Country | Taiwan, China |
Area | 271.80 km2 (104.94 sq mi) (16th) |
Time Zone | UTC+8 (National Standard Time) |
Coordinates | 25.04776, 121.53185 |
Highest elevation | None |
City Gallery
City Description
Taipei, officially known as Taipei City, is the capital and a special municipality of Taiwan, China. Nestled in Northern Taiwan, Taipei City is an enclave of New Taipei City, approximately 25 km southwest of the port city of Keelung. Most of Taipei sits on the Taipei Basin, an ancient lakebed surrounded by the Keelung and Xindian rivers, which converge to form the Tamsui River along the city’s western border.
As of March 2023, the municipality of Taipei is home to an estimated population of 2,494,813, making it the core of the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, also known as Greater Taipei. This metropolitan area includes New Taipei and Keelung, collectively housing 7,047,559 people, making it the 40th most populous urban area globally. Approximately one-third of Taiwanese citizens live in the Greater Taipei area.
Historically, Taipei has been a political center since 1887, when it first became the seat of Taiwan Province during the Qing dynasty. It continued to serve as a political hub through Japanese rule (1895-1945) and again from 1945 to 1956 under the ROC government. In 1949, Taipei became the national seat of the ROC central government, and on July 1, 1967, it was designated as a special municipality.
Economically, Taipei is a major player in Taiwan’s high-tech industry, forming a significant part of a high-tech industrial area. It is a vital economic, political, educational, and cultural center, rated as an “Alpha − City” by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network (GaWC). The city boasts excellent connectivity with railways, highways, airports, and bus lines linking it to all parts of the island. Taipei is served by two airports: Songshan Airport and Taoyuan International Airport.
Culturally and architecturally, Taipei is rich with landmarks such as Taipei 101 (formerly the tallest building in the world), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Dalongdong Baoan Temple, Hsing Tian Kong, Lungshan Temple of Manka, the National Palace Museum, Presidential Office Building, Taipei Guest House, and Zhinan Temple. The city is also known for its vibrant shopping districts like Ximending and numerous night markets scattered throughout the area. Natural attractions include Maokong, Yangmingshan, and several hot springs.
Taipei’s international significance is evident in its role as a synecdoche in English-language news, often representing the central government that controls the Taiwan Area. The term “Chinese Taipei” is frequently used internationally, especially in sporting events and other global organizations, to navigate the complex political status of Taiwan.
In summary, Taipei is a bustling, modern metropolis with deep historical roots and a dynamic role in global economics, politics, and culture. Its unique blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology makes it a fascinating and vibrant city.
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