Most of the time it is nice go shopping, but sometimes it can be a burden. For example, when traveling you know you MUST have gifts for family and relatives, not to mention coworkers. Let us give you a little help with some suggestions, where to go and what to shop.

Refer to page 28 to find museums listed there. They all have nice selections of gift items in the gift shops located at their respective museums. Prices vary from inexpensive to the more exclusive items. They also help with shipment if needed.

Another great shop, or more like a department store, is the Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center, located on Hsu Chou Rd. corner of Zhong Shan S Rd., a government-sponsored store that offers a wide selection of Chinese handicrafts. Open 9.00 am - 5.30 pm daily. English is well spoken.

Pineapple cake is also a much appreciated gift to bring home. This traditional Taiwanese cake comes today in many flavors: sweet as well as salty with all kinds of filling. They can be bought at the major hotels, special cake shops, supermarkets and at the airport.

Antique shops should not be missed, since most of the time they offer everything from the smallest to the very big items and the same goes for the price range.

Guang Hua Digital Plaza, Jinshan North Road, # 77, corner Civic Blvd. / BaDe Rd., open 9.00 am - 10.00 pm daily, is a new 7-storey building filled with computer equipments and other electronic gadgets. Also to be found are branded sportswear, DVDs, mobile phones and much more. Prices are reasonable but you may bargain. English is rarely spoken and care must be taken as systems may not be compatible globally. For the camera gear check out "Camera Street", Han Kou St. Sec. 1, near Taipei Main Station.