Some cities become even more magical after sunset, and Taipei proved exactly that. As daylight slowly faded, my friends and I hurried aboard the MRT, eager to witness Taipei 101 transform from a towering daytime landmark into a glowing beacon that illuminated the city’s skyline.
Although we had seen countless photographs of Taiwan’s most famous skyscraper, nothing compared to watching it emerge before our eyes.
Chasing the Sunset to Taipei 101
Even before our train arrived, Taipei 101 dominated the horizon. Rising 508 meters into the sky, the bamboo-inspired tower stood proudly above the surrounding buildings, making it impossible to miss.
When it opened in 2004, Taipei 101 proudly held the title of the world’s tallest building. Although Dubai’s Burj Khalifa claimed the record in 2010, the Taiwanese icon remains one of the world’s most recognizable skyscrapers and an enduring symbol of modern Taiwan.
Arriving Beneath Taiwan’s Most Famous Tower
We took the MRT Red Line (Xin-Yi Line) and got off at Taipei 101 Station. The underground passage conveniently led us directly to the building’s basement level, where another world-famous attraction immediately caught our attention: Din Tai Fung.
The restaurant buzzed with diners, and the delicious aroma drifting through the mall hinted that something special awaited inside.
To the Observatory or Not?
Curious about the famous observation deck, we first headed to the information counter. The staff kindly directed us to the fifth floor, where visitors purchase tickets for the Taipei 101 Observatory.
The entrance fee cost NT$500 per person. While we considered it, the long queue outside the elevators and the increasingly cloudy evening made us hesitate.
Since the clouds would likely hide much of the city below, we decided to skip the observatory. Instead, we chose something we knew would leave us with equally wonderful memories, a satisfying dinner at Din Tai Fung.
Dinner at the Legendary Din Tai Fung
Like many visitors before us, we joined the queue outside the restaurant. The staff handed us a number together with the menu and an order sheet, allowing us to choose our dishes while waiting.
To our surprise, our number was called almost immediately. We were then escorted through rows upon rows of neatly arranged tables until we reached our seats inside the expansive restaurant.
We began with seaweed and beancurd in a refreshing vinegar dressing. Its light, tangy flavor prepared our appetites for the restaurant’s signature dishes.
Next came the stars of the meal—steaming baskets of pork xiao long bao and chicken xiao long bao. Each delicate dumpling burst with flavorful broth the moment we took our first bite, making it easy to understand why Din Tai Fung has earned worldwide acclaim.
To complete our dinner, we ordered steamed chicken, a pork chop rice topping, plain steamed rice, and fried rice. The meal struck a perfect balance between comforting simplicity and refined flavors.
When the Sky Turned Dark
By the time we stepped outside, night had completely taken over Taipei. The clouds that earlier discouraged us from visiting the observatory now reflected the colorful lights radiating from Taipei 101, creating a dramatic backdrop for the illuminated tower.
We crossed the street to admire the building from a better vantage point. Standing beneath it, we appreciated its scale far more than any photograph could capture.
Sometimes the Best View Is from the Ground
Looking up, the bamboo-inspired design seemed even more impressive. The sleek tower stretched confidently toward the heavens, glowing against the night sky while people from around the world paused to admire the same remarkable sight.
At that moment, we realized we had made the right decision. We may have skipped the observatory, but we gained something just as memorable—a leisurely evening filled with authentic Taiwanese cuisine, unforgettable city views, and the simple joy of experiencing one of Asia’s greatest landmarks at our own pace.
Travel constantly reminds me that unforgettable experiences do not always come with the most expensive ticket. Sometimes, they begin with a train ride, continue over a basket of soup dumplings, and end beneath the shimmering lights of a city icon that leaves you perfectly content simply looking up.
View our photos in my Facebook page albums of Taipei 101 and Din Tai Fung.
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