City Guide: Taipei, Taiwan
09 March, 2018
This article appears in Vol 22: The Design Issue
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.
hotel
CitizenM Taipei North Gate
Taipei, Taiwan
This inaugural opening in Asia for global hotel brand citizenM overlooks the Tamsui River and is a short distance from the shopping district of Ximending. Alongside signature citizenM touchstones such as the open-plan “Living Room” lobby space and self check-in kiosk, a host of local Taiwanese design talent have brought their influence to bear on the property – check out emerging graffiti artist ANO’s outdoor mural and works by famed photographer Chou Ching Hui.
hotel
Play Design Hotel
Taipei, Taiwan
Sometimes you book a hotel simply as a place to crash for the night, but occasionally a room is so thoughtful and personal that you end up wanting to stay. Play Design Hotel is this sort of place. Why? Because you curate your room’s furnishings and accessories on their website before check-in.There’s a broad selection of products from local designers that you can drag and drop into the floorplan, making your room a living gallery of contemporary Taiwanese design. The hotel’s concept has proved popular among travelling creatives, and its rooms are some of the most in-demand in the city.