Updates

Hall Yard Resort (花月溫泉館) in Beitou, which was said to have been undergoing renovation to be reopened, has closed. For the best hot springs to frequent in the area please see Hot Springs (溫泉) on page 73.

While in town you'd be remiss not to visit Beitou, a Taipei district rife with serene green parks and natural hot springs. Try Spring City Resort (春天酒店), Youya Road, #18, Beitou District, Taipei City (台北市北投區幽雅路18號) (02) 2897-5555. They have outstanding outdoor warm and cold springs so kids could play while the adults relax.

Beitou District has a lot to offer in terms of cultural life, as well, there are several museums such as Beitou Hot Springs Museum (北投溫泉博物館), Zhongshan Road, #2, Beitou District, Taipei (台北市北投區中山路2號) (02) 2893-9981. The museum is only a three-minute walk from Xinbeitou Station (新北投站).

Also check out Hell Valley (地熱谷), a natural sulfuric pond at the end of Zhongshan Road (中山路), approximately ten minutes by foot from Xinbeitou Station (新北投站). It takes around 25 minutes to reach Beitou Station from Taipei Main Station.

Another must-see while you're in town is Danshui (淡水), the last stop on the red line station heading north from Taipei. There are ample parks (with horseback riding behind the MRT weekends), historic relics and a wharf, which also boasts a sprawling park that the kids would enjoy. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) ride to Danshui takes about fifty-minutes from Taipei Main Station but it’s worth the trek.

In May the weather tends to be hot and sunny in the morning and early afternoon (around 80 F) with intermittent showers during late afternoons, and umbrellas can be purchased easily (and inexpensively) at most convenience stores. It cools down evenings and is hit or miss as far as light showers go.

Due to the success of the observatory at Taipei 101, Topview Taipei, Shin Kong Observatory (新光摩天展望台), has closed.

TAIPEI SEA WORLD (Fin’s Life Taipei) (台北海洋生活館) has closed.

Fu Lin Men (福臨門) Cantonese-style restaurant at Danshui Station (淡水捷運總站) has closed.

The Maokong Gondola (貓空纜車) is currently being renovated due to land erosion and is not expected to open until sometime in 2010. Have fun and enjoy your time on Taiwan, and if you need a personal Taiwan guide, I provide custom "Taipei in a Day" tours based on my best-selling Taiwan tour guide!  Feel free to contact me via www.taipeiinaday.com for details.  --Scott