Eating and drinking: is a popular past time with the Taiwanese and there are several restaurants, cafes and other eateries available in the city. Both international and regional cuisine can be found very easily as well as several fast food chains which operate here. The nightlife in Taipei is impressive, with a selection of nightclubs, discos, lounges and karaoke. Shopping: offers shopaholics the chance to indulge in a spot of retail therapy. Shoppers can browse high-tech modern malls full of international flagship stores or quaint and stylish boutiques selling famous American and European labels. Local markets make for more interesting shopping and allow you to experience local life and culture. Train tours: are an excellent way to spend a day. Popular trips begin at Jui Fang and slowly meander passed old villages and small temples. The scenery is lush and very typical of rural north Taiwan. The trains terminate at Ching Tung, a sleepy rural village that is just a bus ride away from Taipei. River cruises: have increased in popularity since 2004. The boats sail along the Danshi and Keelung rivers allowing passengers to take in the lovely scenery. Courses: several short courses are offered to visitors to the islands and include meditation, traditional massage and cooking. The details of courses can be found in many local travel agents. | 
