Taipei 101

31-Mar-2014 • Taipei Taiwan, R.O.C.

Taipei 101, built in 2004 is the tallest building in Taiwan and it replaced Malaysia's PETRONAS Twin Towers as the world's tallest upon its completion. It enjoyed this reputation until Dubai's Burj Khalifa was built last 2010. This Taipei wonder has 101 floors above ground and five floors below ground. In 2011, it was awarded LEEDS certification making the largest and tallest green building in the world.

This skyscraper was built to withstand strong Typhoon winds as well as earthquake tremors which are common in this part of the world.

When Marc and I visited it, the elevator ride up to its observation deck was quick and painless. From up above we could see an impressive 360 degree view of the city.

The first few floors above ground inside this building comprised an upscale mall. Frankly, with the exception of an English language bookstore, the stores it had although high end did not call my attention as much the reason being they were all store franchises I find in the US and Europe.

I loved its supermarket and food court in one of its lower levels though. I must say, one of the highlights of our trip here was the food. We ate very well here each and every time we came.

A view of the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

This tuned mass damper above the skyscraper was built to keep the building sway flexibly with the wind or earthquake tremors but strong enough to keep it rigid despite strong movements of the building.

A partial view of the mall