Peaceful Taipei is the land of bubble tea, street food, night markets and Chinese temples -- not to mention the world's most beloved dumplings.

Din Tai Fung, in central Xinyi, near Taipei 101, is worth the two-hour wait for pork-and-crab dumplings.

Flaky scallion pancakes and stinky tofu at night markets like Shida or Raohe are recommended, but there are also plenty of upscale experiences. For fine dining, RAW is the reigning champion, serving local dishes with a French touch.

Yen, atop the W hotel, fuses Taiwanese and Cantonese techniques in an avant garde dining room.

Taipei's temples and museums are among Asia's best, particularly the 18th-century Longshan Temple in western Taipei, Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and National Palace Museum.