One of the most popular recreation areas near Taipei is Mount Yang-ming, which is only 10 miles (16 km) from the centre of the city. Both the mountain and the town of Pei-t'ou at its base are known for their hot springs. Pi Lake has boating and water sports. There are ocean beaches not far from the city, and Tan-shui has excellent golf courses. Pop. (1990 est.) 2,719,293.

ATTRACTIONS

Yuanshan Shell Mound
The Yuanshan Shell Mound in Chungshan District has been dated back some 2,500 years to Neolithic times. It is the largest and most significant archeological site in Taipei, and one of the most precious prehistoric finds in Taiwan. Artifacts discovered in the mounds include stone tools, pottery, jades, and animal and fish bones attesting to the existence of early life in the area. These have endured throughout the ages thanks to the protective calcium layer created by the shells with which they were buried.

Yangmingshan National Park
Yangmingshan National Park is the most natural of Taiwan's four national parks. Established in 1985, it covers an area of 11,456 hectares and stretches from Kuangtsui Mountain and Wuchih Mountain in the east to Hunglu Mountain and Mientien Mountain in the west. In the north, it extends to Chutzu Mountain and Earth God Ridge, and in the south to Shamao Mountain. Elevation ranges from 200 to 1,200 meters above sea level.

The park is a favorite haunt for flower lovers during cherry blossom season. The beautiful natural surroundings also offer a perfect place to relax in the great outdoors and get away from the city for a while.

Major scenic areas in the park include Yangmingshan Park, Tatun Nature Park, Yangmingshan cadet camp, Matsao, Chiku, the Tatun Plains, Shuanghsi River, Saint Falls, Sulfur Valley, Lungfeng Valley, Tayoukeng, Hsiaoyukeng, Lengshuikeng, and Chingshan Hiking Area. The park also offers numerous other scenic areas, mountain trails, and ecological conservation areas. Before entering conservation areas you need to get permission from the National Park Headquarters.

Hot Sprigs
Hot springs have long been renowned for their fortifying powers and ability to rid the body of ailments. In Taiwan, you can find numerous hot and cold springs around the island, but the Peitou Hot Springs are by far the best known. The springs here not only offer an ideal place for a therapeutic bath, but are a great place for recreation and sightseeing as well.

Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are located on Nanhai Road behind the National Museum of History. Nearly a century old, the gardens are maintained by the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute and offer a variety of subtropical plants and trees, as well as a stunning lotus pond. A walk through this wooded paradise allows you to leave the city far behind. The gardens also serve research, educational, and conservation functions, with exhibitions, presentations, and field trips being held regularly for visitors.

Lungshan Temple
Lungshan Temple is dedicated to Kuanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. It was built in 1738 by Fukienese immigrants as a branch of the original Lungshan Temple in Fukien Province and took five years to complete. Due to natural and man-made disasters, the temple has been repaired and renovated on numerous occasions. It faces south, with halls to the front and back and a central hall surrounded by protective dragons. The two bronze dragon pillars in the front hall, the four dragon pillars in the central hall, and the wooden carvings are all exquisitely crafted. The well and shrine in the front hall are particularly outstanding. The temple columns, inscriptions, and plaques are also worth a look.

Confucian Temple
Built in 1927, the Confucian Temple is located in the Tatung district near Paoan Temple. It is based on Confucian temples in Changchou and Chuanchou, which themselves are modeled after the original in Confucius' hometown of Chufu. Yellow ceramic tiles adorn the roof, while the columns and doors bear no inscriptions. It's a majestic and imposing temple. The main building, Tacheng Hall, is built on an elevated foundation with a roof supported by two "Heavenly" pillars. Every September 28th, people from Taiwan and abroad come here to watch the solemn ceremony celebrating the sage teacher's birthday.

Paoan Temple
Paoan Temple in Tatung District is dedicated to Paosheng Tati, the God of Medicine. The god was first brought to Taiwan by immigrants of Tungan, Fukien Province from the original temple in Paichueh County. Construction of the temple began in 1805 and was completed in 1830. Along with Lungshan and Chingshan, it is one of the three most important temples in Taipei. The expansive temple consists of front, middle, and rear halls and bell and drum towers. Renovations made to the temple are recorded on a tablet inscribed by the Ching scholar Chen Wang-tseng. There are also couplets by Chen Wei-ying, Chang Shu-kun, and Huang Tsan-chun. During the Japanese occupation period, the temple was converted into a Japanese language school and a bamboo mat factory. The buildings fell into disrepair over the years and were renovated with donations between 1917 and 1919, restoring them to their former glory.

Hsingtien Temple
Lying at the intersection of Minchuan East Road and Sungkiang Road, Hsingtien Temple covers an area of almost 7,000 square meters and is dedicated to the the God of War, Kuan Yu. The temple stands for a harmonious society through the promotion of Confucian and Buddhist beliefs. Since Kuan Yu is also the patron god of merchants, many business people worship here.

Chingshan Temple
Chingshan Temple is dedicated to Lingan Tsunwang, who is commonly referred to as Chingshan Wang. A grand ceremony is held here on the 22nd day of the tenth lunar month to celebrate the deity's birthday. The statue of Chinshan Wang was first brought to Taipei's historic Mengchia district in 1854 by fishermen from Chingshan in Fukien Province. It was offloaded at the mouth of the Tahsi River and brought along present-day Hsiyuan Road. As the people weren't able to transport it any further they decided to build a temple there. It is said that those who worshipped at the temple escaped the pestilence afflicting the area at that time. Hence the god's popularity grew. Between 1851 and 1853, the temple was rebuilt on its present site. Most of the halls were constructed after World War II.

Tzuyu Temple
Tzuyu Temple is located in front of Sungshan Station and covers an area of some 2,600 square meters. It was built between 1746 and 1757 by immigrants from Fukien and Kuangtung Provinces. The main hall is dedicated to Matsu, the Goddess of the Sea. A grand ceremony is held here every year on the 23rd day of the third lunar month celebrating the goddess' birthday.

Chen Te-hsing Hall
Built in 1892, the Chen Te-hsing Hall on Wenwu Street is the ancestral shrine of the Chen family. During the Japanese occupation period, it was converted into a military shrine. In 1911, the colonial government took over the site and provided land in Tataocheng for the temple's relocation. When the new hall was completed in 1914, the gods Sheng Taitsu and Chunghua were added to the original three temple gods. The hall is an impressive structure, with a shrine area adorned with couplets and a main worship area occupied by exquisitely crafted statues of various deities. The Chen family continues to hold impressive ceremonies here every year during the spring and fall, drawing family members from all over the world.

Hsiahai City God Temple
This temple on Tihua Street is dedicated to the Hsiahai City God. His wife and the 38 custodians who died protecting the statue of the deity as it was being brought to the Tataocheng District are also worshipped here. Originally located on Tachialapao Eighth Street, the temple was destroyed during the course of fighting in 1853 and rebuilt at its present site. Work on the present temple began in 1856 and was completed in 1859. It underwent restoration work in 1934. Every year on the 13th of the fifth lunar month, a grand ceremony is held here to celebrate the god's birthday, drawing huge crowds.

Chen Yueh-chi Historical Estate
Built in 1807, the Chen Yueh-chi Historical Estate is the former residence of the Ching dynasty scholar Chen Wei-ying. Chen taught at the local Yangshan and Hsuehhai academies, where he gained a reputation for his commitment to education. As a result, locals knew him as him the "Teacher" and referred to his house as the "Teacher's Residence." The estate was destroyed in 1853 during clashes between immigrants from Chuanchou and Changchou, and later rebuilt to its current dimensions. The estate consists of three buildings placed in rows, with swallowtail roofs and connecting wings. In the front of the main building is a large square once arranged with sets of stone and wooden flag poles. Today only the stone poles remain. They are carved with coiling dragons, reminding people to strive for the highest achievement.

National Museum of History
The National Museum of History is located on Nanhai Road next to the Botanical Garden and its beautiful lotus pond. One of the most popular museums in Taipei, it provides insight into the history and people of China through its rich collection of artifacts and art. This comprises jades, pottery, sculptures, clothing, embroidery, old currency, paintings, books, and other works of historic value, some several thousand pieces in all. At the National Gallery, international-class exhibitions are regularly held to introduce historical works of art and promote international cultural exchange.

Taiwan Provincial Museum
Located at the entrance of 228 Peace Park, the Taiwan Provincial Museum was built by the Japanese in 1908, making it the oldest museum in Taiwan. It is designed in grand Greek style, with an imposing, romantic central hall and colonnade, and a luxurious stain-glassed roof. Exhibits consist of early Taiwan artifacts as well as aboriginal sculptures, daily articles, handicrafts, and clothes.

Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines
The Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines plays a significant role in promoting understanding and respect among the various native peoples of Taiwan. The six-floor building is divided into five exhibition areas introducing the culture, lifestyle, and homeland of each tribe. Handicrafts, musical instruments, and miniature models illustrate daily tribal life and culture. Aboriginal textiles and clothing are also on display, including a selection of colorful and richly-patterned embroidered works and ornaments. The basement is devoted to religious articles, including ceremonial pottery vessels, divination boxes, and bronze blades. Videos on native Taiwanese life are shown at 11:00 in the morning, and at 1:00, 3:00, and 5:00 in the afternoon.

Astronomical Museum
The Taipei Astronomical Museum is situated on Chiho Road in the Shihlin District and covers an area of 1.8 hectares. Its landmark golden dome houses a planetarium which offers insight into the mysteries of the universe. Videos on aerospace and science are also shown on the 3-D screen. Exhibits on the first four floors depict the early years of astronomy, aerospace technology, the constellations, the solar system, and astronomical instruments. The museum also has a library, lecture hall, and souvenir and bookshop. The annex has two powerful telescopes with computerized tracking systems which visitors may use to locate specific stars.