Taipei 101
Taiwan
Taipei 101, formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, is a landmark skyscraper located in Taipei, Taiwan. Standing at 508 meters tall with 101 floors, it was the world's tallest building from its completion on December 31, 2004, until 2009. The building's design uniquely blends postmodern and neo-futurist architectural styles with traditional Asian aesthetics, symbolizing Taiwan's cultural heritage in a modern form. It features advanced engineering to withstand earthquakes and typhoons common in the Pacific Ring of Fire region. Taipei 101 houses offices, restaurants, shops, and both indoor and outdoor observatories, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its high-speed elevators were once the fastest globally, traveling from the 5th to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds. The tower is also renowned for its spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks display, a highlight of Taipei's celebrations. Adjacent to the tower is a multilevel shopping mall adorned with the world's largest ruyi symbol, further enhancing its cultural significance. Taipei 101 has received multiple awards, including a LEED Platinum certification for energy efficiency, making it one of the tallest green buildings worldwide. Its iconic silhouette is a frequent subject in international media, representing Taipei's skyline and modern urban development.
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Tip: The best time to visit Taipei 101 is during clear weather for optimal views from the observatory. Purchasing tickets for the observatory in advance is recommended to avoid long queues, especially during weekends and holidays. Visitors can enjoy discounted rates through various promotions and combined tickets with nearby attractions. The tower is accessible by Taipei Metro's Tamsui–Xinyi Line (Red Line) at Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station. Evening visits offer a spectacular cityscape illuminated by night lights and seasonal light shows on the building's facade.
Interesting facts
- •Taipei 101 was the first building in the world to exceed half a kilometer in height.
- •Its elevators were the fastest in the world at the time of completion, reaching speeds of 60.6 km/h (37.7 mph).
- •The building has a massive tuned mass damper visible to visitors, designed to reduce sway during earthquakes and typhoons.
- •Taipei 101's New Year's Eve fireworks show is internationally famous and marks the start of the new year in Taiwan.
- •The adjacent shopping mall features the world's largest ruyi symbol, a traditional Chinese symbol of good fortune.
History
Planning for Taipei 101 began in the early 1990s as part of Taiwan's initiative to become an Asia-Pacific financial hub.
The project was officially launched in 1997, with construction starting in 1998.
Initially planned as a 66-story tower, the design was expanded to 101 stories in 1998 to create a more iconic landmark.
Construction faced challenges, including a major earthquake in 2002 that caused crane accidents but left the structure intact.
The tower topped out in 2003 and officially opened on December 31, 2004.
It held the title of the world's tallest building until surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in 2009.
Since then, Taipei 101 has become a symbol of Taiwan's economic growth and architectural prowess.
Place Guide
Indoor Observatory2004
Located on the 89th floor, this indoor observatory offers panoramic views of Taipei city and surrounding mountains through floor-to-ceiling windows. It includes interactive exhibits about the building's engineering and Taipei's history.
Outdoor Observatory2004
Situated on the 91st floor, the outdoor observatory provides an open-air viewing experience with unobstructed city views and fresh air, ideal for photography and sightseeing.
Tuned Mass Damper2004
A 660-ton steel pendulum suspended near the top of the tower, designed to reduce building sway caused by wind and earthquakes. It is visible to the public and is a major engineering attraction.
Taipei 101 Mall2003
A multilevel shopping complex adjacent to the tower featuring luxury brands, restaurants, and the world's largest ruyi symbol as an exterior decorative element symbolizing good luck and prosperity.
Contact
Phone: 02 8101 8898