Taipei and the surrounding countryside are filled with attractions that can keep visitors engaged for days. The city's metropolitan centre is rich with memorials and period structures that chronicle the city's colonial period and ensuing involvement with the Republic of China. Heading into the hinterland, tourists can explore the beautiful countryside in a series of nature reserves and national parks.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall 
The Memorial Hall was originally built to honour former president Chiang Kai-shek and holds several mementos, a library and a statue dedicated to him. The memorial sits on well-landscaped gardens that adjoin the National Concert Hall and National Theatre. The large, primary building has an octagonal roof and sports all the colours of the Republic of China's flag. A flight of 89 steps (Kai-shek lived to the age of 89) ascend to the entrance of the main hall. Phone: +886 2 2938 2300.

The Grand Hotel 
This five-star hotel opened in 1952 and has since blossomed through a series of expansions and improvements into the icon landmark that it is today. Four years after the hotel opened, a lounge, swimming pool and tennis court were added. In 1968, the Grand Hotel was named by Fortune magazine as one of the top 10 hotels in the world. Perched on top of the Grand is the world's largest classical Chinese roof, giving it the distinct air of a Chinese palace.

Hot Springs 
There are several naturally-occurring hot springs around Taipei. Hell Valley is a popular site where sulphur springs bubble and boil. The hot springs at Hwa Yi Chuen are also worth visiting, and this site's geyser is its main attraction. Peitou Hot Springs Park receives the most visitors with its informative museum exploring the science and history of the region’s geothermal springs.

Presidential Office Building 
Located in Zhongzheng district across from the city's East Gate, this grandiose building was constructed under the patronage of the Japanese colonial government. The building itself was damaged during WWII, and the Chinese Nationalist Party began restoration in 1947. Architecturally, the building reflects a blend of Baroque, neo-Classical and Renaissance influences, and an 11-storey tower looms over the Presidential Office.

Sungshan Nature Reserve 
The hills of this nature reserve are sparsely populated by a few rustic temples that reward ambitious hikers with a candid window into Taipei's religious culture. There are four mountains in the reserve: Lady Finger, Tiger's Head, Elephant Mountain and Nine-Five Peak. The latter is the tallest at a height of 1,066 feet. Buses from Taipei's city centre carry visitors inside the park and drop them at Sheng'en Temple.

Taipei 101 
This skyscraper will remain the world's tallest building until the completion of Burj Dubai skyscraper in the United Arab Emirates. The structure stands at a height of 1,474 feet and has one of the fastest-ascending elevators in the world. There are several observation areas, including open-air lookout decks that offer outstanding panoramas of the city. The annual spectacular New Year’s fireworks display, launched from atop the 101, is a highly celebrated event. Website: www.taipei-101.com.tw/.

Tienhsiang 
This popular scenic area is home to part of the Taroko Gorge, a natural landmark that draws a number of spectators from Taipei and beyond. Before the Central Cross-island Highway was built in the 1960s, this area was synonymous with the aboriginal Tupido tribe that lived here. Today, it has become something of a natural resort area with a five-star hotel (Grand Formosa Taroko) and the Hsiangteh Temple with its pagoda. The temple grounds are connected to the highway by a swaying suspension bridge, under which a hot spring feeds carbonated water into the river.

Yangmingshan National Park 
Located on the outskirts of Taipei, Yangmingshan National Park is named after a military official and scholar who lived under the Ming dynasty's rule. Chiang Kai-shek's summer home was located here, and there a number of other notable buildings throughout the park. These green, grass-covered mountains are known for their hot springs, snakes and cherry blossoms. Hiking trails in the park wind through extinct volcanic peaks (including Seven Star Mountain) and provide access to the Wuchih Mountain Military Cemetery. Website: www.ymsnp.gov.tw/HTML/ENGNEW/INDEX.HTM.  

Explore the magnificent gorge. The Taroko Gorge stretches for 12 miles in Tienhsiang, offering visitors some of Taipei's most spectacular scenery. Follow the suspension bridge across the river and visit the Eternal Spring Shrine that was built in memory of the 450 labourers who died while constructing this highway.

Have a picnic at Yangmingshan National Park. This park has it all: hot springs, volcanic craters, seasonal cherry blossoms and waterfalls. There is an assortment of wildlife to view within the park limits. The park is also outfitted with picnicking facilities, making it an ideal daytrip destination for families and couples.

Pamper yourself at a spa.The abundant hot springs around Taipei have fostered a strong community of spas and saunas. There's something in every price range, from simple public bathing areas to lavish, five-star facilities. Both hot springs and cold-water mineral springs are incorporated in these treatments.

Pick a basket of peaches. The Village and Orchards area is located in Ba Ling in nearby Taoyuan county. Between the months of April and August, many of the orchards in this area invite customers to come and pick their own fruit. This is a great activity for the entire family.

Take a tour by train. One of the best sightseeing railways around Taipei is the rural Ping Hsi Line, which starts in Jui Fang and ascends through the rugged countryside to Ching Tung village. From here, you can return by bus or train, making a stop at Shi Fen along the way to see the waterfalls.

Visit the Lin Antai House. One of the hallmark sites of Taipei, this home was built under Qing dynasty rule during the late 18th century. This is the best kept historic house in town, with some fabulous wood and stone carvings.

Watch a snake handler. Huahsi Night Market is home to a peculiar Snake Alley with a number of reptilian attractions. Daring snake handlers lure spectators by groping live cobras while snake soup and snake bile are both on the menu. Visitors can also purchase an aphrodisiac made from a cobra's gall bladder.