ASCPaLM 2026 Secretariat
Mr. Jun Tsai
Copyright © ASCPaLM 2026. All rights reserved
Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, is located in a basin in the northern part of the island. Originally home to Indigenous communities, the area began to develop into a major urban center following the arrival of Chinese settlers around 300 years ago. Today, Taipei is a vibrant metropolis that harmoniously blends rich cultural heritage with modern development.
As the political, economic, and cultural heart of Taiwan, Taipei features state-of-the-art infrastructure, an efficient transportation system, and world-leading technology. The city’s contemporary skyline—highlighted by the landmark Taipei 101—stands in contrast to its historic temples, traditional markets, and preserved neighborhoods, offering visitors a unique and multifaceted experience.
Taipei also boasts numerous world-class performance venues, hosting internationally acclaimed theater productions and concerts. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions, including modern shopping centers, dynamic nightlife, live music venues, international cuisine, and high-quality accommodations.
With its scenic surroundings, convenient accessibility, and renowned hospitality, Taipei serves as an ideal destination for international conferences and global gatherings. Whether you’re visiting for a short stay or an extended period, the city offers a memorable and welcoming experience at the heart of Asia.
This memorial hall was built in memory of Chiang Kai-shek, the first president of the Republic of China. Work on the hall began in 1976, a year after President Chiang passed away. Design by C.C. Yang, who was also the architect for The Grand Hotel, the memorial hall is white with a blue roof, representing the dominant colors in the ROC flag; while the emblem of the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) adorns the vaulted ceiling. A bronze statue of Chiang looks west symbolically to the Presidential Office Building and mainland China. The front plaza of the hall is also a major venue for democratic assemblies.
The National Palace Museum houses the world’s largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures, one which spans China’s nearly 5,000-year history. Most of the museum’s 620,000 art objects were part of the Chinese imperial collection, which began over 1,000 years ago in the early Sung dynasty. National Palace Museum is protecting and preserving the 5000-year cultural legacy of China with advanced technologies; cooperating with private connoisseurs and ushering in exhibitions from China; bringing the Museum’s collection to the global community and welcoming arts of the world to the Museum.
Guanshiyin Budda and other divine spirits. Longshan (lungshan) Temple is facing the South. Its architecture is a three-section design in shape. There are the front hall, the rear hall and the right/left dragons protecting the middle hall. The layout is square and serene. The temple was built in Qianlong 5th year in Qing Dynasty. Due to natural disaster and damages caused by men, the temple was restored for several times. The doors, beams, and poles are beautifully decorated. There is a pair of bronze dragon poles in the front hall, four pairs of dragon poles in the middle hall. The sculptures are delicate. There are also exquisite wood sculptures. Among them, the well and Budda setting in the main hall are highly appreciated. The temple has many Chinese poems, verses and lyrics on signs. These add a touch of literature in addition to the religious and sightseeing value.
There are great decorative lamp fairs and temple activities on historical festivals. On each 1st and 15th day each month of lunar year, regular visitors will come to the temple for worship ceremony. The temple attracts many people. At normal times, there are domestic/foreign tourists visiting the temple. Longshan (lungshan) Temple is not only a temple, a sightseeing attraction, but also a second-degree historical site. There are traditional streets/shops, antique shops, Buddhists article shops, and Chinese medicine shops surrounding the temple. These places are great to visit due to their richness in folk art.
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system run by the city government provides the most convenient commuting service between downtown and the suburbs of Taipei.
➡︎ More information: https://english.metro.taipei/
Taxis are widely available in Taipei and provide a convenient means of transportation throughout the city. While vehicles are metered, some long-distance or out-of-town trips may not follow standard rates. As most taxi drivers may not speak English, it is advisable to ask hotel staff to write down your destination and hotel address in Mandarin to help avoid misunderstandings.
Taipei has an extensive and well-organized bus network, making it an efficient option for getting around the city. Buses accept both the EasyCard and cash. Fares are distance-based, and passengers may need to pay either when boarding or alighting, depending on the route. Entry and exit are typically allowed from both the front and rear doors.
➡︎ More information: https://ebus.gov.taipei/Dybus.aspx
YouBike is Taipei’s public bicycle rental system, offering an eco-friendly and flexible way to explore the city. Visitors can rent a bike using an EasyCard after registering at a kiosk or online. One-time rentals are also available directly from kiosks. The system is convenient for both short trips and casual city exploration.
The THSR goes through 10 main cities along the western part of Taiwan at the moment.
➡︎ More information: https://www.thsrc.com.tw/en/?lc=en
Trains on the round-the-island rail network provide extremely convenient services. Tickets may be purchased three days in advance.
➡︎ More information: https://tip.railway.gov.tw/tra-tip-web/tip?lang=EN_US