Taipei 101 Skyscrapers In Taiwan

Taipei 101 Skyscrapers In Taiwan

Standing as the crown jewel of the Xinyi District, Taipei 101 is more than just a skyscraper; it is a marvel of engineering designed to withstand the typhoons and earthquakes common to Taiwan. Completed in 2004, it held the title of the world's tallest building until 2010.

At a Glance: Key Statistics

Feature Detail

Total Height

508 meters (1,667 feet)

Floor Count

101 floors above ground (plus 5 basement levels)

Construction Period

1999 – 2004

Architect

C.Y. Lee & Partners

World Ranking

11th tallest building (as of 2026)

 Engineering & Design

The building's design is deeply rooted in Asian symbolism and modern resilience.

The Bamboo Aesthetic: The tower is built in eight segments of eight floors each. This mimics a stalk of bamboo, symbolizing growth and strength. The number 8 is also considered lucky in Chinese culture, representing prosperity.

The Tuned Mass Damper (TMD): To keep the building stable during high winds and seismic activity, a massive 660-metric ton steel pendulum is suspended between the 87th and 92nd floors. This golden sphere (the world's largest of its kind) sways to counteract the building's movement, reducing sway by up to 40%.

Sustainability: Taipei 101 is one of the world's tallest "green" buildings. It holds the LEED Platinum certification for its energy-efficient glass, water recycling systems, and advanced waste management.

Visitor Highlights

The Observatory: Located on the 88th, 89th, and 91st floors, the observatory offers 360-degree views of Taipei. You can also view the massive tuned mass damper up close.

World-Class Elevators: The building features high-speed pressurized elevators that can travel at speeds of 60.6 km/h (roughly 37.7 mph), whisking visitors from the 5th floor to the 89th in just 37 seconds.

The Mall: The base of the tower houses a luxury shopping mall featuring high-end brands and the famous Din Tai Fung Michelin-starred restaurant.

 Recent News

In an incredible feat of endurance, world-renowned free solo climber Alex Honnold successfully scaled the exterior of Taipei 101 on January 24, 2026, reaching the apex in just over an hour and a half during a live broadcast.

Note: If you are planning a visit, the building is most iconic during the New Year’s Eve fireworks display, where the entire tower is used as a launchpad for a massive pyrotechnic show.