Everything Taiwan

Flora Expo 2011
One of the biggest flower events in the world, Taipei’s annual Flora Expo is a must-visit—even if you’re not hugely into flowers, you’re sure to find some fascinating displays. Located in several of Taipei’s city parks from now through April 15, the event attracts hoards of happy horticulture enthusiasts and tourists seeking an early sneak peek at spring’s most fragrant blossoms. The massive expo includes facilities at Yuanshan Park, Fine Arts Park, Xinsheng Park and Dajia Riverside Park. Each park is partitioned into hundreds of unique outdoor pavilions, each representing a different flower-growing nation. Don’t miss the fields of tulips from the Netherlands, the emperor dahlias at the Japanese Zen garden or the honey date palms at the Sultanate of Oman pavilion. Besides wandering through the outdoor gardens, there are also daily competitions and shows in the many indoor arenas and plenty of open spaces to enjoy a pleasant picnic.
Flora Expo 2011, Taipei City Parks. Tickets available from www.2010taipeiexpo.tw

Huanshan Creative Park
Nothing quite shows off Taipei’s artistic side like the Huanshan Creative Park. Once the factory building of Taiwan’s biggest wine producer back in the 1920s, it was abandoned and later found in a state of utter disrepair by a group of local actors who set out to restore the rundown structure to its former glory. Since restoration began in the early 90s, scores of local artists have found their way through the gates, finding inspiration in the enchanting setting, open spaces and industrial architecture. In 2005, the Association of Culture Environment Reform Taiwan, a non-profit NGO, stepped up to deem the complex an official art center, owing to its multiple performance venues, artist studios, open grassy area and café. Nowadays, the venue is used to stage arts festivals, concerts, private functions and a weekend market, where local artisans can sell their wares. Head there in the evening for a chilled-out drink or two.
Huanshan Creative Park, Section 1, 1 Bade Rd., Zhong Zhen District, 886 (2) 2358-1914

The Red House
Named after its red brick exterior, The Red House has undergone multiple rejuvenation campaigns over the past century and remains a testament to Taiwan’s rich history. The first indoor wet market to be built in Taipei, it went through a massive restructuring by Japanese architect Kondo Juro, who, under the influence of the Japanese, revitalized the space with a European-style architectural flair that was popular at the time. Following the defeat of the Japanese in World War II, it was transformed into a movie theater, where it became a popular cinema for Western films until it finally shut its doors in the 90s. Today, the complex houses a variety of spectacular shows in the extensive indoor venue spaces. Like in Huanshan Creative Park, there’s also an arts and crafts market and an outdoor café. Film buffs flock to the fully restored movie theater for the best in arthouse and popular Hollywood hits.
The Red House, 10 Chengdu Rd., Wanhua District, 886 (2) 2311-9380, www.redhouse.org.tw

Primo
One of the most exclusive clubs in Taipei, you won’t be able to descend the lacquer steps nor catch a glimpse of Primo’s posh interiors (notably the 1,400 handmade glass bubbles dropping from the ceiling) unless you flash the buff bouncers your VIP card—or your most charming smile. Popular with locals and the expat banking crowds (think Dragon-i, but in Taipei), Primo is rumored to attract celebrities like Jay Chou, and hands-down hosts the hottest parties and events in the city.
Primo, 2/F, Section 5, 297 Zhongxiao East Rd., Xinyi District,
www.club-primo.com

Ming Yuen
While we can’t imagine why anyone would want to eat anywhere other than at Taipei’s famous night markets, fine dining aficionados will probably want to check out Ming Yuen, the brand new restaurant located in the modern art-influenced Hotel Eclat, a 60-room boutique hotel located in the center of Da-An district. Though it’s been open for less than a year, Ming Yuen has been making a splash thanks in no small part to its eclectic, almost surreal design at the hands of LA-based interiors guru Thomas Schoos. Stuffed with modern artworks, sculptural tables and chairs, statues and ornate cut-glass mirrors, the restaurant has four themed table areas and six private rooms—from the manly, leather-and-steel “gentlemen’s room” to the “horse table,” which is decorated with a real stuffed horse’s head (a vintage find, the press release assures us). Whether or not you choose to try the their menu of western and Chinese staples (the menu ranges from steak tartare to Peking duck) be sure to drop in for a cocktail at the Crystal Bar at the front of the restaurant to admire the jaw-dropping décor.
Ming Yuen, Section 1, 370 Dunhua South Rd., Da-An District, 886 (2) 2784-8888

W Taipei
So new you can practically still smell the fresh paint drying on the walls, the W Hotel Taipei opened just a month ago, but it’s already marking itself out as the place to stay for those looking to experience Taipei’s awesome nightlife. Once you’ve checked into one of the hotel’s 405 rooms, freshened up with a cocktail and admired the view of Taipei 101 at the spectacularly dramatic YEN bar on the 31st floor, head into downtown Xinyi for an evening of clubbing—or just head to the hotel’s WOOBAR, an awesome, ultra modern lounge where DJs spin in the background. Recuperate during the daytime by lounging around the pool or just taking in the modern yet all-natural ambience, created by a décor of warm stone and burnished wood.
W Hotel Taipei, Section 5, 10 Hongxiao East Rd., Xinyi District, 886 (2) 7703-8888