[TAIWAN] TAIPEI - Exploring the Taipei 101 District

08:00 Travel Bunny 0 Comments


Rising from the heart of the Xinyi District like a giant, glass bamboo stalk, Taipei 101 is more than just a skyscraper; it is the beating heart of Taiwan's capital. While most tourists head straight for the observatory, the area surrounding the tower is packed with hidden gems, world-class dining, and whimsical art.

We started our explore from National Dr Sun Yat Sen Memorial hall. Although the National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall is temporarily closed for renovation, we went there to see its exterior before walking towards Taipei 101. 

There was a Pride Parade ongoing in one of the squares on our way to Taipei 101.

Taipei 101’s architecture is a beautiful blend of high-tech and culture. The tower is divided into eight distinct segments, a nod to the lucky number 8 in Chinese culture, symbolizing prosperity and wealth. Its shape is intentionally modeled after bamboo, a plant that represents strength, resilience, and growth in Asian philosophy. Look closely at the exterior, and you’ll also see stylized dragon heads and ancient coins—symbols of protection and financial success.

Taipei is situated in a zone prone to both typhoons and earthquakes. To keep the building from swaying too much, engineers installed a 660-metric ton steel pendulum between the 87th and 92nd floors. Known as the Tuned Mass Damper (TMD), this massive gold sphere is the only one in the world visible to the public. It’s a literal life-saver that can reduce the building's sway by up to 40%.

Located just across the street from the 101 tower, you’ll find two of the most photographed spots in the district. The iconic red sculpture “The LOVE Art Installation” by Robert Indiana is a Taipei staple. Located right at the base of Taipei 101, it’s the perfect place to snap that "I was here" photo.

Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Jimmy’s Moon Bus, a bus that looks like it drove straight out of a storybook. Based on the works of famous Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy Liao, this stationary art installation features a "Moon Bus" filled with adorable characters and a mirrored interior that feels like a dreamscape. It’s a nostalgic, charming contrast to the sleek skyscrapers surrounding it.

For a truly unforgettable meal, we headed up to the 86th floor of Taipei 101 to A Joy. This isn't just a buffet; it is widely considered the most luxurious dining experience(approximately NT$3280 per adult) in Taiwan. We checked in on the 1st floor near the intersection of Xinyi Road (south side) to take the dedicated elevator up to the restaurant.

Dress the Part: While there isn't a strict "black tie" code, the ambiance is upscale. Smart casual is the way to go to feel at home in the sleek surroundings.

A Joy is notoriously hard to book. Online reservation for A Joy buffet through the official website is typically reserved for Taiwanese. If you’re a foreigner, you need to first bypass the website using VPN, select the website in the Mandarin language and have a Taiwan phone number ready for the reservation. Confirmation code will be sent to the Taiwan phone number. We were lucky that our Airbnb host agreed to let us made the reservation using his Taiwan phone number.

Reservations are generally opened one month in advance (for standard bookings) at 9:00 AM Taiwan time. A non-refundable deposit of NT$1,000 per person (including children) is required to confirm the reservation, payable online by credit card. Take note that online booking is usually limited to a maximum of 8 people. For larger groups (over 8 or private rooms), you must call. For easier ways, book through Klook or Traveloka. It is slightly more expensive than booking directly.

The interior design incorporates elements of Taiwan’s landscape—mountains, oceans, and urban grit—all while framed by floor-to-ceiling windows that offer breathtaking views of the city below.

A Joy focuses on high-end local ingredients, featuring everything from fresh sashimi and grilled lobster to traditional Taiwanese delicacies reimagined with gourmet flair. The impressive buffet spread includes wagyu beef, lobster, snow crab, scallop, abalone, Buddha-jump-wall soup and etc. The buffet is divided into themed "territories" that highlight premium ingredients, mostly sourced from Taiwan’s rich agricultural and maritime regions.

The Seafood Harbor: This is usually the first stop for most diners. Expect mountains of sashimi, freshly shucked oysters, and succulent red maple crab. The quality rivals top-tier sushi dens.

The Grill & Roast: Moving inland, you’ll find the carving station featuring Wagyu beef and slow-roasted meats. Don't miss the grilled tiger prawns, which are often prepared to order.

Traditional Delights: Joy doesn't forget its roots. You can find elevated versions of Taiwanese classics, from sophisticated dim sum to rich, nourishing soups that pay homage to local street food culture.

The Sweet Finale: The dessert wing is a masterpiece of patisserie. From delicate French macarons to custom-made chocolates infused with Taiwanese tea, it is a sugar lover's dream.

Craft Cocktails & Tea: Unlike many buffets that offer standard fountain drinks, Joy features a dedicated bar with professional baristas and bartenders serving premium oolong teas and curated cocktails.

We were so lucky to get seated beside the glass window. Because it sits so high in the tower, we got panoramic views of the city while we dined. I stuffed ourselves so full that I didn’t eat dinner afterwards, haha.

After the meal, we mailed a free postcard back home. 

As the sun began to set and the tower lit up, we headed toward the Xinyi Anhe MRT station for a unique perspective. While everyone else is fighting for space at the 101 base, this is a local favorite. 

How to get there: Exit Xinyi Anhe Station at Exit 1 and walk toward the intersection of Xinyi Road and Tonghua Street. Look back toward the tower.

From this specific angle, the narrow street creates a "canyon" effect, perfectly framing Taipei 101 between the older residential buildings and the bright neon signs of the city. Although it is technically a back lane, it is brightly lit with street lamp. 

If you want Taipei 101 to appear bigger in your photo, just zoom in 3x with your phone camera. 

Here are some other nearby attractions where you can get some good photographs of the 101 tower:
44 South Military Village
DREAM PLAZA sky garden on 7th floor
Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan) Trail

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