By Nancy T. Lu/ Taiwan news, Staff Writer

Tall structures and buildings have defined cities and civilizations since ancient times. Taipei 101 with its reputation as the tallest building in the world is helping write Taiwan's modern history. In fact, the towering symbol of Taiwan's spirit and pride stands as a declaration to the world about the island's soaring ambition in the 21st century.

When Diana Ming-hsun Chen, president of Taipei 101, recently attended an event at New York's Winter Garden to drum up interest in both the traditional and modern aspects of Taiwan, she declared that the structural showpiece built in segments inspired by the bamboo is "taking Taipei to the world and the world to Taipei."

Taipei 101's 128-second New Year pyrotechnic show, still fresh in the memory of those privileged to watch it, was a dazzling picture seen around the world thanks to the coverage of networks like CNN and BBC. Sony, a name also recognized worldwide, picked up the NT$10 million bill for firing 8,101 rockets. Taipei 101, ever helping to call attention to the city, went to great lengths to establish a tradition in greeting the New Year with exciting fireworks designed creatively with an eye on auspicious symbolism. The preparation at the building, usually lighted in a different color each night of the week, took one year. The actual setting up of the rockets by experienced hands under the watchful supervision of fire department representatives was completed only after four weeks. The pyrotechnic compositions were rigged for automatic detonation. Even the lights on the building were synchronized with the fireworks for a spectacular effect.

Spectacular fireworks light up the Taipei 101 for 128 seconds to usher in year 2006./CNA

World records

Nowadays, tourists know that a visit to Taipei 101 is a must in their itinerary. Being No.1 in height accounts for this landmark's undeniable appeal. Its 101 stories above the ground add up to 508 meters, a measurement rendering it worthy of being entered as the world's tallest building in the Guinness Book of Records. The tower, built and operated by the Taipei Financial Center Corporation (TFCC), has another five floors underground.
Actually Taipei 101 jutting out to dominate the city's skyline holds the world records for structure height at 508 meters, highest roof at 448 meters, and highest occupied floor at 438 meters.

Photo courtesy of information dept. of Taipei City Government

Sightseeing tourists are very likely to consider for their first stop the observatory inside the building, which is one and a half times the height of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Visitors pay an entrance fee of NT$350 for a ride up to the observatory. The world's fastest elevator on the 5th floor gets them to the 89th floor in a record 37 seconds. This elevator has a small, hidden damper with aerodynamic function to prevent passenger discomfort as it shoots to the top. The ride up literally feels like a jumbo jet taking off.

On a clear day, visitors on the 89th floor can spot just about all of Taipei's significant buildings, landmarks, and scenic points of interest. The Acoustiguide that is provided helps a user pinpoint mountains, bridges, highways, parks, and buildings during an aerial panoramic sweep.
The view of Taipei from way up in the clouds, however, is different by day and by night. Therefore, it is best to be there before sunset to catch glimpses of both. The observatory is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Another NT$100 ticket, which must be purchased on the 89th floor, gives access to the outdoor observatory on the 91st floor. A few flights of stairs must be negotiated on foot, though. The open area was where the May Day rock band once held a concert that literally brought 500 fans to an unprecedented high. Cameramen in a helicopter flying overhead captured the hot event for posterity.
While catching the auspicious first break of dawn on New Year's Day in this area, three men proposed marriage to their dates before the gathered crowd. Many who went there to wish for good luck for themselves and their loved ones were moved by the romantic drama.

Meanwhile, the indoor space on this floor recently witnessed the first public display of the lifelike wax figures of Bruce Lee, Teresa Teng, Marilyn Monroe, and David Beckham from Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. During the exhibit's opening on January 13, Harace Lin, the general manager of Taipei 101, announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for Taipei 101, a monument to modern architecture and engineering, took place exactly eight years ago.

Souvenirs sold at the observatory include simple caps, bags, watches, t-shirts and postcards. The image service counter makes it possible for individuals to take home computer-generated souvenir pictures using Taipei 101 captured from an angle of personal preference as background.