Whether you are visiting Taiwan for the first time or have previously been around our energetic Formosa, this website can provide you with some fresh ideas to enjoy your stay in Taipei. You’ll find some very Trojan-styled welcomes here: every destination is recommended by USC alumni. In fact, the entire website is developed by your enthusiastic Trojan “hosts” to showcase our beautiful home. We don’t guarantee that our suggestions are completely free of tourist traps, but then again, who would mind getting trapped in something fun?

Taiwan is an ideal vacation destination with its beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, and interesting cultural traditions. An island in the Pacific Ocean, it is a short trip by airplane to mainland China and other Asian countries. The tall mountains of eastern Taiwan provide picturesque views, extensive hiking trails, as well as kayaking. The coastline surrounding the entire island allows for surfing, swimming, and also boat tours. The basin in which Taipei city and county are contained boasts a frenetic night life, in addition to some of the best shopping in Asia.

If you are more of a video-person, try the following short films on YouTube:

Her story [4:03]by National Youth Commission
lha Formosa, Taiwan will touch your heart [10:38] by Taiwan Tourism Bureau

You’re most likely going to stay in the capital city, Taipei. It’s a great place to begin your exploration. There are many historical sites and forms of entertainment available in Taipei city and county. From the hot springs of Yangmingshan National Park to the National Palace Museum in Shilin District and the Taipei Zoo in Muzha, there is something that is bound to interest you.

 

AIR TRAVEL

Korean Air, one of the global conference sponsors, has generously offered participants an opportunity to book their flights at a reduced rate.  For reservation information and online booking please click here or contact the Service Center at 1-800-438-5000 for alterative itinerary support.

China Airlines and EVA Air both offer direct flights from major cities in North America and Asia to Taiwan. These airlines provide special rates through their online reservation services. For more details, click the links below:

China Airlines: http://www.china-airlines.com/en/index.htm
EVA Air: http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/

 

VISA INFORMATION

Detailed information about Taiwan’s entry policies and visa requirements can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Website.

 

CHINA PASSPORT HOLDERS
China passport holders entering Taiwan will have different procedures and requirements, which can be time consuming, so early action is highly recommended.

Once your registration is completed, please contact the USC Taipei Office for Taiwan Entry Permit application details.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

USC Global Conference attendees are offered preferential accommodation rates at several hotels. The number of available rooms at each of these hotels is limited and is only available on a first-come first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to make hotel arrangements early, as there will be another major international fair during the same time period. A list of hotels that offer a special rate to USC Global Conference participants is listed below. Please contact the hotels directly to make your reservations.

Grand Hyatt Taipei – Site of USC Global Conference 2009
2, Song Shou Road,
Taipei, Taiwan 11051
Tel: +886 2 2720 1234 | Fax: +886 2 2720 1111
Email: taipei.grand@hyatt.com
Grand Hyatt Taipei Maps & Directions (Hotel link)
*To register online please follow the directions below:

Click here to proceed to the Grand Hyatt Reservation Website
Use Group/Corporate #: G-GC91 (available March 30, 2009)

 

Nearby Hotels

Special accommodation rates are secured at hotels within walking distance from the Grand Hyatt Taipei.

Pacific Business Center
11F., No. 495, Guang-Fu S. Rd., Taipei
Tel: 02-8780-5168
Website: http://www.businesscenter.com.tw
*Walking Distance: 5-7 Minutes
Click here for reservation form.

Agora Garden
No. 68, Sung-Kao, Rd., Taipei
Tel: 02-8780-8000
Website: http://www.agoragdn.com.tw/mainpage.asp
*Walking Distance: 10-15 Minutes. Hotel will provide buses to transport attendees to the site of conference in the morning.
Click here for reservation form.

 

 

TAIWAN TAOYUAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TO TAIPEI
Ground transportation from the airport to the Grand Hyatt Taipei:
Taxi ~ approximately NT$1,500 - $2,000 (US$45 - US$60)
TOWARD YOU Airport Bus* ~ NT$145 (US$5)
*Tickets must be purchased at the Airport Express Bus ticket counter located in both terminals of the airport.

Please visit the official Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport website for complete transportation details and directions to Taipei City.

 

MOBILE PHONES

Taiwan uses GSM 900, 1800, and 3G 2100 frequencies; therefore, most overseas mobile phones work in Taiwan. Mobile phone rentals and prepaid GSM cards are available at the arrival hall in the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.

Guests from the United States who plan on purchasing a prepaid Taiwanese GSM card, will need to call their cell phone providers (while in the US) to unlock their mobile phone. The card costs approximately NT$300-500 ($10-$15USD), and two IDs (i.e., passport and driver's license) will be required for the purchase. Additional minutes can be purchased and added to the card at convenience stores throughout the country.

Travelers under the age of 30 are eligible for a mobile phone provided by the Taiwanese government. This type of mobile is also known as a “digital tour buddy”. They have built-in translators and come with NT$200 free minutes. Those under 30 can apply for the youth travel pass and a digital tour buddy online. Once approved, the items can be picked up at the airport. For more information visit Youth Travel in Taiwan (click here).

Official Taiwan tourism websites

Taiwan Tourism Bureau (lots of travel information, festivals, transportation, etc.)
Tour Taiwan

 

When you arrive, you will most certainly find Taipei to be a vibrant city – maybe too much to do that you don’t know where to begin. Here is a list of activities that might help you create a unique Taiwan experience. Check them out! (By the way, they are in no particular order.)

1. Try the MRT
The MRT is the most convenient public transportation system in Taipei. It’s very clean (and be warned: you can’t eat inside MRT stations or risk getting fined NTD$5,000) and it takes you to almost all the sightseeing destinations.

2. Visit the National Palace Museum
Red line, Shilin Station. Take bus Red 30 or 304 to National Palace Museum Stop

Considered one of the most important museums in the world, the National Palace Museum displays more than 700,000 art treasures. You may also find the museum building and the surrounding garden an inspiration to the Chinese culture.

3. Be on the top of the world @ Taipei 101 Observatory
Blue line, Taipei City Hall Station.

One of the landmark skyscrapers in the world, the Taipei 101 Observatory is open to the public as well as the shopping center in the first few floors. While you are at it, visit the nearby area, known as the Xinyi District, for some shopping and perhaps catch a movie at the Vieshow Cinemas. Taipei 101 is connected to the Grand Hyatt by covered walkways.

4. Taste the dumplings at Din Tai Fung
Brown line, Da An Station

We don’t know how it got so famous, but Din Tai Fung is probably in every Taiwan travel guides. They are famous for their dumplings, buns, and noodle dishes. If you don’t mind the long line, check out their juicy dumplings!

5. Try the natural hot spring @ Beitou and Xinbeitou
Red line, Beitou or Xinbeitou stations

Beitou is known for its natural hot springs. Many hotels offer public bath as well as private rooms at varying price points. Also visit the Taiwan Folk Arts Museum to have some tea at the Japanese garden.

6. Night markets: try the food stands!
Red line, Jiantan Station

There are many night markets around Taipei, the most popular one being the Shilin Night Market. Try the local food stands: stinky tofu, fried popcorn chicken, and many other snack foods. You may also find some inexpensive shopping here; don’t forget to bargain for at least 10% off the asking price!

Gongguan Station on the green line is another alternative. Since National Taiwan University and the National Taiwan Normal University both have campuses around this area, many students frequent the food stands and this district became a popular spot for snacks and shopping.

7. Pick up some Chinese phrases

Talk to the locals! Taiwan is a friendly place for foreign visitors and people will usually show you the way around the area if you ask for directions. If you need to, check out the 24-hour Eslite Bookstore at Zhongxiao Dunhua Station for some quick studying!

8. Immerse in Taiwan’s Daoism traditions at temples
Blue line, Longshan Temple Station

The Longshan Temple is classified as a historic site and it worships the Goddess of Lotus at its main hall. Other gods are worshipped in the back halls.

9. Go traditional tea-tasting

Taiwanese-grown tea leaves are world-famous for their fragrance and richness in taste. You may try a variety of tea at tea houses in Taipei.
Wistaria Tea House, green line, Gongguang Station
Istea House, brown line, Zhongshan Junior High School

If you prefer the contemporary tea-tasting style, visit a local boba (also known as Tapioca, made out of starch) tea shop and you can try a cup of authentic "bubble tea." Chains such as 50嵐 or CoCo (at the basement of Taipei 101) are economical choices for this trendy drink. Taipei 101 is connected to the Grand Hyatt by covered walkways.

10. A romantic / relaxing walk along the Danshui River
Red line, Danshui Station

The area features a lovely river sidewalk and the Danshui Old Street with a nostalgic feel. You may also take a short ferry ride to Bali or to the Fishermen’s Wharf, which are popular for unique coffee shops and scenic attractions.

If this "top 10" list is still not enough for your adventurous mind, here are some other ideas:

Try the famous Taiwan Beer
- Get a soothing foot massage
- Catch a cultural performance (Chinese opera, puppet show, etc.) at Eye Taiwan
- Get a Chinese name and make a carved personal chop

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MORE DINNING

One of the best things about Taiwan is its delicious and wide range of food offerings. New York Times Travel section columnist Matt Gross wrote a piece about food in Taipei, "Feasting at the Table of Taipei." He described his favorite noodle restaurant experience, "...you catch the scent of broth — soy, anise, chilies, beef — which draws you inexorably into the dining room, where your intrepidity is rewarded with chewy wheat noodles, a rich and clean-tasting soup and hunks of meat that shred juicily at the slightest pressure from your tongue."

Are you hungry yet? Read his mouth-watering piece here.

We have also compiled a detailed list of specific restaurants for your exploration. It is not an ordinary list; we surveyed many local USC alumni (some, as you might have expected, are food connoisseurs and took their recommendations very seriously) to prepare their suggestions. They are organized in the following files:

Casual Dining
Upscale Dining
Nightlife (lounges, clubs, tea house, karaoke…)

We hope by sharing with you our “local secrets,” you will experience the Taiwanese welcoming spirit and see how much passion we have for this beautiful island, Formosa. Again, welcome to Taiwan. Enjoy!

Other websites: TaiwanFun: Taipei

 

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USC Global Conference Taipei 2009
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