Grand Hotel, Taipei

One of the most impressive buildings in Taipei

It was a hot and clear day, when I headed to the northern part of Taipei City to make photos of the famous Grand Hotel. It's located near the Jiantan MRT station, built on a small hill. I had to walk a while to finally see the impressive hotel slowly appearing in all its glory in front of my eyes. It looks magnificent from afar, but even more so from close. Designed by the famous Taiwanese architect Yang Cho-cheng (楊卓成, it's known as the world's tallest Chinese classic building (87m). The hotel was established in 1952, however the current building was built in 1973. The hotel was much smaller between before that. More info on the hotel's homepage.

I didn't go inside, but my girlfriend told me, it's not as impressive as the exterior part. Nevertheless, it's one of the most amazing buildings I've ever seen and it's definitely one of Taipei's landmarks you have to see, if you come to visit the city.

Pictures taken on a hot day in February:

I had to walk 10min away from the MRT station, when I came to this small garden.

I saw stairs, they led me up. The sky was bright, the day was sunny. I took the challenge.

Once I was up, this view presented itself to me. It was breathtaking. It is indeed a grand hotel.

A very neat little garden, that leads the way up to the hotel's main entrance.

The old gate, very impressive, with the red-green theme, that matches the hotel.

The Grand Hotel from close. A big stress was put on the details.

The main entrance: Many buses were standing here, a lot of visitors, mostly Asian.

The Grand Hotel, side view.

The Grand Hotel seen from the park. Green and red: a perfect mix.

If you come to Taipei even for a day, go and see the Grand Hotel, it's really impressive. You won't see such building on every corner, that's for sure. For me, it's one of the most interesting sights of Taipei. I will definitely return there one day.

[My TAIWAN page][My TAIPEI page][All photos by MKL, 2010]