If you go

THE BEST WAY TO TAIPEI, TAIWAN

From LAX, China Airlines and EVA offer nonstop service to Taipei, and JAL, United, Cathay Pacific, Korean and Asiana offer connecting service (change of planes). Restricted round-trip airfares from $765, including taxes and fees.

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel Quote Taipei, 333 Nanjing East Road, Section 3, Songshan District, Taipei; www.hotel-quote.com. Centrally located boutique hotel with a pleasant guests' lounge on second floor. Doubles from about $160.

WHERE TO EAT

#21 Goose & Seafood, 21 Jinzou St., Zhongshan District, Taipei. Known for its goose dishes. About 10 tables, loud with conversation. Menus in Mandarin and English. Most dishes $5-$15.

Puppet Master, 13 Shuqi Road, Jiufen, Ruifang District, New Taipei City. Good fish. Besides the views out the many windows, its interiors are full of old movie posters.

Spot Café Lumiere, No. 18, Sec. 2, Zhongshan N. Road, Zhongshan District; Taipei. Cinema-adjacent snacks beer and wine, up to $8

TO LEARN MORE

Several companies offer Taipei-based day trips to Pingxi, Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake and other popular spots for $75-$125 per person. I used MyTaiwanTour ,www.my taiwantour.com. Taiwan Tourism Bureau, eng.taiwan.net.tw