Towering above the Taipei skyline, Taipei 101 is one of the world’s most recognizable architectural landmarks.

Taipei 101 up close from the entrance

As a symbol of Taiwan’s modernity and progress, it offers more than just a spectacular view—it’s a full-on destination for travelers interested in culture, luxury, and engineering marvels. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, a shopping lover, or a first-time tourist in Taiwan, here’s your complete guide to exploring Taipei 101.

What is Taipei 101?

Completed in 2004, Taipei 101 was once the world’s tallest building until it was surpassed by Dubai’s Burj Khalifa in 2010. Rising 508 meters (1,667 feet) above the ground with 101 floors, it remains a record-setter in earthquake and typhoon resistance.

Skyline of Taipei, Taiwan viewed from Mount Elephant on June 29, 2022 | Photo by 毛貓大少爺

Since Taipei is prone to both earthquakes and typhoons, Taipei 101 was designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 216 km/h and earthquakes measuring up to magnitude 7 on the Richter scale.

A replica of Taipei 101 at 91F

Taipei 101 uses high-performance steel and reinforced concrete that are both strong and flexible—ideal for absorbing seismic energy.

View of Taipei City from 89F

The building is designed with a “mega column” and “outrigger truss” system, which helps distribute loads evenly and allows it to move safely during earthquakes.

The tower stands on a foundation that goes 80 meters deep into the ground.

It includes 380 piles, some of which are socketed into bedrock, providing stability even on the soft soil of Taipei’s basin area.

Taipei 101 is earthquake resistant due to a combination of innovative structural engineering, advanced materials, and a massive tuned mass damper (TMD) designed to stabilize the skyscraper during seismic events. Here’s why it works:

Tuned Mass Damper (TMD)

The 660-ton steel ball, suspended between the 87th and 92nd floors, is the most iconic feature.

It acts like a pendulum: when an earthquake or strong wind sways the building, the damper swings in the opposite direction to counterbalance the motion.

This reduces the building’s sway by up to 40%, protecting structural integrity and making occupants feel safer.

Damper Baby

The official mascot of Taipei 101 is "Damper Baby," inspired by the building's large tuned mass damper. The damper has become such a popular tourist attraction that the city contracted Sanrio to create a mascot: the Damper Baby.

Dumper Baby

Four versions of the Damper Baby ("Rich Gold", "Cool Black", "Smart Silver" and "Lucky Red") were designed and made into figurines and souvenirs sold in various Taipei 101 gift shops.

High-speed Elevator

The high-speed elevator of Taipei 101 is one of the building’s most iconic engineering features.

High-speed Elevator

Once holding the Guinness World Record for the world’s fastest elevator, it remains an impressive symbol of Taiwan’s innovation and precision engineering.

Speed: The elevator travels at a top speed of 1,010 meters per minute or about 60.6 kilometers per hour (37.7 mph). It can take you from the 5th floor to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds.

Technology: Developed by Toshiba, the elevator uses a combination of pressurized cabins, aerodynamic designs, and active roller guides to ensure a smooth, quiet, and stable ride even at high speeds.

Double-deck cabin: Taipei 101’s elevators are double-deck, meaning they can transport people to two floors at once—one cabin stops at even floors, the other at odd floors, optimizing traffic flow.

Comfort & Safety:

Pressure control system inside the cabin adjusts the air pressure to prevent ear-popping discomfort.

Magnetic levitation brakes and advanced emergency stop systems are built in for safety.

Observation Deck Access: Tourists often use these elevators to visit the 89th-floor indoor observation deck, offering panoramic views of Taipei.

Even though newer buildings like the Lotte World Tower in Seoul and Guangzhou CTF Finance Centre have since surpassed it in speed, the Taipei 101 elevator remains a global benchmark for high-speed vertical transportation.

Taipei 101 at night

Taipei 101's design is inspired by a bamboo stalk, symbolizing growth and strength in Asian culture. This architectural wonder combines traditional symbolism with cutting-edge technology.

The famous elevator that connects Taipei 101 to World Trade Center Station (R03)

How to Get There

Taipei 101 is located in the Xinyi District, the city’s financial and commercial hub.

By MRT (Metro):

Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi) to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (R03)
Exit 4 leads directly to the tower

By Bus:

Numerous buses pass through Xinyi Road and Keelung Road. Look for stops labeled “Taipei 101.”

Things to Do in Taipei 101

Me at the 89th floor observation deck

1. Observation Decks (89th, 91st, and 101st floors)

Indoor Observatory (89F): Features panoramic views, interactive displays, and a look at the massive gold tuned mass damper that stabilizes the building during typhoons and earthquakes.

Me at 91F

Outdoor Observatory (91F): Open on select days for a fresh-air experience.

Skyline 460 (101F): Offers a VIP experience with access to the highest point visitors can reach.

View from 101F

🕒 Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last admission at 8:15 PM)

🎟️ Tickets: NT$600 (standard adult ticket), discounts available for students and children

🎫 Book online or via Klook for skip-the-line access.

Got our passes from Klook

2. Taipei 101 Mall

The lower floors house a luxury shopping mall featuring brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Cartier. There are also tech stores, lifestyle shops, and international boutiques.

Taipei 101 Mall at 5th

3. Food and Dining

Din Tai Fung (B1 Floor): Famous for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings); expect a wait, but it’s worth it.

Food Court (B1): Affordable eats ranging from Taiwanese snacks to Japanese ramen and global fast food.

Fine Dining (85F): Restaurants like Shin Yeh offer upscale Taiwanese cuisine with a view.

A cafe at 89F

4. Taipei 101 Run Up

Held annually, this vertical marathon challenges participants to race up all 2,046 steps. It’s a unique event for fitness buffs visiting in May or June.

Nearby Attractions

After visiting Taipei 101, explore more of Xinyi District:

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Trail): Short but steep hike with postcard-perfect views of Taipei 101.
Taipei World Trade Center & Exhibition Halls
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: Just a short walk away and great for cultural exploration.

Entrance to Taipei 101

Tips for Visitors

Best time to visit: Around sunset or evening for city lights. Weekdays tend to be less crowded.

Weather alert: Observatories may close during typhoons or heavy rain—check the official website or call ahead.

Luggage: Lockers available inside the mall.

Language: English signage is widely available; staff often speak basic English.

Us at 101F

Final Thoughts

Whether you go for the views, the food, or the experience of standing atop one of the world’s great skyscrapers, Taipei 101 is a must-see destination in Taiwan.

It represents the spirit of a nation that embraces both tradition and modernity—and it offers unforgettable moments from ground floor to sky-high observatory.

Also in Taipei

Ultimate Travel Guide to Taipei 101: Taiwan’s Most Iconic Skyscraper

Towering above the Taipei skyline, Taipei 101 is one of the world’s most recognizable architectural landmarks.

Taipei 101 up close from the entrance

What is Taipei 101?

Skyline of Taipei, Taiwan viewed from Mount Elephant on June 29, 2022 | Photo by 毛貓大少爺

Since Taipei is prone to both earthquakes and typhoons, Taipei 101 was designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 216 km/h and earthquakes measuring up to magnitude 7 on the Richter scale.

A replica of Taipei 101 at 91F

Taipei 101 uses high-performance steel and reinforced concrete that are both strong and flexible—ideal for absorbing seismic energy.

View of Taipei City from 89F

The building is designed with a “mega column” and “outrigger truss” system, which helps distribute loads evenly and allows it to move safely during earthquakes.

The tower stands on a foundation that goes 80 meters deep into the ground.

It includes 380 piles, some of which are socketed into bedrock, providing stability even on the soft soil of Taipei’s basin area.

Tuned Mass Damper (TMD)

The 660-ton steel ball, suspended between the 87th and 92nd floors, is the most iconic feature.

It acts like a pendulum: when an earthquake or strong wind sways the building, the damper swings in the opposite direction to counterbalance the motion.

This reduces the building’s sway by up to 40%, protecting structural integrity and making occupants feel safer.

Damper Baby

Dumper Baby

Four versions of the Damper Baby ("Rich Gold", "Cool Black", "Smart Silver" and "Lucky Red") were designed and made into figurines and souvenirs sold in various Taipei 101 gift shops.

High-speed Elevator

The high-speed elevator of Taipei 101 is one of the building’s most iconic engineering features.

High-speed Elevator

Once holding the Guinness World Record for the world’s fastest elevator, it remains an impressive symbol of Taiwan’s innovation and precision engineering.

Speed: The elevator travels at a top speed of 1,010 meters per minute or about 60.6 kilometers per hour (37.7 mph). It can take you from the 5th floor to the 89th floor in just 37 seconds.

Technology: Developed by Toshiba, the elevator uses a combination of pressurized cabins, aerodynamic designs, and active roller guides to ensure a smooth, quiet, and stable ride even at high speeds.

Double-deck cabin: Taipei 101’s elevators are double-deck, meaning they can transport people to two floors at once—one cabin stops at even floors, the other at odd floors, optimizing traffic flow.

Comfort & Safety:

Pressure control system inside the cabin adjusts the air pressure to prevent ear-popping discomfort.

Magnetic levitation brakes and advanced emergency stop systems are built in for safety.

Observation Deck Access: Tourists often use these elevators to visit the 89th-floor indoor observation deck, offering panoramic views of Taipei.

Taipei 101 at night

Taipei 101's design is inspired by a bamboo stalk, symbolizing growth and strength in Asian culture. This architectural wonder combines traditional symbolism with cutting-edge technology.

The famous elevator that connects Taipei 101 to World Trade Center Station (R03)

How to Get There

Taipei 101 is located in the Xinyi District, the city’s financial and commercial hub.

By MRT (Metro):

Take the Red Line (Tamsui-Xinyi) to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station (R03)
Exit 4 leads directly to the tower

By Bus:

Numerous buses pass through Xinyi Road and Keelung Road. Look for stops labeled “Taipei 101.”

Things to Do in Taipei 101

Me at the 89th floor observation deck

1. Observation Decks (89th, 91st, and 101st floors)

Indoor Observatory (89F): Features panoramic views, interactive displays, and a look at the massive gold tuned mass damper that stabilizes the building during typhoons and earthquakes.

Me at 91F

Outdoor Observatory (91F): Open on select days for a fresh-air experience.

Skyline 460 (101F): Offers a VIP experience with access to the highest point visitors can reach.

View from 101F

🕒 Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last admission at 8:15 PM)

🎟️ Tickets: NT$600 (standard adult ticket), discounts available for students and children

🎫 Book online or via Klook for skip-the-line access.

Got our passes from Klook

2. Taipei 101 Mall

The lower floors house a luxury shopping mall featuring brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Cartier. There are also tech stores, lifestyle shops, and international boutiques.

Taipei 101 Mall at 5th

3. Food and Dining

Din Tai Fung (B1 Floor): Famous for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings); expect a wait, but it’s worth it.

Food Court (B1): Affordable eats ranging from Taiwanese snacks to Japanese ramen and global fast food.

Fine Dining (85F): Restaurants like Shin Yeh offer upscale Taiwanese cuisine with a view.

A cafe at 89F

4. Taipei 101 Run Up

Held annually, this vertical marathon challenges participants to race up all 2,046 steps. It’s a unique event for fitness buffs visiting in May or June.

Nearby Attractions

After visiting Taipei 101, explore more of Xinyi District:

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan Trail): Short but steep hike with postcard-perfect views of Taipei 101.
Taipei World Trade Center & Exhibition Halls
Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall: Just a short walk away and great for cultural exploration.

Entrance to Taipei 101

Tips for Visitors

Best time to visit: Around sunset or evening for city lights. Weekdays tend to be less crowded.

Weather alert: Observatories may close during typhoons or heavy rain—check the official website or call ahead.

Luggage: Lockers available inside the mall.

Language: English signage is widely available; staff often speak basic English.

Us at 101F

Final Thoughts

Whether you go for the views, the food, or the experience of standing atop one of the world’s great skyscrapers, Taipei 101 is a must-see destination in Taiwan.

It represents the spirit of a nation that embraces both tradition and modernity—and it offers unforgettable moments from ground floor to sky-high observatory.