Taipei 101
Building Landmark skyscraper with observatory and tuned mass damper
In Taipei’s Xinyi district, Taipei 101 held the world record as the tallest building upon completion and offers high-speed elevators, an observatory, and a multi-level shopping mall.
Taipei 101 is a landmark skyscraper in Taipei’s Xinyi District that stands 508 meters tall with 101 above-ground floors, and it opened in 2004. It was the world’s tallest building from 2004 until 2010 and is notable for its high-speed elevators and seismic/wind engineering.
The building contains public observation decks with indoor and outdoor viewing areas that offer panoramic views across Taipei and towards surrounding mountain ranges. Visitors commonly note the exposed tuned mass damper near the top of the tower, an engineering device that reduces building sway and is around 660 metric tons.
Constructed between 1999 and 2004, the tower was designed to combine modern engineering with elements of traditional East Asian architectural symbolism. It includes office space, a multilevel shopping mall, and observation facilities.
Taipei 101 sits in the Xinyi commercial district of Taipei, adjacent to major transit lines and within the city’s primary business and shopping area.
- Observatory tickets: Timed, ticketed access is used for the observation decks; purchase in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons.
- Engineering feature: The building's tuned mass damper weighs approximately 660 metric tons and is a notable engineering feature visible from viewing areas.
What to See #
- Observatory decks (89th and 91st floors): Indoor and outdoor observation levels that provide city and distant mountain views, with the main indoor observatory on the upper floors used for panoramic viewing and ticketed access.
- Tuned mass damper: A large tuned mass damper installed near the top of the tower to reduce sway from wind and seismic forces; the damper is visible to visitors from designated viewing areas.
How to Get to Taipei 101 #
Taipei 101 is in Xinyi District. Take the Taipei MRT Tamsui-Xinyi (Red) line to Taipei 101/World Trade Center station; use Exit 4 and it’s about a 3-5 minute walk to the tower and plaza. By car it’s in the eastern part of central Taipei (a few kilometers from Taipei Main Station) with access via Xinyi Road and Songgao Road.
Tips for Visiting Taipei 101 #
- Buy observatory tickets online for a timed entry and aim for early morning or late-afternoon slots for clearer skies and, if you want sunset city views, book the late-afternoon window to stay through dusk.
- Take the Taipei MRT (Red Line) to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (Exit 4) for the most direct access to the building and shorter surface-walking time than other exits.
- If you want a quieter experience, visit on a weekday and head straight to the indoor observatory - the exterior outdoor deck fills quickly on clear days and weekends.
Best Time to Visit Taipei 101 #
Taipei 101 is best visited in fall for clearer views; schedule weekday morning visits to avoid the largest crowds.
Weather & Climate near Taipei 101 #
Taipei 101's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2860 mm/year), wettest in September.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 13°C. Heavy rain (213 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (226 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (192 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (270 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 25°C). Heavy rain (313 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (226 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (295 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (338 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (280 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (190 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
