Tours  Beitou Library Apart from being famous for its hot springs, Beitou is also home to Taiwan’s first “green” library. This distinctive structure is located in the lush green environs of Beitou Hot Spring Park, near the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. This library was the first building in Taiwan to receive the certification of “Green Building”. The structure makes generous use of French windows and natural light, and blends in with the surrounding environment. Built mainly of wood and steel, it resembles a large treehouse just waiting to welcome visitors.Beitou Library is “green” from inside to outside! Part of the roof is covered in solar panels, which can store up to 16KW of power. The wooden  balcony railing is also eco-friendly; its vertical design conserves energy by reducing the amount of heat-causing rays allowed to enter the rooms. Rainwater collected by the sloping roof’s drainage system is used to water the library’s plants and flush the toilets. Eco-friendly paint was also used, to reduce the amount of toxins released into the environment.When you come to Beitou, besides having a nice soak in the hot springs, you can also visit the Beitou Library for some “forest bathing”—enjoying a good book surrounded by lush greenery, that is!  Beitou Hot Spring Museum This museum is housed in public hot spring bath built during the Japanese colonial era. The Tudor-style building has a brick and wood facade and black tile roof set picturesquely in the surrounding greenery. The building had fallen into a deep state of disrepair when local preservationists saved it from demolition. This is a good spot to learn about Beitou's rich hot spring culture and history.  National Palace Museum The National Palace Museum houses the world's largest collection of priceless Chinese art treasures, one which spans China's nearly 5,000-year history. Most of the museum's 620,000 art objects were part of the Chinese imperial collection, which began over 1,000 years ago in the early Song dynasty.  Yangmingshan National Park The park is characterized by a large clock made of flowers with a diameter of 22 feet.  Water runs around the flower clock and music is played every hour. The clock is the characteristic of Yangming Park. Opposite the clock is a statue of late president Chiang Kai-Shek; on both sides of the statue are the cypresses planted by president Chiang himself. The Xinhai Guangfu Building was completed in 1971, right in the center of the park. In addition, there is a statue of Wang Yang Ming, the famous Chinese scholar in the 17th century.  Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is located in the heart of Taipei City. The area is 250,000 square meters and it is the attraction most visited by foreign tourists. Outside the gate of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, there are poles carrying the sign of true rightness. The architecture of Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is inspired by Tiantan in Beijing. The four sides of the structure are similar to those of the pyramids in Egypt. The material is white marble. The roofs are decorated with deep-blue glass as part of the reflection of blue sky and bright sun. It adds a touch of grandeur. The garden is planted with red flowers. As a whole, the colors of blue, white and red express the National Flag and the spirit of freedom, equality and brotherhood. The great building has become a landmark of Taipei City. There are also places for international art performances. They are National Theater and National Concert Hall.  World famous musicians (such as the great cello performer Yo Yo Ma and the great violinist Shao Lian Lin) and renowned playgroups have conducted performance here. The garden with beautiful flowers, miniature hills and plants, ponds, ornamental bridge and waterfalls as well as green grass presents scenery beauty. The walls surrounding the area are with nostalgic design. The place is enriched with the beauty of traditional Chinese gardens. There are various activities taking place in the square. There are the concert of the world renowned three tenors, school band performances, cheerleader performances and fairs. One can pay respect to the historical great leader, as well as participate in the relaxation activities of local residents. The place provides a precious plain view among the tall buildings of Taipei. |
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Last updated: Mon, 2013-05-27 15:24
