This article appears in Vol 22:
The Design Issue

A

A
modern metropolis, crowned by the bamboo-shaped, 509m-tall,
Taipei 101 skyscraper, Taipei is a tough little city. Nestled in a
river valley, Taipei’s beauty lies in its fusion of Chinese culture
with Japanese, Southeast Asian and American influences. The
cultural and political center of Taiwan, its bustling shopping
districts, contemporary architecture and a startlingly efficient
public transportation system, nod to the city’s modernity.

Come nightfall, shop and haggle at any number of the city’s
street markets where vendors peddle clothing, electronics and
various snacks.