Taipei 101 is more than just another tall building. Completed in 2004, this lofty structure also serves as a major Taiwan symbol and offers testament to the area’s growing status on the global front. The design incorporates traditional Chinese tendencies, with the exterior resembling a bamboo stalk in many regards. The overall visual qualities are quite appealing, and the building has won more than its fair share of awards for innovative engineering.

As the name implies, Taipei 101 offers no less than 101 floors. The top floor sits at an elevation of 1,440 feet, while the roof tops out at 1,473 feet. If you include the antenna spire as well, the total height of Taipei 101 is closer to 1,670 feet. That makes it the third tallest building in the world after the Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai and the Abraj al-bait Towers in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. Suffice it to say that Taipei 101's height makes it easy to pick out along the Taipei skyline. It towers above all.

That fact that it reaches high into the sky doesn’t mean that the Taipei 101 skyscraper is unsturdy. Many of the design elements have safety in mind, and the structure is well-equipped to deal with strong typhoon winds and earthquake tremors in particular. This should prove to be reassuring for those visitors who are thinking of taking the elevator up to the 89th floor observatory. Complementing this indoor observatory, by the way, is an outdoor observatory that can be found higher up on the 91st floor. As you might imagine, both observatories are popular China tourist attractions. Tickets for either can be purchased in advance or at the Taipei 101 Mall.

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Taipei is a great place to do some shopping, especially if you enjoy perusing the goods at upmarket malls. One such mall is the Taipei 101 Mall. The variety of goods at this shopping complex is impressive to say the least, and when visitors aren’t ducking into world renowned designer shops they can see what’s on offer at the resident supermarket. Another highlight in relation to the Taipei 101 Mall is its excellent English-language bookstore, and visitors should have little trouble satisfying their hunger or thirst at the numerous dining establishments.

During the course of its relatively short life, the Taipei 101 skyscraper has played host to numerous events. Former U.S. President Bill Clinton paid the building a visit in 2005 and signed copies of his autobiography, for example, and an annual race sees contestants trying to climb the stairs from floor one to floor 91 in the shortest amount of time. None of the Taipei 101 events are more renowned than the New Years fireworks shows, however. When the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve in Taiwan, the renowned skyscraper erupts in a pyrotechnical display that is broadcast around the world.

The Taipei 101 building is impressive both inside and out, so visitors are encouraged to do more than just admire its attractive exterior. Art exhibits are often held in the indoor observatory for added delight, and if nothing else, it can be fun to take in the atmosphere of the large atrium while sipping on a cup of coffee or tea. Should the weather be nice, Taipei 101 visitors might also look to spend some time in the outdoor park that can be found at the building’s base. This park is known as Millennium Park and can be a great place to take a time out while touring the town.