| A gem in the China Seas, Taiwan embodies a | | | | Temples and Memorial Arches define this city |
| unique entangling of ancient and modern, East | | | | where the Ching Dynasty once prayed to the |
| and West. From the bustling commercial center | | | | God of War. |
| of the capital city, Taipei, to the cascading | | | | |
| volcanic mountains of Yushan National Park, | | | | The Taiwan Terrain: Recreation and Ecotourism |
| Taiwan offers the world traveler an unmatched | | | | |
| experience. It is no coincidence that | | | | Exploration of the thriving urban centers is |
| Portuguese explorers named this island 'Ilha | | | | only one of many ways to get in touch with |
| Formosa', or the beautiful island. | | | | Taiwan. The rugged topography of Taiwan is |
| | | | adorned with magnificent peaks, lush valleys |
| To Travel to Taiwan is to Understand | | | | and dramatic waterfalls. Yushan National Park |
| Diversity | | | | is home to the island's tallest peak, Jade |
| | | | Mountain, which towers at 2,610 meters. Hike |
| Officially known as the Republic of China | | | | to the summit and take the more technical |
| (R.O.C.), Taiwan should not be confused with | | | | route down or simply enjoy the breathtaking |
| the People's Republic of China, which refers | | | | view from the Tatachia Visitor Center, |
| to mainland China. Within the past 200 years | | | | accessible directly from the new Central |
| the island has been ruled by the Dutch, | | | | Cross-Island Highway. From Jade Mountain, |
| become part of Japan, has been "returned" to | | | | descend deep into Taroko Gorge on Taiwan's |
| China and is currently striving to become an | | | | rocky and secluded east coast. This |
| internationally recognized sovereign nation. | | | | 12-mile-long canyon is home to the natural |
| Taiwan's tumultuous and fascinating history | | | | open-air Wenshan hot springs and the Atayal |
| of the Aboriginal, Taiwanese and Chinese | | | | people, one of Taiwan's remaining aboriginal |
| people is revealed through the many cultural | | | | tribes. The rocky cliffs at the canyon's end |
| festivals held throughout the year. Travel to | | | | are a starting point for those who wish to |
| the island in February for the Taiwan Lantern | | | | travel farther into Taiwan's history. The |
| Festival or in June to watch the world-famous | | | | surrounding Pacific Ocean is sprinkled with |
| Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat | | | | beautiful green islands that have unique |
| Festival. | | | | native histories and are mostly accessible by |
| | | | plane or ferry. Most of the pristine and |
| One of Taiwan's most prominent cultural | | | | dramatic destinations are protected by |
| symbols is Taipei 101, the world's tallest | | | | Taiwan's National Park Department, which |
| building, measuring 508 meters and 101 | | | | offers an array of lodging and guiding |
| floors. Finished in 2003, the tower signifies | | | | services and has proven to be a |
| Taiwan's substantial economic growth from the | | | | well-organized resource for the outdoor |
| periphery of the global economy to become one | | | | sightseer. |
| of the four Asian Tigers, as well as the | | | | |
| government's dedication to a democratic | | | | From the island's tallest building to its |
| society separate from that of China. Tainan, | | | | tallest peak, Taiwan has something |
| the oldest and fourth largest city on the | | | | exceptional to offer every kind traveler. |
| island, offers a more authentic and less | | | | Travel Taiwan's thriving society and come |
| commercialized window into Taiwanese culture. | | | | face-to-face with an Asian Tiger. |