Shin Kong Life Tower, Taipei

The Shin Kong Life Tower, with 51 stories and a height of 245 meters (803.8 feet), stands as one of the earliest skyscrapers in Taiwan. This rose-colored tower, crowned with a pyramid, is situated in Taipei's Zhongzheng District and was constructed in 1993. The first twelve floors, along with two underground levels, house a Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Department Store, while the remaining floors are designated for office spaces and serve as the headquarters for the Shin Kong Life insurance company.

At the time of its inauguration in 1993, the Shin Kong Life Tower held the title of Taiwan's tallest building. The nearby Far Eastern Plaza twin towers, built simultaneously, came close in height. However, in 1997, the Tuntex 85 Sky Tower in Kaohsiung surpassed it to become Taiwan's tallest. Subsequently, Taipei 101 set new height records in 2004.

From an architectural perspective, the Shin Kong Life Tower received mixed reviews both in Taiwan and beyond. It was generally perceived as having a rather plain and conventional design, with its primary distinguishing feature being its height. Architect Kaku Morin admitted that his design didn't make any groundbreaking architectural statements but expressed contentment with creating a structurally sound building.

The Shin Kong Life Tower, with its 46th-floor observatory, was a popular attraction in Taiwan after opening. It welcomed over four million visitors in 12 years. Now, it houses Naturally-Plus Taiwan headquarters with free admission for members. The tower's prime location near Taipei Main Station ensures steady foot traffic, benefiting businesses like Shin Kong Mitsukoshi and Asiaworld. Weekdays are busy with students attending nearby cram schools, and weekends feature outdoor concerts for Taipei residents.