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"Taipei 101" dominates the Taipei skyline, but has recently lost its title of "world's tallest building" to Burj Dubai in the UAE.

Akin to mainland China, Taiwan is steeped in history and rich in natural beauty, while its openness to the West has always afforded a bit more creature comfort and relaxed travel restrictions.

The capital, Taipei, is the center of superlatives.

It is not only the city over which towers one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, "Taipei 101", but home to the the world's largest collection of Chinese art treasures at the breathtaking National Palace Museum.

Culinary treasure can also be discovered in the city's numberless and very fine restaurants. For more casual noshing on local delicacies, also don't miss the city's famous bustling night markets, an urban block party illumined by street lamps with visitors and tourists rubbing shoulders looking for a quick, cheap meal.

By day, don't miss other cultural highlights, including the lavishly decorated Longshan Temple or the sculptured beauty of Chinese landscaping at the Lin Family Garden.

To see Mother Nature at her finest, get of town and head straight for the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area, featuring spectacular views of the rugged seaside, or further north to the stunning waterfalls and pretty lakes of the Guanyinshan National Scenic Area and quiet walks around Shihtoushan Park.

More about Taiwan travel & tourism around the Web:

Elsewhere on the Web, find out more - including guides to top resorts, historic sites, and hotels & restaurants - along with offbeat attractions, practical advice and expert tips on discovering the real Taiwan...

go2taiwan.net - Colorful online tour including feature travel stories, video presentations, seasonal event calendar, overviews of major cultural and historic attractions, do it yourself itineraries or online tour bookings, hotel guides.

Lifted Magazine - Essential Taiwan - Concise, illustrated guide to Taipei highlights, food and culture, and additional off-the-beaten-track destinations.

Taipei travel guide - Wikitravel's extensive guide to the city including photos, metro maps and other ways to get around, background on history and culture, major attractions, annual festivals, suggested restaurants by cuisines, hotel guide, practical travel & safety tips.

Welcome to Taichung - The official site offering a complete guide for business or leisure including hotels, restaurants and nightlife, information on nearby attractions, districts and landmarks, maps, photos.