Martyr’s Shrine: is set in the middle of stunning countryside, surrounded by hills. It was built to honour the men and women who died fighting for their country. Standing guard at the shrine are two military police that do not move except at changing of the guards.

North Gate: was one of the four city entrances to Taipei when it was just a small village. The gate was built in 1884 and looks abandoned as it stands next to several modern overpasses. Nevertheless, it makes for an interesting visit and gives an insight into the past.

Chy Ing Temple: was built in 1867 to worship the protector god, Paoy It Sun Wang. Built by Fukien immigrants, the temple has sculpted beams and detailed paintings. It is the only historical building still standing in the Wen Shan district.

Chiang Kai-shek’s Residence: can be found in one of Taipei’s busiest streets. The house itself isn’t open to the public, but the gardens are well worth a visit. There is supposed to be a tunnel leading from the house to the mountains behind the house that was to be used as an escape route in an emergency.

Sun Yatsen Memorial: history buffs will love this site as it has a good collection of old photographs of China. It was damaged during an earthquake but has since been repaired and reopened.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial: is the most impressive monument in Taipei. Within its beautifully landscaped gardens with its fishponds are the National Cultural Centre and the National Concert Hall. There is also a museum inside the memorial which displays mementoes of Chiang Kai-shek’s life.

Snake Alley can also be found here which is where the locals used to purchase their aphrodisiacs which included snake venom and blood. However, with the advent of animal rights and tourism, Snake Alley was transformed. Today it has paved paths and only the odd snake or two can be found here.