei can be strenuous, so most tourists try to avoid these warmest months. Temperatures are considerably cooler in January, when midnight lows reach lows of around 13°C. The best time to visit is in the late autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is at a minimum.
Seasonal typhoons occasionally sweep through during the summer. August and September are the most likely months for a severe storm to pass through. Flight cancellations can be a problem for visitors during these months.
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