The city is home to three excellent repositories of contemporary art. In two of them, the building itself can be as engaging as the works of art displayed.

BY GARY HEATH

Both Mandarin and Taiwanese pop music can trace their roots to a combination of influences, including traditional Chinese, Japanese, and American music.

BY MARC L. MOSKOWITZ

Years ago, Taipei book lovers were in trouble if they couldn't read Chinese. But nowadays Eslite and Page One are battling it out to see who can stock the most titles in English.

BY LUCIEN CROWDER

Green Lake has swan-shaped paddle boats, clean water for swimming, nightmarket snacks, egrets and herons, and strolling lovers. What's not to like?

BY MARK CALTONHILL