Taipei, Taiwan

Located just off the coast of China, Taipei is strongly influenced by Chinese culture while still maintaining its own identity. Taipei is a big city on a small island where busy streets are clogged with thousands of motor scooters, boisterous drinking games and exotic cocktails. Taiwan is at the frontier of architectural modernity. It boasts the world's tallest skyscraper, Taiwan 101, which houses the world's fastest elevator. Despite all of the modern progression, the seaside traditions of island life are still maintained and celebrated every night when locals gather to eat fresh seafood, drink beer and play wild drinking games. The city's famous Snake Alley is home to mysterious concoctions, curious folk cures and bizarre medicinal wonders. It's an experience unlike any other.