Northstar

DESTINATION | Taipei, TAIWAN 36 May-Jun 2017 meetings & conventions • mcmag-asia.com Clockwise from left: Dian Shui Lou; make your own dumplings; Pineapple cake at Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry; Oolong tea-infused fried rice in Qing Shui Shan Zhuang, a teahouse in Maokong. + AIRPORT TRANSIT • Taoyuan International Airport, the main international airport, is located 45min from Taipei city. Taxi transfer cost is NT$900-1200 (US$29.80-39.70). • Taipei Songshan Airport, which serves mainly domestic and select charter flights, is located within Taipei city. It is conveniently accessed via metro at Songshan Airport Station on the Brown Line. + TAXES Value-Added Tax (VAT): 5%; Service charge: 10%; Total tax on hotel rooms: 15% + CONTACT • Meet Taiwan: 02-23920788; www.meettaiwan. com • Taiwan Tourism Bureau: 0800-011765 (toll-free); eng. taiwan.net.tw BOND OVER FOOD One of Taiwan's most famous delicacies is xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings) – juicy morsels traditionally packed with minced pork and broth. At Dian Shui Lou's Taoyuan outlet, groups can try 'pleating' their own dumplings, which is the most crucial step in making this culinary treat, and exceedingly hard to master. At the end of the class, participants even receive a certificate of completion in recognition of their efforts. Delegates can try their hand at making Taiwan's famous pineapple cakes at Kuo Yuan Ye Museum of Cake and Pastry, the first facility in the country dedicated to promoting the local pastry culture. Groups with at least 20 people can opt for the Creative Pastry DIY Experience, which includes a pastry making and tea session, or the lengthier Kuo Yuan Ye Pineapple Shortcake DIY Experience, which includes mixing in raw ingredients required for the sweet treat. The museum has two outlets – go to the Shilin branch where the brand was founded in 1867. Tea aficionados and nature lovers alike will enjoy a half-day visit to Maokong, a quaint hilltop village best reached by Maokong Gondola's glass-bottomed Crystal Cabins. Most notably the hilly attraction is scattered with bustling teahouses featuring rustic dishes cooked with tea leaves – their famed varietals are Tie Guanyin and Baozhong – and opportunities for tea appreciation. For a more in-depth understanding, the Taipei Tea Promotion Center offers an introduction to tea picking, processing, brewing and free tastings. PHOTO OF PINEAPPLE CAKE: LCC54613/ISTOCK

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