The National Theatre and National Opera House (tel: (02) 2343 1100; website: www.ntch.edu.tw) in the grounds of the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall (whose wide open plaza is often used for large scale shows and folk performances) is the most important venue for the performing arts. 800 performances annually feature both local and international performers in programmes including dance, theatre, Chinese and Western operas, dramas, and ballets, as well as vocal and instrumental concerts. The Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan (tel: (02) 2712 2102; website: www.cloudgate.org.tw) hosts the world-famous Chinese contemporary dance company.

Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, 505 Jen-ai Road, Section 4 (tel: (02) 2758 8008; website: www.yatsen.gov.tw) is the largest indoor auditorium in Taiwan and is used for large scale dance and musical productions. Shih-Ming Hall houses Taipei Eye (tel: (02) 2568 2677; website: www.taipeieye.com), Taipei's main theatre and dance troupe, known internationally. Huashan Cultural-Creative Park (tel: (02) 2351 6003) showcases work by theatre groups, painters, wood sculptors, writers, movie producers and directors from Taiwan and abroad.

Warner Village Cinema Multiplex, Shin Yi District, is also a great area for eating, drinking and shopping. Spot, Taipei Film House (tel: (02) 2778 2991; website: www.spot.org.tw) shows art house movies and hosts film festivals. It has a dedicated film-centric bookshop and a cafe.

Get information on cultural events at www.taiwanfun.com.