G5 Circuit Party

G5 Circuit Parties 2015

If you are in Taipei for a bank holiday or special long weekend, chances are there’s a G5 Circuit party taking place.

G5 Party Taipei

The G5 Party has put the gay scene in Taipei on the map for international circuit parties!

The next G5 Taipei party schedule for 2014/15 has been announced – The Mega G5 Party which takes place during the following dates:

2014/2015 Mega G5 (TWO MORNING PARTIES & TWO NITE PARTIES )

  • 1/1 05AM~10AM RAINBOW G5@LUXY
  • 1/2 11PM~05AM WHITE G5@ATT4FUN
  • 1/3 11PM~05AM SUPER G5@ATT4FUN
  • 1/4 05AM~10AM SUNRISE G5@LUXY
    Advance combo tickets will be available from 2,DEC~ 28,DEC

Check out the promo video:

G5 Festival

Following its recent sucessful collaboration with Barcelona’s Circuit Festival, G5 have now teamed up with Europe’s WE Parties to bring you two fabulous events during Taiwan Pride festival.

The theme of the Party is “Vogue” and the event is in collaboration with international circuit sensation, “We Party”. Check out the Facebook page for details

We Party Taipei

Guest DJ is the fabulous WE Party regular Manuel De Diego from Madrid accompanied by the famous WE Party gogo dancers.

Here is the promotional video for the event!

The last Vogue Party took place in London – Here’s a preview of what to expect.

Luxy Gay Pride Taipei Party

Sunday, October 27th – OLE 早會 at Luxy (Sunday morning)
Guest DJ is another WE Party superstar, Sr Edu along with a super hot line-up of G5 DJ’s Odin L, Will Hsu, Shin and M@rio

Videos of G5 Circuit Parties

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Each party is unique and themed. Previous DJs have included Marco De Silva. The New Years Eve party attracted record numbers of partygoers. Tickets tend to sell out fast so its wise to pre-book your ticket online. Check out the full listing for G5 Taipe for full details.

GoGos are shipped in from around the world to dance and perform on stage. VIP passes are definitely worth the money in terms of access and queue skipping, but the venues are very efficient and although the queues are long, you wont have to wait more than 15 mins to gain admission, depending on the club.

Top Hotels in Taipei

Top 5 Hotels

The Taipei Hotel Scene is extremely diverse, from chic designer budget hotels to international palaces. Over the past 10 years the major hotels have been vying for the title of Taipei’s most trendy…

Hotel rooms in the lower grade hotels can sometimes be smaller than their Western equivalents and some may not even have a view or a window, so it is often worth the upgrade. That said, prices for 4 and 5 star hotels here are lower compared to other international cities and service is efficient and attentive.

Best up and coming Neighbourhood – Les Suites Da’an

Les Suites Da'an

Located in Taipei’s up and coming Da’an district, Les Suites is central located in this trendy neighborhood.

Taipei’s Da’an district is located in between trendy Xinyi and gay area of Ximen. Known for its under the radar gay bars and trendy independent shops the Suites Taipei is comfortable, uncluttered and functional.

Check for the lowest rate for the Suites Daan and book now.

Best for the Gay District – Inhouse hotel taipei

Right in the heart of the gayborhood, Ximen's In House Hotel has a cool, club like atmosphere

Right in the heart of the gayborhood, Ximen’s In House Hotel has a cool, club like atmosphere

For those preferring to stay close to the gay venues in Ximen, check out the In House Hotel.

The 60 room hotel is the creation of nighclub empresario, Ted Su and uses a clubby chic decor. It’s Lounge bar on the ground floor is the popular “Prive” bar.

Check for the lowest rate for the InHouse Taipei and book now.

Most Impressive Pool & View – The Shangri-La’ Far Eastern Plaza

The Shangri La's Far Eastern Plaza features a pool with superb views & a menu of 101 Martini's

The Shangri La’s Far Eastern Plaza features a pool with superb views & a menu of 101 Martini’s

Head to the Marco ‘Polo Lounge  and sip on one of 101 martini’s as you watch the sun set over Taipei. Definitely the best views of the city and one of the few outdoor pools where you can  soak up the sun during the hot Summer months.

Check for the lowest rate for the Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza and book now.

Best for Style and Tranquility – The Hotel Eclat

The Hotel Eclat is a haven of peace and tranquility but still located in the trendy Da'an district.

The Hotel Eclat is a haven of peace and tranquility but still located in the trendy Da’an district.

The three year old Hotel Eclat has one of the most impressive collection of art by Dali and Warhol among others. Room amenities include  Nespresso machines, Toto toilets, Molton Brown products and free wi-fi.

Check for the lowest rate for the Hotel Eclat Taipei and book now.

Best for shopping and style – The W Taipei

Located in one of Taipei's most prestigious districts, the W Hotel certainly has the Wow factor.

Located in one of Taipei’s most prestigious districts, the W Hotel certainly has the Wow factor.

The W Hotel Taipei set the hotel scene on fire when it opened just a few years ago. It has left other 5 star properties in its wake and has some of the finest restaurants in the city. Rooms are large and spacious and the WET bar by the pool is a popular location with local gay boys and their friends.

Check for the lowest rate for the W Hotel and book now.

Hotels in Taipei – Best Advice

Many of the business hotels tend to be quieter during the weekend and so you can get good rates for long weekend stays. Large scale events such as New Years Eve and Pride together with the large circuit parties attract people from all over Asia so its wise to book your hotel well in advance.

There are 3 main districts you will want to stay within:

  • Xinyi – The New Shopping District close to Taipei 101 and the W
  • Da’An – in-between the gay district of Ximen and Xinyi with many underground gay bars and cool stores
  • Ximending – right in the heart of the gay district with smaller hotels and boutique offerings (these tend to book the fastest)

 

Top places to visit

6 Top Places to See

Taipei is a true feast for the senses, perfectly combining the old with the new. This trendsetting tropical city is full of wonder.

Most of the major attractions are based in and around Taiwan. All of them are busy year round, especially with the influx of mainland tourists from China, so expect some queues, however this is all part of the experience. From the bustle of the night markets to the peace and tranquility of the memorial hall, Taipei’s cultural and historical attractions are some of the most famous in the world.

Save time queuing and book the Taipei Day Tour in Advance and get your bearings of the city with your very own guided tour.

Here is our list of the 6 must-see attractions in Taipei. Don’t be afraid to venture beyond the city to explore all that the island has to offer!

Taipei 101

Taipei 101

No trip to Taipei would be complete without a visit to one of the world’s tallest buildings.

At 509 meters high, this was the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010, when the Burj Khalifa in Dubai surpassed it. The tower is reminiscent of a pagoda or a stalk of bamboo and designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes common in Taiwan. Floors one through five are a shopping center and both the indoor (89th floor) and outdoor (91st floor) observation decks offer a 360-degree panoramic view.

The tower offers breathtaking views of the entire city of Taipei and has some innovative features including some of the fastest elevators in the world, a special series of dampeners to deal with high winds and is one of the most energy efficient buildings of its kind.

We recommend you try and make your trip in the late evening, when you can see the city in its true glory. Taipei’s nigh skyline is breathtaking. Combine it with a visit to one of the traditional Mongolian BBQs for a delicious end to your evening.

Book the night tour of Taipei

National Palace Museum

National Museum

This extraordinary collection of historic art treasures, fascinating for its depth and breadth, has miraculously escaped destruction over hundreds of years. Some pieces date back to the tenth century. The most famous exhibit is the Jade Cabbage, one of the country’s national treasures.

Book a half day tour of the city and see the National Museum.

Long Shan Temple

Long Shan Temple

The night tour of Taipei includes a trip to the ancient Longshan Temple.

Many festivals and celebrations are held in Lungshan, often called “meeting place of the gods” for the wealth of deities worshipped here. Lungshan means “Dragon Mountain.” It is often crowded with worshipers. The Longshan Temple is one of Taiwan’s finest examples of temple architecture.

Book the night tour of Taipei and take in the temple on route.

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, in downtown Taipei, paying homage to the late President Chiang Kai-Shek.

The memorial is impressive, in terms of an overall structure and in terms of the Chiang Kai Shek statue. The changing of the guard (every hour on the hour) should not be missed. Get there early so you can have a close up view. See the Great Ruler’s replica office, his state cars and more. Definitely worth a visit.

Book now to Take in the Memorial Hall on a half day tour of Taipei.

Chiufen Village (Jiufen)

Jiufen Village Taiwan

Take a day trip from Taipei and head to Jiufen Village for an experience you will never forget.

Our most recommended tour! Explore the Northeast Coast of Taipei and stroll through the Chiufen Village also known as Jiufen on this four-hour tour from Taipei. Drive to the east coast of Taipei to visit the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area, a popular swimming spot for the locals. Offering fascinating rock formations, lighthouses, fishing villages, pastoral farmlands and temples.

Then visit the quaint little village of Chiufen (Jiufen), once the gold mining center of Taiwan. The gold is gone, but Chiufen (Jiufen) built of closely-packed houses clinging to steep mountainsides, continue to offer enchanting scenery, unique teahouses and fascinating glimpses into the lifestyles of the past. The village is full of stores where you can purchase virtually anything.

Nightmarket

Taipei Night Markets

No trip to Taipei would be complete without a visit to one of its famous Night markets.

Huaxi (Huasi) Street Night Market is located nearby Longshan Temple. The night market, together with night markets on Guangzhou Street, Wuzhou Street and Xichang Street, has formed a large unique market. Various items are sold here and it is one of the favored sites of tourists.

You will find all sorts of strange and wonderful foodstuffs here… But for those of you looking for something more tradition, try some of the shaved ice here, its some of the best we have tasted in Taipei.

Take in Huaxi Street Night Market on the Night Tour of Taipei. Book Now.

For a complete list of tours, dinner cruises and more available in Taipei, check out our Tours section and plan and book your tours in advance.

Top 5 Cafes

Up & Coming Gay Bars

While the hip Xinyi district and the gay centre of Ximending may be the places to visit, Taipei has many hidden-gems in its narrow streets, offering great cocktails, coffee and cake!

Check out our top 5 recommendations on where to sip a cocktail to remember in the Golden City. All of the businesses listed are Gay Friendly, naturally.

Celebrities & More – A8 Taipei

Stylish yet unassuming, the A8 Cafe is a mecca for Taipei's cool gays and celebrities.

Stylish yet unassuming, the A8 Cafe is a mecca for Taipei’s cool gays and celebrities.

A8 Café, created by Chang Hui-Mei is a very unassuming coffee shop, is not only a place where you will find famous singers or actors sitting next to you, but it is a great venue to meet with hospitable hosts, enjoy good food, and have a space of your own in this crowd city.

The surprise starts right after you step into the café. The aroma of coffee blends with the pleasant smells of roasted pork. You can sit at the bar or pick up a table facing the window. You are ready to order.

A perfect start to your morning – Perch

Just like a bird perched on a tree, here you can relax and get some work done or sip a morning coffee with your favourite magazine.

Just like a bird perched on a tree, here you can relax and get some work done or sip a morning coffee with your favourite magazine.

Perch is the perfect places to start your morning! The gay owners have created a light and locale, full of bookshelves with novels, magazines and more. The area tends to attact young professionals and freelancers looking to get some work done or to take in a latte with their morning newspaper.

Get the inside scoop – H*OURS Cafe

Your home away from home in Taipei with great insider tips from local young guys in the know!

Your home away from home in Taipei with great insider tips from local young guys in the know!

H*ours Cafe is located just across the street from Taipei’s most famous gay store, Gin Gins. Popular with local students and younger gay guys, the owners invite you to treat this place like your home from home. If you are looking to find out where to go and what to do when you get to Taipei this is the place to visit and find out!

Visit our Bars & Clubs section for a complete guide on Taipei’s gay nightlife.

Waffles anyone? – B Waffle

B Waffle Taipei

Just Coffee and Waffles at this sexy little eaterie… popular in the afternoons and at weekends.

B Waffle may only serve Waffles and coffee, but they make the best! The gay owner packs this narrow corner space with handsome barristas and sexy customers. The interior has hints of leather, fur and wooden finishes and is a popular afternoon and weekend spot.

The Young and The Beautiful – Homey’s

Homey's Taipei

Homeys understated decor at atmosphere is in contrast to the young and beautiful people the venue attracts!

Homey’s attracts those who look good and like to be looked at! The clientele are well dressed urban gays who don’t look out of place at 2pm with a good book and a glass of red wine. The location has attracted the chic and beautiful through word-of-mouth and is now gaining a reputation with foreign visitors as the place to hang out with friends or meet new ones!