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Taipei 101

Architect: C.Y. Lee and Partners Architects

Why It's Cool: For years, Taiwan, like much of eastern Asia, shunned skyscrapers over worries that earthquakes or typhoons might topple them. But new, high-grade mineral-flecked concrete that allows buildings to grow tall without sacrificing strength was put to ample use in this 2004 dart.

How to Visit: Shops fill the lower levels, but the views are the reason to come. Take the elevators—the world's fastest—to the 89th floor to see a Volkswagen Beetle-size pendulum that keeps the building from shaking.

Open 10–10 daily; tickets cost $12 for adults.

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From Travel + Leisure , FEB 2009

Self-consciously grand architecture usually leaves me cold...MORE>>

– Pankaj Mishra Taipei, Taiwan Today

From Travel + Leisure , FEB 2009

For years, Taiwan, like much of eastern Asia, shunned skyscrapers...MORE>>

– C. J. Hughes World’s Coolest Buildings

Last updated February 2009