Taipei 101

The Taipei 101 is the biggest building in the world. The huge 509.2 metre establishment has one hundred and one floors hence the name Taipei 101. The Taipei 101 is located in Taipei in Taiwan which is east of China. It costed $1,076,000,000 to make. Currently, the Taipei 101 holds these records
• Ground to highest architectural structure (spire): 509.2 metres (1,670.60 ft). Previously held by the Petronas Towers 452 m (1,483 ft).
• Ground to roof: 449.2 m (1,473.75 ft). Formerly held by the Sears Tower 442 m (1,450 ft).
• Ground to highest occupied floor: 439.2 m (1,440.94 ft). Formerly held by the Sears Tower 412.4 m (1,353 ft).
• Fastest ascending elevator speed: 16.83 m/s (55.22 ft/s) (60.6 km/h, 37.7 mi/h).
• Largest countdown clock: On display every New Year's Eve

I was lucky enough to be able to go to the Taipei 101 in my trip to Taiwan earlier this year. Next to the Taipei 101 is a shopping multiplex, it would be considered massive in New Zealand but in Taiwan it wasn’t really because its juxtaposition with the Taipei 101.

Another awesome thing about the Taipei 101 is the elevator. It is the fastest elevator in the world. It goes 60 kilometres an hour. On your way up the building your ears pop because your getting higher and the speed that your going at.

At the top you can go outside and look at the city. Me being afraid of heights and all wasn’t helpful. When I was outside I was holding onto anything I could get my trembling hand on. It was very windy up there and if you had weak legs, you definitely would be toppled over. Another scary thing is that the tower moves around with a five metre radius.

Inside the Taipei 101 there is a photo place. Where there is a blank ‘Blue Screen’ where you can choose photo and ‘stand next to’ the tower. I got one done, it was a night shot of the tower and I stood adjacent to it and kicked it. The photo only costed NT$300 which is about NZD$12.