People will be able to learn more about Taipei’s historical sites, public artworks and old shops after the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs launched more than 200 tours featuring cultural, artistic and historical sites.
The “Insight City Guide Taipei” program offers 221 guide tours that will run through Nov. 30. These will include 120 “district tours” to local attractions in 12 districts. The Daan District (大安) tour, for example, will feature historical sites in the area, such as Yin Foo-sun’s Residence (殷海光故居) and Wistaria Tea House (紫藤廬).
Visitors can also choose from 97 guided tours that are divided into 18 themes focusing on temples, hiking or tea culture. The “Sweet Osmanthus Trail,” for example, will invite participants to take a walk along the trail in Nankang, visiting a local tea garden and tea oil factory.
In celebration of World Heritage Day next month, the department will offer four tours on Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 and take visitors to sites usually closed to the public, including the Presidential Office building, Taipei Guest House, the Executive Yuan and Control Yuan buildings.
Department Commissioner Liu Wei-kung (劉維公) said the program involves local artists and historians explaining the stories behind the attractions during the tours to help visitors understand more about the city.
“Taipei is a city that has more to offer than gourmet food and shopping, and the tours will introduce different characteristics at 12 districts and historical sites to all visitors,” he said.
The three-month program will cover more than 400 cultural and historical sites around the city, 1,700 old trees and 484 public art displays, he said.
The program is free, but reservations are required. For more information visit www.icgtp.com or call (02) 2556-0986.
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