Taipei en 2 jours

Your immersion in the Taiwanese capital begins at the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial, erected in honor of the former leader in the heart of a 25-hectare park. Among gardens and peaceful ponds, discover the National Theater and the National Concert Hall, two buildings of traditional architecture. The large esplanade that separates them is also a place of life appreciated by residents.

Continue to the National Palace Museum (closed every Monday), which houses an extensive collection of Chinese artworks and artifacts. A dive through several millennia of history and art.

In the mid-afternoon, head towards Taipei 101.

Explore the shopping galleries and dining areas of Taipei 101, then take the lift up to the observation deck on the 89th floor. From there, enjoy panoramic views of the metropolis, especially as the sun sets.

End your day at the Shilin night market. Sit at a shared table to taste local street food, featuring hot skewers and typical Taiwanese specialties.

Start your day early at the Longshan Temple to attend the morning chants and liturgies, around 8 a.m. Before your visit, stop at a popular local establishment in the neighborhood to savor a bowl of traditional rice soup (congee).

Built in 1738 by immigrants from mainland China, Longshan is Taipei's oldest sanctuary. Its name refers to the "Dragon Mountain" in Fujian, and the temple remains an important place in local spiritual life. In the past, worshippers would pray to Guanyin for their health before heading to the nearby "medicinal herbs alley" to purchase traditional remedies.

Continue your discovery towards the historic district of Dihua Street.

To immerse yourself in Taipei of yesteryear, explore this famous commercial street and its stalls:

• Remedies from Chinese pharmacopoeia;

• Incense and religious articles;

• Aromatics and dehydrated goods;

• Colorful fabrics and bamboo and wood crafts.

Walking through these alleys, among scents, textures and colors, allows you to discover the cultural heritage and vibrant traditions of Taïwan.

The itinerary continues towards the historic Dalontong district, where two sanctuaries can be discovered side by side.

First, discover the Dalongdong Bao'an temple, built in the 18th century by immigrants from Fujian and mainly dedicated to Baosheng Dadi, the god of medicine.

Long associated with medical and spiritual support for the community, the sanctuary stands out for its wood and stone sculptures as well as its restored murals. Its architecture earned it a UNESCO distinction for heritage preservation.

A few steps away, the Confucius Temple of Taipei offers a different atmosphere, filled with calm and sobriety. Built over 230 years ago, it ranks among the oldest Confucian sanctuaries on the island. Its classical architecture and decorative restraint reflect a philosophy focused on contemplation, knowledge and simplicity. Unlike ornate Taoist or Buddhist temples, you will find neither complex statues nor omnipresent incense, offering an atmosphere conducive to peace.

Take a seat aboard the cable car to reach the heights of Maokong, with an overview of the canopy and surrounding valleys.

Perched on the hills, Maokong offers a green escape, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. You will discover:

• the terraced tea plantations, where notably Oolong Tieguanyin is produced;

• centuries-old sanctuaries and hiking trails winding through the mountains;

• the Taipei basin as a backdrop.

Accompanied by your English-speaking guide, discover the secrets of tea harvesting, the different stages of leaf transformation as well as the meticulous art of its tasting. Your guide can also direct you to traditional tea houses and local restaurants to savor dishes infused with regional aromas.