VIBE

For seven sweet years (from 2003 to 2010), this pagoda-shaped tower by architect C.Y. Lee was the world’s tallest building (until Dubai’s Burj Khalifa stole that honor). Still, there’s a lot to keep Taipei 101 distinctive: it is the world’s tallest green building (platinum certified by LEED-EBOM). The elevator is the world’s fastest (zoom up to the 89th floor in 37 seconds). At the top there is a large pendulum (aka damper) that counters the earth's tremors in this earthquake-prone part of the world, and the shopping arcade on the lower levels is one of the ritziest in town. At the observatory on the 89th floor, there are a slew of diversions to keep visitors entertained, including multimedia audio tours, an ice cream parlor, gift shops, and swanky restaurants like Shin Yeh 101 and Diamond Tony’s.

GO HERE WITH

Architecture aficionados; friends; family; a date; shopping companions

WHY WE LIKE IT

A trip to the top of the tower is a Taipei must, and there are cool displays to keep you entertained if the view’s not enough. Plus, there’s a lot to do both in the tower (the mall is chock-a-block with our favorite designers) and in the pulsing XinYi District where it’s located. If it’s nice out, ask about access to the outdoor 91st floor observatory.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The trip to the top doesn’t come cheap, and the lines during holidays and weekends are nightmarish (we once tried to go on Christmas Eve and the wait was over an hour long).

GOOD TO KNOW

Try to go on a clear day because the views are what it’s all about. The ticket booth and entry to the observatory elevator are on the fifth floor of the Taipei 101 mall; last entry is at 9:15pm. Chewing gum, “improper attire,” and flip-flops are not permitted. Multimedia audio tours (free with ticket stub) are available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, German, Cantonese, Spanish, and French.

CLOSEST COMPS

Empire State Building (New York); Statue of Liberty (New York); CN Tower (Toronto)