Rarely does the average traveler spend more than a day taking in Taipei. But the savvy sightseer knows that Taiwan’s bustling capital offers far more than a connecting flight — Taipei is an island of cultural treasures and original excursions in itself. The next time you’re passing through, bring your loved one along for a romantic Asian vacation you won’t soon forget.

Though it may seem impossible to miss, be sure to allow ample time to admire Taiwan’s aesthetic modern marvel, Taipei 101 (7 Xinyi Road, Sec. 5, tel 886 2 8758 2888, http://www.taipei-101.com.tw). With a breathtaking height of some 1,600 feet and — you guessed it — 101 floors, Taipei 101 stands as the world’s tallest completed tower capable of being fully occupied. Designed by world-class architect C.Y. Lee and completed in 2004, this is more than a boastful building erected to make the nation’s mark — it imparts an intriguing impression of both firmness and fluidity. The elegant structure, designed to withstand typhoon winds and earthquake shakes, is comprised of eight massive inlaid tiers resembling a bedazzling bamboo tower. There’s no mistake about the number eight: It is the luckiest numeral in Chinese culture as well as a universal representation of infinity. Romantics on a Taipei tour can top off a tower visit with a stroll and snapshot alongside the bold sculpture, Love, created by American pop artist Robert Indiana. Comprised of four brazen red letters arranged in a square, the sculpture is perched just before the entrance to Taipei 101.

After pondering the heavenly heights, stock up on serenity with a stop at Longshan Temple (211 Guangzhou St., tel 886 2 2302 5162), in Wanhua, the heart of old Taipei. Longshan is Taipei’s oldest and most important temple, sacred to Taoists and Buddhists alike. The atmosphere is both pious and cheerful, filled with the whimsical tinkling of chimes and the happy chatter of families. Visitors offer bundles of fragrant incense as they chant, pray, and pay their respects to the temple’s primary deity, Guanyin (pronounced “Kwan Yin”), the female bodhisattva of compassion.

For a Taiwanese treat in the great outdoors, take a half-day artist date to the exquisite landscaped sculpture park of the nation’s celebrated sculptor, Ju Ming. The Ju Ming Museum (2 She-shi-hu, Chin-shan, tel 886 2 2498 9940, http://www.juming.org.tw) — a 30-acre wooded park — lies just over the ridge from Dharma Drum Mountain, on the northern tip of the island. Ju Ming came to fame in the 1970s and is perhaps best known for his multimedia collection, “Living World,” a brilliant portrayal of modern life in a colorful array of bronze, steel and wood. The park is easily reached from central Taipei by shuttle buses leaving twice daily from the Taipei Fine Arts Museum (181 Zhong Shan N. Road, Sec. 3, tel 886 2 2595 7656, http://www.tfam.museum).

Couples with an adventurous bent can sample the surf at Honeymoon Bay. The splendor of riding the waves in Taiwan is still a secret to most of the world, but the trend is about to crest. Honeymoon Bay (Mi-Yeu-Wan to the locals) in Yilan County is one of Taiwan’s hottest surf spots, and is only about 45 minutes by train from Taipei Main Railway Station, making it an ideal two-day side trip. Be sure to visit Jeff Sun’s Surf Shop (100 Binhai Road, Sec. 5, Toucheng Town, tel 886 3 978 1781) where you can rent boards and equipment, as well as arrange for lessons, meals and local lodging. Because of the beach breaks, Honeymoon Bay is perfect for beginners as well as advanced surfers. With romantic views of Turtle Mountain Island just off the coast, there’s plenty of swimming, sunning, and sunsetviewing — a romantic way to top off a holiday in Taipei.

LODGING

THE TANGO HOTEL

For a truly hip and memorable stay in Taipei, try the Tango. Centrally located in the heart of Xinyi, the Tango is a concept boutique hotel perfect for the modern couple who desire nothing more than to unwind after a long day of sights, shopping and business. Sexy and stylish Tango rooms feature glass partitions between bath and bedroom, televisions above whirlpool tubs, and goose-down pillows for a pleasant night’s sleep.If you’re ready to relish luxury and count yourself among the cool, don’t miss this unique find.$$$$
THE TANGO HOTEL
297 ZhongXiao E. Road, Sec. 5
tel 886 2 2528 8000
http://www.thetango.com.tw

THE SHERWOOD TAIPEI

If you must mix business with pleasure, the Sherwood is an ideal choice — located in Taipei’s financial district and just minutes from the World Trade Center, with Taipei 101 a 10-minute walk from the front door. Part of the Leading Hotels of the World network, the Sherwood has 305 rooms and offers a fantastic array of dining options, including Toscana for fine Italian, Kouma for sushi and Yi Yuan for regional Chinese. A swimming pool, a sauna and a gymnasium are onsite, as well as a deluxe spa. For couples with kids in tow, babysitting is available. Be sure to request a room on one of the upper floors with a neon-rainbow view of Taipei’s evening cityscape.$$$$
THE SHERWOOD TAIPEI
111 Min Sheng E. Road, Sec. 3
tel 886 2 2718 1188
http://www.sherwood.com.tw

GRAND HYATT TAIPEI

Also centrally located in the World Trade Center, the Grand Hyatt Taipei offers the traveling couple easy access to all major sights, including the Lungshan Temple, Taipei 101 and the National Palace Museum. The sleek 25-story property boasts 856 rooms — the largest number of guestrooms in the nation — and 10 restaurants to please even the most finicky palate, ranging from haute cuisine to continental fare. The massive Grand is a city in itself. Be sure to chill out beside the luxurious outdoor swimming pool, and dive in for some fresh, underwater surround-sound stereo entertainment — a great way to cool off after a long day, especially during the hot season.$$$
GRAND HYATT TAIPEI
2 Song Schou Road,
tel 886 2 2720 1234
http://www.taipei.grand.hyatt.com

DINING

DIN TAI FUNG

The original, world-renowned Din Tai Fung Dumpling House is by far the most famous eatery in Taipei, and has been followed up by branches in Shanghai, Beijing, and even Los Angeles. Chefs must uphold strict standards of preparation from rolling the dough to following exact guidelines of the amount of pork filling in each roll, or bao. Fill up on the infamous xiao long bao, the steamed soup dumplings, shrimp steamed dumpling, and double-cooked chicken soup. Watch for the lines of thousands on Sundays, by far the most popular day for dim sum in Taipei. $$
DIN TAI FUNG
194 Xinyi Road, Sec. 2
tel 886 2 2321 8928
http://www.dintaifung.com.tw

CAFE ASTORIA RESTAURANT AN BAKERY

Opened in 1949, the Astoria is one of the first establishments in Taipei to provide Western-style baked goods or a hearty and complete comfort-food meal. By far the most popular item on the menu is the Astoria hot borscht, the traditional Russian beet soup, stewed for two hours before it is served, and a health nut’s delight. If you’ve grown particularly tired of Far-East fare, sample the chicken quesadilla, which stands alone as a meal or works great as a side dish to complement the borscht. Top off the hearty, Russian home-cooked meal feeling with a slice of Mazuka walnut cake and a cup of steaming hot coffee.$$
CAFE ASTORIA RESTAURANT AN BAKERY
2F, 5 Wuchang St., Sec. 1
tel 886 2 2331 7370

SHILIN NIGHT MARKET

No stay in Taipei is complete without the dining adventure of the Shilin Night Market. After sampling some of the most exotic xiaochi (little eats) that Taiwan has to offer; you can follow up your culinary conquest with a foot massage. Extra bonus for the shopaholic traveler: Peruse the racks of fabulous fabrics and colorful clothing while you nosh. Shilin is the city’s largest, oldest night market, going strong every night since 1910. Be sure to sample the charbroiled da bing bao xiao bing (little bun in a big bun) — the Taiwanese version of an American hot dog topped with tangy condiments such as wasabi, garlic, pickled bok choy and soy sauce paste. Shilin Night Market offers the adventurous eater a tempting taste sensation you won’t quickly forget. $
SHILIN NIGHT MARKET
Opposite Jiantin MRT Station on the Danshui Line

INFO TO GO

The newly remodeled Taoyuen International Airport (TPE) offers weary travelers a spot of relaxation while passing through. Recent renovations include terminals flooded with natural light, a “green relaxation zone” filled with live plants and a mini bamboo forest, the sounds of waterfalls and bird calls, and deluxe leather recliners with automatic massage (obtain free tokens at news kiosks and information booths).

After kicking back in your recliner, take a leisurely walk or hop between terminals with the convenient SkyTrain — and shop ’til you drop for Prada, Johnny Walker and Dior. Free WiFi, showers and friendly staff and shopkeepers will make your stint at the airport as comfortable as possible. For more information about travel in Taiwan, visit http://www.taiwan.net.tw