Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
When traveling abroad, you often see signs indicating “best photo spots” on squares or sidewalks near famous attractions, helping tourists frame their shots. Starting this year, the Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism will also promote “best photo spots” at 12 major sites around the city, includingBeimen (North Gate), Ximen Red House, Futo Street Western-style Building, Zhongshan Hall, Nishi Honganji Temple, Mengjia Longshan Temple, Liberty Square, Taipei Guest House, Presidential Office, National Taiwan Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei, and Taipei 101— all of which will feature designated best photo spots.
The entire Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall complex is highly suitable for photography. (Image source / Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
Taipei has been a city for over 130 years. As Taiwan’s political, economic, and cultural center, numerous iconic buildings have been constructed here over the past century and more, including city gates and Longshan Temple from the Qing Dynasty, as well as structures built during the Japanese colonial period such as today’s Zhongshan Hall, Ximen Red House, Presidential Office, and Taipei Guest House. The Taipei 101 building, which opened in 2004, even held the title of the world’s tallest building for five consecutive years—a testament to Taipei’s urban development and evolution.
Designed and built by Japanese architect Tatsuno Kingo, Ximen Red House is the best-preserved Grade III historic market building in Taiwan. (Image source / Taiwan Tourism Bureau Photography / Kyo Ma)
With increasing global exchanges, Taipei has seen a growing number of international visitors and residents, boosting tourism. The Department of Information and Tourism selected 12 representative buildings along Taipei’s west-to-east historical development trajectory, inviting internationally award-winning photographer Kyo Ma to personally choose the best spots for photography. The department has also posted “best photo spot” signs at these locations so that anyone, whether using a camera or smartphone, can easily capture the beauty of these architectural landmarks.
Taipei 101. (Image source / TAIPEI 101 MALL Taipei 101 Shopping Center)
Nishi Honganji Temple was built during the Japanese colonial era and is beloved for its serene and tranquil atmosphere amidst the bustling city. (Image source / Taiwan Tourism Bureau Photography / Kyo Ma)
In addition, the Department of Information and Tourism is organizing three “Modern Taipei Tour x SONY” themed photography tours. Scheduled for January 23, 25, and 27, these events include three hands-on workshops covering “photography techniques + street shooting + photo sharing,” along with guided visits to the featured sites for practical experience. Participants who upload any photos taken at one of the 12 sites during the event and join the “Modern Taipei Tour Online Photo Exhibition” will have a chance to win prizes, including a SONY α series camera.
Taipei Longshan Temple. (Image source / Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
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