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Information for visitors to the Mozilla office in Taipei.
=== Status ===


==Office Location==
This document is copied from [https://intranet.mozilla.org/index.php?title=Taipei&oldid=180197 the internal wiki of the same title] because it contains no confidential information. The [https://wiki.mozilla.org/index.php?title=Taipei&oldid=1074564 original content occupied this name space] is overwritten. You are encouraged check the original content and savage what's not mentioned here.


Address:
Since this is a wiki, this document only reflects travel experience of contributing Mozillians and does not imply position of Mozilla. Please don't quote this wiki page in the wrong way.


4F-A1, No. 106, Sec.5,Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist.,
=== Basics ===
Taipei City 11047, Taiwan
* '''Currency''': Taiwan uses the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Taiwan_dollar New Taiwan Dollar], NT$ in English or 元 in Chinese, currency code NTD. As of this writing exchange rates are roughly NT$30 to $1 USD and NT$40 to €1; see [http://www.oanda.com/currency/table?exch=TWD&sel_list=USD_EUR_CAD_GBP_NZD_AUD_JPY&value=1&format=HTML&redirected=1 current exchange rates]. There are ATMs available at the airport and in the ground floor lobby of the Mozilla office. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and the hotel with the usual caveats.
* '''Electricity''': Taiwan uses US-style electricity, including plugs (though you might have a little more trouble with ground pins or polarized plugs than in the US, but not much), voltage (110V, slightly lower than the US's 120V), and frequency (60Hz).
* '''Weather''': [http://uk.weather.com/weather/10day-TWXX0021:1:TW Forecast in °C], [http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/Taipei+TWXX0021:1:TW Forecast in °F], [http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/forecast/taiwan/Taipei_City.htm Government Forecast in °C], [http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/observe/radar/ Radar], [http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=241 Sunrise/Sunset], [http://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/earthquake/ Earthquakes]
* '''Water''': Locals do not drink the tap water without boiling or filtering it. Complimentary bottled water is provided by the hotel daily and is available cheaply all over the place. The office has water coolers and cups.
* '''Health''': Review the information provided by the [http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/taiwan.htm CDC (US)] and/or the [http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-%28east%29/taiwan.aspx NHS (UK)].  You should ask your doctor if you have any questions.
* '''Food''': If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, get them written down in Chinese before you leave home.
* '''Calendar''': Taiwan uses the western calendar, but years are frequently written in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minguo_calendar Min-guo calendar].  So 民國104年3月17日 or 2015年3月17日 could both be used to write March 17, 2015.


美商謀智台灣分公司
=== Airport Access ===
110 台北市信義區信義路五段106號


Walking directions from Grand Hyatt: http://goo.gl/maps/6ReXt
==== Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) ====


The closest [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_MRT metro] stops to the office are '''台北101/世貿 (Taipei 101 / World Trade Center)''' and '''象山 (Xiangshan)''' on the new Xinyi line (opened 2013-11-24).
Located in Taoyuan County, 45km (28 miles) away from the city center, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is linked to the island’s north area.


== Hotels ==
'''By Taxi'''<br/>
Only registered airport service taxis can pick up passengers at the two terminals. A taxi to the city center from the airport will set you back about NT$1,200. (And from Taipei city to the airport, it costs about NT$1,000). Do not expect taxi drivers to speak English, read the Latin alphabet, or understand your terrible attempts at pronouncing Chinese, so you should generally have the address of your destination in '''written Chinese'''.  (See below on the Grand Hyatt if that's your destination.)


=== Regent Taipei ===
'''By Limousine Service'''<br/>
Counters for limo service are in the arrival halls of both terminals. The fixed rate for anywhere in the city is NT$1,300(single high way included). Vans cost slightly less if travelers agree to be grouped together. Service in Terminal 1 is 9am-midnight, and 24 hours in Terminal 2.
 
'''By Bus'''<br/>
There is bus service from both terminals to the Grand Hyatt (and to many other places in Taipei). CitiAir bus 1960 runs to the Grand Hyatt in about 1 hour for NT$145 ([http://www.airbus.com.tw/busline/airportbusdetail.php?sn=1 description in Chinese], [http://www.airbus.com.tw/userfiles/images/airportbus/1960.jpg route map in Chinese and English]). The bus counter staff will understand enough English to sell you a ticket to the Grand Hyatt. Stops are not announced in English, so count the stops or pay attention to what's outside. If you miss the Grand Hyatt the end of the line is the next stop at Taipei City Hall Bus Station, which is only a 10 minute walk from the hotel. The bus is less convenient going back to the airport because it waits at each stop for several minutes.
 
more information:<br/>
http://www.taoyuan-airport.com/english/buses
 
'''By Train'''<br/>
Taiwan's High Speed Rail system links the major cities (including Taoyuan) of the west coast of the island with Taipei Main Station, but does not stop at Taoyuan airport.  There is an inexpensive (30 NT) shuttle bus from the terminals to the Taoyuan HSR station.  Once there you can take the HSR directly to Taipei Main Station.  The 175 NT service makes one stop (at Banqiao) and takes approximately 20 minutes.  Trains run with approximately 20 minute headways.  Once at Taipei Main Station you can transfer to the MRT Red Line towards Taipei 101.  Taking the HSR requires two transfers (shuttle bus to HSR, HSR to MRT or local bus/taxi) but can be faster than taking a taxi or bus if traffic on the #1 freeway is bad, especially in the reverse direction (where the 1960 bus makes and dwells at several stops).
 
A direct MRT link from Taoyuan Airport to Taipei is under construction but not expected to open until at least December 2015.
 
==== Songshan Airport (TSA; Domestic and regional-international) ====
 
If you are coming from Tokyo (Haneda, NOT Narita), Seoul (Gimpo), Shanghai (Hongqiao, not Pudong) and some other cities in China, it's possible to book a flight to the regional Songshan airport and land directly in the city to save some ground travel time.  Connecting to arrive at Songshan when originating from North America is generally not feasible, requiring airport changes (in Seoul and Shanghai), overnight layovers (at Haneda), and exorbitant prices.
 
* taxi to office, 15 minutes
* metro to office or hotels (see instructions for either); metro station is in airport
 
More info: http://www.tsa.gov.tw/
 
=== Hotels ===
 
==== Regent Taipei ====


Regent Taipei takes MRT to Taipei 101 Mall about 15 minutes. Situated in the Zhong Shan district, at the heart of the capital’s most vibrant cultural, entertainment and shopping areas, Regent Taipei is a 5 star hotel in Taipei that off ers travellers a bird’s eye view of modern Taiwanese life from a highly-convenient vantage point. Easily accessible from the Taipei Song Shan Airport and close to local hot spots such as art museums and historic buildings, Regent Taipei is the only hotel in Taiwan to house in excess of 50 of the world’s luxury designer boutiques in its Regent Galleria shopping mall. Wired and wireless connectivity is available throughout the hotel.
Regent Taipei takes MRT to Taipei 101 Mall about 15 minutes. Situated in the Zhong Shan district, at the heart of the capital’s most vibrant cultural, entertainment and shopping areas, Regent Taipei is a 5 star hotel in Taipei that off ers travellers a bird’s eye view of modern Taiwanese life from a highly-convenient vantage point. Easily accessible from the Taipei Song Shan Airport and close to local hot spots such as art museums and historic buildings, Regent Taipei is the only hotel in Taiwan to house in excess of 50 of the world’s luxury designer boutiques in its Regent Galleria shopping mall. Wired and wireless connectivity is available throughout the hotel.
Line 32: Line 63:




=== Grand Hyatt Taipei ===
==== Grand Hyatt Taipei ====


Grand Hyatt Taipei hotel anchors the city’s most vibrant commercial center in the Xinyi district.  Adjacent to Taipei 101 Mall and Financial Tower, this five-star business hotel is conveniently linked to the Taipei World Trade Center, the Taipei International Convention Center and the Exhibition Halls.  Located in the heart of Taipei’s most dynamic business, shopping and entertainment district, our hotel in Taipei affords both business and leisure travelers the utmost in convenience.
Grand Hyatt Taipei hotel anchors the city’s most vibrant commercial center in the Xinyi district.  Adjacent to Taipei 101 Mall and Financial Tower, this five-star business hotel is conveniently linked to the Taipei World Trade Center, the Taipei International Convention Center and the Exhibition Halls.  Located in the heart of Taipei’s most dynamic business, shopping and entertainment district, our hotel in Taipei affords both business and leisure travelers the utmost in convenience.
Line 50: Line 81:
'''Laundry''':  There is an [https://plus.google.com/105661139456057684683/about?hl=en easy-to-use 24 hour laundromat] a very short walk from the hotel.  Nearly everything has English labels in addition to Chinese.  Soap NT$10 (accepts bills or coins, gives change, be careful to pick the soap rather than the other items), washer NT$50/NT$70/NT$100 (function of washer size, takes NT$10 and NT$50 coins only), dryer NT$10/6min (takes NT$10 coins only, I think).
'''Laundry''':  There is an [https://plus.google.com/105661139456057684683/about?hl=en easy-to-use 24 hour laundromat] a very short walk from the hotel.  Nearly everything has English labels in addition to Chinese.  Soap NT$10 (accepts bills or coins, gives change, be careful to pick the soap rather than the other items), washer NT$50/NT$70/NT$100 (function of washer size, takes NT$10 and NT$50 coins only), dryer NT$10/6min (takes NT$10 coins only, I think).


=== Home Hotel ===
==== Home Hotel ====


http://www.homehotel.com.tw/
http://www.homehotel.com.tw/
Line 56: Line 87:
We have a contract with Home Hotel for a better rate than Egencia. You can book directly though Mavis Liao mavis.liao@homehotel.com.tw.
We have a contract with Home Hotel for a better rate than Egencia. You can book directly though Mavis Liao mavis.liao@homehotel.com.tw.


Home Hotel is a very nice hotel, is closer to the office, includes breakfast, and the food (both breakfast and room service) is quite good. The Grand Hyatt does not include breakfast, which is 30USD. The internet is quite good enough for Vidyo.
Home Hotel is a very nice hotel, is closer to the office, includes breakfast, and the food (both breakfast and room service) is quite good. The Grand Hyatt does not include breakfast, which is 30USD.


=== Royal Biz Taipei ===
==== Royal Biz Taipei ====


While it's a bit further from the office (a few stops by subway), a number of us have had good experiences staying at the [http://www.royalbiz.com.tw/about_en.php Royal Biz Taipei (金來商旅)], 71 Sec 1 Jinshan S Rd, Taipei 10056, Taiwan (台北市中正區金山南路一段71號).  It is ''much'' less expensive than the Grand Hyatt.  It is also in a less Westernized (and hence to some more interesting) part of the city, not far from Da'an park.
While it's a bit further from the office (a few stops by subway), a number of us have had good experiences staying at the [http://www.royalbiz.com.tw/about_en.php Royal Biz Taipei (金來商旅)], 71 Sec 1 Jinshan S Rd, Taipei 10056, Taiwan (台北市中正區金山南路一段71號).  It is ''much'' less expensive than the Grand Hyatt.  It is also in a less Westernized (and hence to some more interesting) part of the city, not far from Da'an park.
Line 72: Line 103:
'''Laundry''': There is also a [http://www.openstreetmap.org/node/2536456936#map=18/25.03821/121.52677 24-hour laundry] walking distance from the hotel (it's on Hangzhou Rd S, which is one major street west along Ren'ai Road, and also on the opposite side of Ren'ai).  The hotel reception desk will hand you a flyer with a map and picture if you ask where to find a laudromat.
'''Laundry''': There is also a [http://www.openstreetmap.org/node/2536456936#map=18/25.03821/121.52677 24-hour laundry] walking distance from the hotel (it's on Hangzhou Rd S, which is one major street west along Ren'ai Road, and also on the opposite side of Ren'ai).  The hotel reception desk will hand you a flyer with a map and picture if you ask where to find a laudromat.


==SIM Cards==
=== Mozilla Office ===
 
Grand Hyatt and other hotels in the Shifu (City Hall) area are within walking distance of the office. From much of the city the easiest way to get to the office is to take the red (Xinyi) MRT line to Taipei 101/World Trade Center station.  The red line provides direct service to Taipei Main Station and the Taiwan High Speed Rail terminal there.
 
The office is located in the Xinyi Jing Mao Da Lou.
 
Walking from the Grand Hyatt to the Taipei office should only take 10 to 15 minutes. Walking directions [http://goo.gl/maps/HeJYM in Chinese], or [http://goo.gl/OQvoI in English]
 
[https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/976478_10151400036476205_1855335477_o.jpg View approaching the office from Taipei 101, it's the white JP Morgan building.]
 
* '''Mozilla's company name in Chinese''':美商謀智台灣分公司
* '''Office address''': 110 台北市信義區信義路五段106號
* '''Office address''': 4F-A1, No. 106, Sec. 5, Xinyi Rd., Xinyi Dist.,Taipei City 11047, Taiwan
** 4F means fourth floor
** don't worry about the A1; you'll see it when you get out of the elevator
** No. 106 is the building's number
** Sec. 5 is the section of Xinyi Road.  Major roads in Taipei are divided into sections at each crossing of a major street, and each section has its own set of numbers.  Some Roads that cross halves of the city are also split into N/S or E/W.  So don't look for a number in the wrong section.
* '''Office telephone''': +886-2-8786-1100
 
=== Public Transportation ===
 
Taipei Metro is quite convenient and easy. Everything in signed in English (and Chinese is consistently romanized in Hanyu Pinyin) and the staff speak at least basic English. The fare is distanced based with a minimum of NT$20. Tokens can be bought at the ticket machine before entry. Fare cards are NT$100 to purchase and provide a 20% discount. The "EasyCard" can also be used on buses and in convenience stores, much like the Octopus card in Hong Kong.
 
* [http://english.trtc.com.tw/np.asp?ctNode=49778&mp=122032 metro guide]
* [http://english.trtc.com.tw/ct.asp?xItem=1056373&CtNode=49780&mp=122032 route map]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_Metro Taipei Metro (wikipedia)]
 
City Buses can take you closer to the destination than metro, although it is complicated and not friendly. Minimal fare would be NT$15, pay on-board OR off board depend on the sign. One might need to pay when both on-board AND off-board if it's a long trip. NO CHANGE GIVEN, EXACT CHANGE ONLY.
 
Public transportation can be planned on Google Maps.
 
For intra-city transportation, there is high speed rail (HSR) and railway (TRA), and highway buses.
 
Keep in mind that outside of Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taichung, public transportation is pretty much useless. Most locals ride scooters -- you can rent one if you dare!
 
=== Food ===
 
Taiwan offers various cuisine due to its rich culture and historical background. Chinese, Japanese, and of course Taiwanese food are pretty genuine here.
 
The Taipei 101 food court has a variety of fast food options.  If you're looking for something a little more involved, Kate provided the following list:
 
==== Vegetarian Restaurants ====
 
1. Lian-chi-ge Vegetarian Buffet 蓮池閣 (red sign).  Location: B1, No.153, Sec.4, Xinyi Rd.  Some pictures of the restaurant and the food: http://www.lck888.com/a04-a.htm
 
2. Easy House Vegetarian cuisine.  Location: at Neo 19 3F (Neo 19: No.22, Song Shou Rd.)  http://www.easyhouse.tw/html/meal/meal_01.asp
 
3. Ming De Vegetarian buffet.  Location: It's at the food court in Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A8 department store(B1), and at Eslite bookstore B2 as well. Not a fancy restaurant but the food is good!
 
==== Chinese Restaurants ====
 
1. Din-Tai-Fung (Taipei 101 B1).  Dumplings.  Can't miss. http://www.dintaifung.com.tw/en/default.htm
 
2. FiFi Restaurant.  It's at Eslite bookstore 6F (the bookstore is near Taipei City Hall Metro Station).  Sorry there's no English version of website but we've been there before, and the food is pretty good!
 
3. Redbeandining Restaurant.  In Shin Kong Mitsukoshi A9 department store, 7F.
 
4. South Beauty.  Location: 6F, No.12, Song Shou Rd. (It's in the department store - Att 4 fun)  http://www.southbeauty.com/en/
 
5. 1010 Xiang (Hunan cuisine).  If you like spicy food, it will be a nice choice.  Location: at Eslite bookstore 6F (Eslite bookstore: No.11, Song Gao Rd.)  http://www.1010restaurant.com/index.php?cid=2&mid=1&sid=1
 
6. KiKi Restaurant.  Location: at Eslite bookstore 4F (Eslite bookstore: No.11, Song Gao Rd.)  http://www.kiki1991.com/
 
7. Shao Shao Ke.  Location: #15, alley 41, RenAi Rd. section 2, Taipei, Taiwan 台北市仁愛路二段41巷15號.  Food from Shaanxi province in China, with more Central Asian influence than most Chinese food. http://fewdblog.com/?p=605
 
8. China Pa.  Location No. 145號, Section 1, Ānhé Rd, Daan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 106, near the Xinyi Anhe MRT Station on the Red Line.  This place turns into a live music venue later in the evening with indoor smoking, so you probably want to go early.
 
9. Beijing Do It True (北平都一處).  506 RenAi Rd Sec 4 / 仁愛路四段506號 (just northwest of the Grand Hyatt).  Beijing food.  http://taipei543.com/2013/01/22/beijing-do-it-true/
 
==== Japanese Restaurants ====
 
Japanese food, like most other Japanese things, is extremely popular in Taiwan.  There are a variety of great Japanese restaurants to choose from.
 
1. Sanji Ramen - Att4Fun 5F.  Menu is only in Chinese and Japanese, but it has lots of pictures, and the staff speaks English.  http://hungryintaipei.blogspot.tw/2012/02/ramen-i-recommend-ramen-sanji.html
 
2. Butaichi Ramen - Hankyu Mall B2, #A4.  This is better known as the food court in Taipei City Hall MRT Station.  Menu is in English, lots of pictures, and the staff speaks English.  http://hungryintaipei.blogspot.com/2014/03/ramenjapanese-i-recommend-butaichi-ramen.html
 
==== Other suggestions ====
 
There are a variety of good hole-in-the-wall type places in the neighborhood south of the office (away from Xinyi Road and Taipei 101).  For best results, befriend one of the locals and ask them to take you there.  Be respectful of their time, of course.  Don't expect English menus or English speaking staff.
 
* Noodle restaurant
* Beef noodle restaurant
* Taiwan chicken
 
I found http://hungryintaipei.blogspot.com/ to be a great resource for discovering some places.
 
For the adventurous, '''Night market''' offers small food stands for you to try out. One of the (in)famous ones being the stinky tofu (ask anyone from the B2G team).
 
'''FAQ: Where to get food after 10pm'''
 
Unfortunately except diners near the night market, fast food, and bars, most dinner places close before 10pm (Taiwanese family start their dinners around 6-7pm, much earlier than people in the U.S. and Europe). Your choices would be go to either places described above, or grab microwave food at convenient stores such as 7-Eleven. Microwave food comes with much variety, worth to check out. [http://hungryintaipei.blogspot.tw/2010/03/snacksnapshot-i-strongly-recommend-7-11.html Here] is a hilarious intro on 7-Eleven in Taiwan.
 
For people stay at the City Hall area, the nearest night market to go would be Tungwha St., located [https://maps.google.com/?ll=25.029413,121.557348&spn=0.006649,0.011362&t=m&z=17 here]. The same location feature farmers market ("traditional market") during a.m. hours.
 
The Grand Hyatt has room service for prices that aren't unreasonable for Western countries (but are rather expensive for Taiwan).
 
=== Fun ===
 
'''A couple hours'''
 
[http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293913-d2019764-Reviews-Elephant_Mountain_aka_Nangang_District_Hiking_Trail-Taipei.html Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)] is a ~100m hill that has a spectacular view of Taipei 101, the Xinyi district, and much of Taipei.  It's a quick hike (20-25 minutes from the office, including time to walk to the foot of the trail) but the trails continue much further into the hills if you want to go farther.
 
The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mengjia_Longshan_Temple Longshan Temple] is an interesting place to visit, especially if you've never been somepace like it before.  There are several other temples scattered throughout the city, and if you wander around enough you will likely see small shrines all over the place.  If you are in town on the right days you may notice people burning [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_paper ghost money] outside on the streets.
 
Rent a bike and go for a ride on Taipei's riverside parks.  Taipei has an extensive network of riverside parks, trails, and bike paths.  Take the MRT to Gongguan station (on the green line) and follow the signs to the water park.  Keep going past the water park towards the river and you will find a bike rental shop.  You can rent a bike hourly (post-paid) for a very low price.  They will want your passport as collateral.  From the rental facility to the confluence of Taipei's two rivers and back is a 3-4 hour ride at a reasonable pace.  There are several points along the river where you can pass through the flood walls that separate the city from the river.  These are useful for exploring, or stopping at a 7-11 to pick up another bottle of water.  You can also rent bikes from the Taipei city bikeshare system, Youbike, but this requires an MRT card and a Taiwanese cell phone number to set up.  Youbikes are also not as comfortable for long distances.
 
Wikivoyage has [http://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Taipei lots more advice] about what to see, including a [http://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/One_day_in_Taipei suggested itinerary for a ''packed'' one-day tourist visit] which highlights some of the top attractions.  You can pick a few things off of here that sound interesting.
 
Here are some places where you may find something special for souvenirs:
 
*Eslite Bookstore (Xinyi store) - http://goo.gl/WBHXn
 
Opened in 2006, the 8,000-square meter Xinyi District bookstore is Taiwan's largest bookstore and carries a wide selection of books.  The bookstore is divided into subjects for easy browsing.  Readers are welcome to read books in designated areas.
 
It take only 10 minutes walk from Grand Hyatt to the bookstore.
 
*Huashan 1914 Creative Park
http://www.huashan1914.com/en/index.html
 
There are some exhibitions and restaurants, and I remember there's a shop with
special things for souvenirs, which are designed by the artists.
 
How to get there: Take the Nangang/Blue Line to Zhong Xiao Xing Sheng Station (忠孝新生). Take Exit one and continue to walk straight for about a block until you see an underpass and a giant red diamond.
The Huashan Creative Park is just across the street.


You can get SIM cards at Chunghwa Telecom shop about 1.5 blocks away from the hotel


* Walking directions: http://goo.gl/maps/DXNeA
Or try night markets:)
* I paid 500$NT ($16USD) for 10 days of unlimited mobile data (no voice, sms).
* Bring your passport, take a number, and ask for someone who speaks English.
* Took about 30 minutes altogether.


==Eating==
*Raohe Street Tourist Night Market - http://goo.gl/aSdPK


Notes: The malls have lots of food shops in and around them, and usually a food court in the basement floor.
It's better to take a taxi from the office or the hotel.
The pronunciation of the name should be: Rao-He-Ye-Shi.


Fast and easy options:
'''Day trips'''
* The Grand Hyatt hotel has many restaurants in it, if you're tired.
* Taipei 101 basement food court - From French bakery to sushi-go-round, tons of options. Also has a grocery store.
** [http://www.taipeitravel.net/frontsite/en/food/foodListAction.do?method=doStoreDetail&iscancel=true&menuId=1030601&storeSerNo=32011051800000150 Ding Tai Fung] - famous for Chinese dumplings - there is one right beside the food court of Taipei 101 basement
* Eslite basement food court - Again, many options here.
* American food.: I've seen at least 4 Starbucks in the area around the Hyatt, as well Gordon Biersch, CPK and TGI Fridays.
* Irish Potato... tempting just for the novelty.
* 7-11/FamilyMart have lots of food - snacks, drinks, beer, microwaved meals (not too bad) and instant noodles if anyone gets hungry in the middle of the night or just want to experience.


The [http://www.npm.gov.tw/en/ National Palace Museum] has one of the leading collections of Chinese art in the world.  You could easily spend an entire day here.  The museum is accessible by bus from Shilin MRT station on the red line and Dazhi MRT station on the brown line.  Alternatively, a taxi from the Taipei 101 area costs only a couple hundred NT.


Night markets (pick one of it will be fine)
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiufen Jiufen] is a popular tourist town in the hills north of Taipei overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  The main tourist attraction is the old street, a vibrant commercial strip set on tiny streets with shops selling all sorts of random food and drink. There are also a number of teahouses you can sit down and relax in. Mount Jilong, across the main road, is a 2000ft peak with a nice trail that leads to stunning views of Jiufen and the rest of Taiwan's northern coast. On an especially clear day you might even be able to make out Taipei 101 in the distance. There's a car service available for about NT$3300 (US$110) that will drive up to 3 people to Jiufen and other locations in between Jiufen and Taipei. The driver will pick you up at your hotel at 9AM and bring you back around 7PM. This is very convenient and affordable if not traveling alone. [mailto:wsh2526@yahoo.com.tw E-mail] or call (0913967292) Jerry's Taxi Service for more info.
* [http://www.taipeitravel.net/frontsite/en/food/foodListAction.do?method=doStoreDetail&iscancel=true&menuId=1030601&storeSerNo=32011051800000555 Shilin Night Market]
* [http://www.taipeitravel.net/frontsite/en/food/foodListAction.do?method=doStoreDetail&iscancel=true&menuId=1030601&storeSerNo=32011051800000567 Huaxi Street Tourist Night Market] - famous for Chinese herbal cuisine cooked with <b>snake</b> :)
* [http://www.taipeitravel.net/frontsite/en/food/foodListAction.do?method=doStoreDetail&iscancel=true&menuId=1030601&storeSerNo=32011051800000583 Raohe Street Tourist Night Market]


==Sightseeing==
The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maokong_Gondola Maokong Gondola], at the southern end of the brown MRT line, will take you from Taipei Zoo into the hills south of the city. Maokong is best known for its tea shops. There are a number of hiking trails in the area, and the hills provide good views of much of the city. The [http://www.chih-nan-temple.org/language/en_about.htm Chi-Nan] (or Zhinan) temple is also accessible from the Gondola. It is a large Taoist temple complex built into the side of a mountain.
* https://etherpad.mozilla.org/taipei-workweek-welcome-kit
* Taipei City
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293913-d552573-Reviews-Taipei_101-Taipei.html Taipei 101] (close to office)
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293913-d2019764-Reviews-Elephant_Mountain_aka_Nangang_District_Hiking_Trail-Taipei.html Elephant Mountain (aka Nangang District Hiking Trail)] (close to office)
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293913-d552571-Reviews-Sun_Yat_Sen_Memorial_Hall-Taipei.html Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall] (close to office)
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293913-d1372926-Reviews-Lungshan_Temple-Taipei.html Lungshan Temple]
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293913-d456231-Reviews-Chiang_Kai_Shek_Memorial_Hall-Taipei.html Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall]
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293913-d321216-Reviews-National_Palace_Museum-Taipei.html National Palace Museum]
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293913-d552542-Reviews-Beitou_Hot_Spring-Taipei.html Beitou Hot Spring]
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g293913-d2465898-Reviews-Huashan_1914_Creative_Park-Taipei.html Huashan 1914 Creative Park]
* Outside of Taipei City
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1432365-d1237188-Reviews-Chiufen_Jiufen_Old_Street-Xinbei.html Jiufen Old Street]
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1432365-d550250-Reviews-Yeh_Liu_Geo_Park-Xinbei.html Yeh Liu Geo Park]
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1432365-d552547-Reviews-Danshuei-Xinbei.html Danshuei]
** [http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1432365-d2624620-Reviews-Juming_Museum-Xinbei.html Juming Museum]


==Shopping==
'''Longer'''


* Eslite: About 1 block from the Hyatt, this 6 floor store is somewhere between Tokyo's Tokyu Hands and Powell's Books in Portland. Great place for gifts. - Eslite floors 2 & 3 is a 24hour bookstore if anyone can't sleep.
Be warned that anywhere outside of Taipei it will be substantially harder to get by with English, except at places that specifically cater to tourists.


* Mitsukoshi stores - Buildings with between the Vieshow Cinemas(where Chunghua Telecom store is) and the Eslite building are Mitsukoshi department stores. Weekday hours are til 9.30pm and Friday/Saturday til 10pm.
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaohsiung Kaohsiung] is the second largest city in Taiwan.  It is located in southwestern Taiwan, and is at the end of the Taiwan High Speed Rail line.  On the fastest trains it can be reached from Taipei Main Station in 96 minutes for about 50 USD. Kaohsiung is the only other city in Taiwan with an MRT system, which is great for getting around easily without taking your life into your own hands in Taiwan's traffic. Kaohsiung is a major port city with some of the largest ship building facilities in the world. Attractions in town include:


==General Tips==
* Cijin island: A natural breakwater island in Kaohsiung harbor.  It has a lighthouse, an old fort, and a famous temple dedicated to the goddess of sailors.  There are also a number of markets with food stalls and more, much like a night market (except during the day).  The island is accessible by a quick ferry ride, and you can bring a bike on the ferry.
* The Dome of Light: at Formosa Boulevard MRT station, where Kaohsiung's two MRT lines intersect, a large public art display is built into the ceiling of the station's main hall.
* Lotus Lake: In Zuoying, not far from the High Speed Rail Station, Lotus Lake has several temples.  These include the Dragon-Tiger and Spring-Autumn pavilions, and Taiwan's largest Confucius temple.  Some of the temples are actually built in the lake and accessible via a boardwalk.
* Love River: The main river in Kaohsiung has a number of riverside parks and paths (smaller than Taipei's) along with cafes and other places to stop at watch.
* Night markets: Two night markets worth visiting in Kaohisung are [http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0002121&id=2245 Liuhe Night Market] and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruifeng_Night_Market Ruifeng Night Market].  For Liuhe, take the MRT to Formosa Blvd Station, exit 1.  The night market is on the street immediately to your left.  Try the local delicacy: papaya milk.  Ruifeng is accessible via the Kaohsiung Arena Station on the Red line.  Exit and walk west along Yucheng road.  In contrast to Liuhe, which is set on a wide open street, Ruifeng has endless rows of stalls crowded together in a rather claustrophobic setting.


* Don't drink tap water. Only drink bottled water.
Taiwan is a small island, but much of the population is concentrated along the relatively flat Western coast.  The mountainous Eastern coast is largely undeveloped, and much of it is preserved as various parks.  The most notable of these is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taroko_National_Park Taroko National Park], home to Taroko gorge.  Take a Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) train from Taipei Main Station to Hualien via Yilan (this is a 2-3 hour trip).  Once at Hualien, you can either take the Tourist shuttle bus (exit the train station and turn left to find the ticket area) or hire a taxi driver for the day.  The bus runs only once an hour, and is *extremely* crowded in the late afternoon when everyone leaves at the same time.  Were I to do this again I would hire the driver. The ones that speak English will offer their services as you leave the train station. There are a variety of things to do and see in Tarako Gorge, including a number of hiking trails, temples, shrines, etc, but availability can change frequently (especially when trails are washed out by typhoons) so checking at the visitors center for an up to date list is a good idea.  Tarako Gorge is a popular tourist spot but western tourists are relatively rare (most are Chinese or Japanese, usually in large tour groups). Another option is [http://tarokolodge.blogspot.tw Taroko Lodge], a homestay; see http://robert.ocallahan.org/2014/03/taroko-national-park.html.
* Always carry an umbrella (random afternoon rain)


==Reference==
For drinks & nightlife:
- Barcode is a decent lounge https://www.facebook.com/Barcode.Taipei
- Le Meridian has a great patio
- W Woobar
- Brown Sugar has live band http://www.brownsugarlive.com/taipei/main.html
- Brassmonkey a bit more low-key but fun http://www.brassmonkeytaipei.com/directions.html#.Uug4TPY1gy4


* https://intranet.mozilla.org/FirefoxOS_Leo_QE3_Workweek_June_2013
=== Special Food ===
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stinky_tofu Stinky tofu]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iron_egg Iron egg]
*[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Century_egg Century egg]
*[http://taiwanfoodculture.net/ct.asp?xItem=68502&ctNode=2682&mp=1502 Ginger duck]
=== Additional information ===
* [http://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Taipei wikivoyage:Taipei]
* [https://wiki.mozilla.org/Taipei public wiki.mozilla.org:Taipei]
* [[Web Rendering Work Week May 2013]] has a bunch of useful stuff for visitors that should perhaps be merged here
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