Taipei 101: Taiwan’s Iconic Skyscraper and a Quick Chinese Language Guide

A Marvel of Modern Architecture and Asian Aesthetics

Designed by Taiwanese architect C.Y. Lee (李祖原, Lǐ Zǔyuán), Taipei 101 incorporates modern engineering with traditional Asian aesthetics. The structure is resilient to earthquakes and strong winds, thanks to its cutting-edge design. One of the most unique features is the Tuned Mass Damper (風阻尼器, fēng zǔ ní qì), a massive 660-ton device visible to visitors, which helps stabilize the building during extreme weather conditions.

The Symbolism Behind Taipei 101

Taipei 101’s architecture is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. The tower's design includes eight upward-slanting sections, as the number eight (八, bā) symbolizes prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. Each segment represents growth, similar to the structure of bamboo (竹子, zhúzi), which is a symbol of resilience and continuous progress.

Incorporating elements of feng shui (風水, fēng shuǐ), the building is not only visually stunning but also spiritually harmonious. Visitors can see this influence in the circular fountain located at the entrance, which helps direct positive energy (qi, 氣) according to traditional Chinese philosophy.

Visiting the Taipei 101 Observation Deck

One of the top attractions at Taipei 101 is its Observation Deck (觀景台, guān jǐng tái), located on the 89th floor. The high-speed elevators take visitors from the 5th floor to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds, traveling at 1,010 meters per minute. From here, visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Taipei.

The deck also offers a close-up view of the famous Tuned Mass Damper. It’s the only damper in the world that’s accessible to the public, making this a unique experience.

Dining and Shopping at Taipei 101

Beyond the observation deck, Taipei 101 features a luxurious shopping mall, Taipei 101 Mall (購物中心, gòu wù zhōng xīn), which spans five floors. Here, visitors can find a variety of high-end brands and dine at restaurants that offer both international and local Taiwanese cuisine. The mall's design also features the world's largest Ruyi symbol (如意, rú yì), an emblem of prosperity and happiness in Chinese culture.

Experience the Famous Taipei 101 New Year’s Eve Fireworks

One of the most popular events at Taipei 101 is the annual New Year’s Eve Fireworks Display (煙火表演, yān huǒ biǎo yǎn). Each year, thousands of people gather around the skyscraper to witness this spectacular celebration. The building is illuminated with different colors each night, with special light displays for major events.

Fun Facts About Taipei 101

• Fastest Elevators: Taipei 101 once held the record for the fastest elevators in the world, traveling at a speed of 60.6 kilometers per hour (37.7 miles per hour).

• LEED Certification: In 2011, Taipei 101 became the world’s tallest green building after receiving the LEED Platinum certification, demonstrating its commitment to sustainability.

• Wind Resilience: The Tuned Mass Damper helps reduce the building’s sway by up to 40% during strong winds and earthquakes, ensuring the comfort and safety of everyone inside.

Learn Chinese While Exploring Taipei 101

As you explore Taipei 101, why not learn some useful Chinese phrases along the way? Here are a few key vocabulary words you can practice during your visit:

台北101 (Tái běi yī líng yī) – Taipei 101

摩天大樓 (mó tiān dà lóu) – Skyscraper

風阻尼器 (fēng zǔ ní qì) – Tuned Mass Damper

觀景台 (guān jǐng tái) – Observation Deck

購物中心 (gòu wù zhōng xīn) – Shopping Mall

煙火表演 (yān huǒ biǎo yǎn) – Fireworks Display