Only founded in the early 18th century, Taipei has come a long way. It has a heavy dose of Japanese culture from having been occupied for 50 years so you get a busy but well ordered city and plenty of Japanese restaurants.

Prone to sub tropical storms you never know when you're going to get a soaking from a good shower.

Night markets come to life as the tempuratures cool down and you can buy or taste anything Asian, and if you care to visit Snake alley you can see the live snakes, then eat them !