If you have ever been to Taipei, or even considered traveling to Taiwan, there is a 100% chance you know about Taipei 101. From 2004 - 2010 it was known as the tallest building in the world at 508 meters. Taipei 101 towers over the rest of Taipei City. It’s truly an impressive building, meant to resemble bamboo stalks with their notches. However, I was once told it looked like a bunch of take out boxes stacked in to each other, and now I can’t unsee it.
Most people who travel to Taiwan only get just that, a look from the outside. I recently had the chance to see the opposite. MyTaiwanTour brought me to the TOP of Taipei 101, to experience the Skyline 460 Tour and see the views of Taipei City and the surrounding mountains.
The experience begins by taking an elevator at light speed to the 88th floor. Here we got to see the massive damper hanging in the middle of the building. This damper was built because Taipei 101 is still the largest building to stand in an earthquake zone. The damper is meant to help Taipei 101 withstand earthquakes that hit up to 9 on the Richter scale, as well as prevent any damage from strong typhoon winds.
The 89th floor is generally where most will end their trip within Taipei 101. The enclosed observation deck offers views from behind thick glass windows, lots of souvenir shops, and art installments. With MyTaiwanTour we were able to continue our trip up to the 101st floor, and with perfect timing too.
We arrived on the Skyline 460 deck just in time for sunset over Taipei City, where we could see all the way out to Bali District and Tamsui on one side, and out towards the mountains of Pingxi on the other. Harnesses on and locked in for safety, we were able to roam around the deck, taking in 360 degree views from a viewpoint very few get to experience.
I’m more of a mountain and forest guy rather than a city type, but this was right up my alley. I felt as if I was high up on the mountain peaks, taking in an epic sunset that Taiwan so often offers to those who choose to experience them.
This was a unique experience within Taipei City. Taipei 101 is worth the visit, but to explore the building on this level - the TOP level - is a must. I highly recommend it!
A not-so-flattering shot of myself at the top!
If you’re interested in checking out the Skyline 460 Tour yourself, you can do so via this link HERE!