Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is a prominent skyscraper in Taipei, Taiwan, 508 meter tall with 101 floors above the ground. It is also known as Taipei world trade center. It used to be the tallest building in the world from 2004 to 2010. 

As we drove into Taipei in the evening of our third day at Taiwan, we were looking for it - we thought that it would tower all buildings around it, but it did not from our view point in the car along Xinyi Road. It does stand out from other buildings by its unique architecture features - a bamboo stalk like outline, and blue- green color. 

After checked in to our hotel, Sparkle, which is across street from Taipei 101 on the south side,  we went straight to the high rise. When we stepped out of the hotel, it was dark already, Taipei 101 was lit up by its exterior decorating lights, transformed into a bright white tower with purple edges. The Moon was rising from Northeast direction.

The entrance to the 89th floor observatory floor is at 5th floor. The fee to the 89th floor observatory was NTD 600/person for non-residents. 

The main attraction at the Taipei 101 for tourists is the bird's eye view of the city, especially the night views: to the west is the Taipei downtown, Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, and the long and straight Xinyi Road, to the north is the "new" development  area where cluster of high rises, including the eye catching building of Farglory financial center, congregate; the east and south sides are mostly residential areas, parks and mountains.

Even at the 89th floor, we looked down at all buildings around us. The night views of Taipei in every direction were spectacular. 

A most significant feature of Taipei 101 is inside the building, the 660 ton tuned mass damper (TMD) suspended from 92nd floor to  87th floor. The TMD is essentially a steel pendulum which reduces the vibration amplitude of the building from gusty winds and earthquakes.  

Taipei 101 at Dusk

Tuned Mass Damper reduces Taipei 101 's swing in winds or earthquakes.

Taipei 101 under the Moon

Taipei 101 in the morning Sun

During the 4th day at Taiwan, and 2nd day at Taipei, we visited National Taiwan University and a former classmate from our graduate school time, we also spent time at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial. 

We went hiking at Elephant mountain in late afternoon. The trail at Elephant Mountain is not long but very steep. There are many signs at the first steep slope of the trail - they have mostly educational slogans printed on them, such as the one in the following photo which says Mother's smile is the Sunshine to the family. The elephant mountain should be a great place to see Sunset, however it was cloudy when we were there at the time of Sunset. 

From Elephant mountain, Taipei 101 is magnificently towering over all structures in the city.

Note -

One thing that is common to Taiwan and Mainland China is the prevalence of signs and banners which have slogans printed on them. Driving along the coast of northern Taiwan, educational banners, such as don't drive when fatigued,  are hang on almost every overpass of the high ways.