Taipei 101

Taipei 101 is the gleaming icon of Taiwan's capital, a landmark supertall skyscraper of over 500 metres whose distinctive tiered form is inspired by a stalk of bamboo. Once the tallest building in the world, it remains an engineering marvel, famous for the giant golden tuned mass damper, a huge steel pendulum visible near the top, that steadies the tower against typhoons and earthquakes. Its high observation decks offer sweeping views over the sprawling city ringed by green mountains.

What you actually see

• The observation deck - the sweeping views over the city and mountains.
• The mass damper - the giant steel pendulum that steadies the tower.
• The tower at night - the illuminated bamboo-form skyscraper.
• The New Year fireworks - the famous fireworks launched from the tower.

When to go

Year-round; a clear day gives the best views, so check the weather, as Taipei can be humid and hazy. The famous New Year's Eve fireworks display, launched from the tower, is a spectacular annual event that draws huge crowds.

Honest expectations

It is a classic city-tower experience, worth it mainly on a clear day, as Taipei's frequent haze, cloud and humidity can spoil the view. The observation deck is ticketed and can be busy. It is a modern landmark rather than a cultural sight, best combined with the surrounding shopping and dining district. The engineering, especially the mass damper, is genuinely impressive.

Nearby

The Xinyi shopping district, Elephant Mountain for the classic tower view, and central Taipei are close.