Taipei City launches urban landmark photo walk

2016/01/21

A Taipei landmark photo walk was launched Jan. 20 by the local government as part of efforts heightening awareness of the city’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Featuring 12 stops, the monthlong promotion encompasses traditional and modern Taipei. Partcipants are encouraged to share shots through social media platforms and tag locations.

Traditional Taipei is represented by Qing dynasty (1644-1911) Longshan Temple, as well as Japanese colonial-era (1895-1945) architectural gems like Futai Street Mansion, Museum of Contemporary Art, National Taiwan Museum, Nishi Honganji Square, old North Gate, the ROC Presidential Office, Red House, Taipei Guest House and Zhongshan Hall.

Symbols of modern Taipei are Liberty Square and the world’s tallest green-certified building Taipei 101.

Chien Yu-yen, commissioner of Taipei City Government’s Department of Information and Tourism, said the walk presents an opportunity for visitors and photography enthusiasts alike to snap stunning shots of these outstanding structures.

“We settled on our lineup with the input of celebrated Taipei photographer Masai Kyo,” Chien said. “The walkers are literally traveling through time, witnessing Taipei’s transformation over the last 130 years.”

Chien singled out the Presidential Office as a personal favorite, arguing that political symbolism often blinds the public to its true beauty. “But framed by the lush foliage of the surrounding camphor trees, the early 20th-century building reveals its architectural brilliance,” she said.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=241475&ctNode=2194&mp=9)