Attraction Overview
Taipei 101, located in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan, is a supertall skyscraper standing 508 meters high with 101 floors above ground and 5 basement levels. Completed on December 31, 2004, it held the title of the world’s tallest building until January 4, 2010. Today, it remains Taiwan’s tallest building and the only structure in the country exceeding 500 meters in height and 100 floors. Developed and managed by Taipei Financial Center Corporation under a land-use rights scheme, it was originally named Taipei International Financial Center, and renamed Taipei 101 in reference to its number of above-ground floors. Frequently featured as Taipei’s iconic visual symbol in international media, its New Year’s Eve fireworks have become a major global event since its opening.
Designed by architect Chu-Yuan Lee in a postmodern style, Taipei 101 combines modern industrial materials with traditional Asian aesthetics. Its structure incorporates numerous features to withstand earthquakes along the Pacific Ring of Fire and Taiwan’s tropical cyclones. The tower houses offices, restaurants, shops, an observation deck, and an outdoor skywalk. It is also notable for its massive tuned mass damper, one of the largest in the world and one of only two open to visitors. Adjacent to the tower is a multi-level shopping mall, featuring the world’s largest “Ruyi” ornament as an exterior element. High-speed elevators operate at 60 km/h, transporting visitors rapidly to the upper levels.
Source of information and images: Department of Information and Tourism, Taipei City Government / Taipei Travel
