In the rush to develop, Taipei has knocked over most of its lovely old residences: Lin Antai Old Homestead is one of the few to have been preserved, and for this reason alone it is remarkable. Built in 1783, the building was dismantled brick by brick when a freeway was built through its original location in 1978.

Six years later the graceful old structure was rebuilt in its current location in Pinchiang Park. It's the oldest of the few remaining traditional residential buildings in Taipei - the others are mostly run down.

When the bustle gets too much, Taipei has a few leafy green sanctuaries. The Botanical Gardens, on Nanhai Rd just south of the central city area, has a beautiful lotus pond and is a pleasant retreat from a noisy city and an instant balm upon jangled nerves.

Longshan (dragon mountain) temple was originally built in 1738, and has since been levelled three times by an earthquake, a typhoon and the US army. It is dedicated to Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, and is one of the most colourful and popular temples in Taipei.