Taipei 101 Observatory
Not only is the Taipei 101 building the central jewel of its metropolis - featuring a grand mall, restaurants, and offices - it also hosts multiple observation levels to look out over the city. There is an unobstructed walking path that allows for 360-degree views, and the organizers didn’t stop there in providing things for visitors to do and see.
A cafe to get drinks/snacks while you look out at the views? Check. A gift shop with all the usual mini statues? Check. A play area for kids? Check. These are typical things, not extraordinary. Where Taipei 101 went above and beyond was with its decorative spaces for those looking to get their perfect Instagram-able moment. There are multiple places to stand and pose, along with faux grass and flowers to lounge and hang out in. The whole experience was very slow paced - more like hanging out in a Starbucks than going up to the top of a skyscraper. On top of this, some of the windows featured stickers to call out the landmarks more easily for viewers. Elephant mountain, where the lead image of this post was taken, was easy to stop for its namesake through the silhouette on the window.
Taipei 101 is one of the tallest buildings in all of Asia, and the experience would not be complete without understanding a piece of its engineering. At the center of the main observatory floor is an opening to check out the ‘Tuned Mass Damper.’ This large golden ball is extremely heavy, and with its anchor cables it provides a counterbalance for the tower’s sway. Videos playing on the side provided a look at what happened during past earthquakes and typhoons. Spoiler alert: the building survived, and this weighted orb played a big part in that.
With all that said, there is one catch. The Taipei 101 building is arguably the most interesting in the city’s landscape. Therefore, the views from up above don’t hold the same captivating appeal, at least on film, as some of the views from below. The Empire State Building in New York City has this same problem, being one of the most recognizable buildings in Manhattan.
That aside, it was a very cool experience during my trip to Taiwan, and I would highly recommend it for anyone else who is visiting. Certainly among my top 5 observatories in the world, and by now I’ve seen quite a few!
If you enjoyed these shots, be sure to check out the full gallery from Northern Taiwan here.
Shot on February 18, 2024 - Travel, Taiwan
