Established in 1952, the Grand Hotel’s 87 m imperial-palace main building (completed 1973) is one of the world’s tallest Chinese classical-style structures—vermilion columns, a golden roof, and dragon motifs above the city. Beyond the free lobby and grounds, you can tour its ~180 m air-raid escape tunnels, one fitted with a slide.
Established in 1952, the Grand Hotel’s 87 m imperial-palace main building (completed 1973) is one of the world’s tallest Chinese classical-style structures—vermilion columns, a golden roof, and dragon motifs above the city. Beyond the free lobby and grounds, you can tour its ~180 m air-raid escape tunnels, one fitted with a slide.
Updated June 14, 2026
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Highlights亮點The Grand Hotel is Taipei in dramatic silhouette: vermilion columns, a golden roof, dragon motifs, and a statement-making presence on Yuanshan above the city. Established in 1952, its iconic 87 m main building was completed in 1973, was Taiwan’s tallest building from 1973 to 1981, and remains among the world’s tallest Chinese classical-style buildings.
Even if you’re not staying here, it’s a satisfying landmark stop—especially if you like bold architecture and big ‘Taipei postcard’ moments. It also works as a contrast: pair a modern day (Xinyi, Taipei 101) with a classic landmark afternoon at Yuanshan.
The hotel stands on Yuanshan, the former site of the Taiwan Grand Shrine—a Shinto shrine from the Japanese colonial era—so the location carries layers of Taipei’s 20th-century history beneath its imperial-palace styling.
That mid-century origin (founded 1952) and the palace-style 1973 tower together explain why the building reads as both a grand hotel and a civic landmark.
One of the Grand Hotel’s quirkier draws is its pair of roughly 180 m air-raid escape tunnels. The West Tunnel famously includes a slide, and both can be visited on bookable ‘Secret Passage’ tours.
Tours run daily at 10:00, 14:30, and 15:30 via online reservation with limited spots—check in 15 minutes before. The West Tunnel runs about NT$250 for adults and NT$100 for children; the East Tunnel is around NT$500. Budget 50–60 minutes on top of your lobby time.
The lobby and grounds are free to enter and the hotel operates 24 hours, so a short landmark visit—photos, a look at the scale, maybe a café break—takes about 1–1.5 hours. Late afternoon and dusk give the best golden-hour light on the red columns and golden roof, and clear days open up the city views.
Logistics matter here: the hotel is about 2 km uphill from MRT Yuanshan with no direct walking access, so use the free shuttle from Exit 1, which runs roughly every 20–30 minutes.
Quick answers to common planning questions.
Official pages and references for planning details.
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Tip: hours, prices, and seasonal schedules can change. When something matters (like a museum ticket or a special exhibition), check the official listing before you go.