10/05/2025
Taipei 101 is one of the most iconic skyscrapers in the world, located in Taipei, Taiwan. Here's a quick overview:
Height: It stands 508 meters (1,667 feet) tall and was officially the tallest building in the world from 2004 until 2010, when it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.
Floors: It has 101 floors above ground (hence the name "101") and 5 basement levels.
Design: The building's design is deeply symbolic — it resembles a bamboo stalk, symbolizing growth, strength, and resilience. It also incorporates elements of traditional Asian culture and feng shui.
Earthquake and Typhoon Resistance: Taiwan is prone to earthquakes and typhoons, so Taipei 101 was engineered with a massive 660-ton tuned mass damper inside, suspended between the 87th and 91st floors. This giant pendulum stabilizes the building during strong winds and quakes.
Observatory: Taipei 101 has an observatory on the 89th floor, offering breathtaking 360° views of Taipei. There's also an outdoor observatory on the 91st floor.
Shopping and Dining: The lower floors house a luxurious mall, with designer shops, high-end restaurants, and a fantastic food court.
New Year's Eve: Taipei 101 is famous for its spectacular fireworks display every New Year's Eve — one of the biggest and most popular in Asia.
It's not just a symbol of Taiwan's modernity but also a showcase of sustainable design — it became the tallest and largest green building when it received LEED Platinum certification.