Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei serves as both the capital and the municipality of Taiwan. Nestled in Northern Taiwan, Taipei City is encircled by New Taipei City, located approximately 16 miles southwest of the northern port city of Keelung. Much of the city is situated on the Taipei Basin, a former lakebed surrounded by the narrow valleys of the Keelung and Xindian rivers, which converge to create the Tamsui River along the city’s western boundary. As of March 2023, Taipei boasts an estimated population of 2,494,813, making it the core of the Taipei–Keelung metropolitan area, also known as "Greater Taipei." This metropolitan region includes neighboring cities such as New Taipei and Keelung, with a total population of 7,047,559, ranking it as the 40th most populous urban area in the world. Notably, about one-third of Taiwan's citizens reside within these metro areas. The term "Taipei" can denote either the entire metropolitan area or just the municipality itself.
Taipei has been the political heart of the island since 1887, initially serving as the seat of Taiwan Province under the Qing Dynasty until 1895, and later from 1945 to 1956, under the Republic of China (ROC) government. Between 1895 and 1945, it was the center of the Government-General of Taiwan during Japanese rule. Since 1949, it has functioned as the national seat of the ROC’s central government and was designated as a special municipality on July 1, 1967, transitioning from its previous status as a provincial city.
As the economic, political, educational, and cultural nucleus of Taiwan, Taipei is also integral to a thriving high-tech industrial area. The city is well-connected through an extensive network of railways, highways, and public transportation, including two major airports: Songshan and Taoyuan. Taipei showcases a rich array of architectural and cultural landmarks, such as Taipei 101 (once the world's tallest building), Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Dalongdong Baoan Temple, Hsing Tian Kong, Lungshan Temple of Manka, the National Palace Museum, the Presidential Office Building, Taipei Guest House, and Zhinan Temple. Additionally, bustling shopping districts, including Ximending, and a variety of night markets scattered throughout the city contribute to its vibrant urban landscape.
Source: Wikipedia
