Expand Your Global Horizons: Travel To Taiwan

A gem in the China Seas, Taiwan embodies a uniqueTemples and Memorial Arches define this city where
entangling of ancient and modern, East and West.the Ching Dynasty once prayed to the God of War.
From the bustling commercial center of the capitalThe Taiwan Terrain: Recreation and Ecotourism
city, Taipei, to the cascading volcanic mountains ofExploration of the thriving urban centers is only one
Yushan National Park, Taiwan offers the worldof many ways to get in touch with Taiwan. The
traveler an unmatched experience. It is norugged topography of Taiwan is adorned with
coincidence that Portuguese explorers named thismagnificent peaks, lush valleys and dramatic
island 'Ilha Formosa', or the beautiful island.waterfalls. Yushan National Park is home to the
To Travel to Taiwan is to Understand Diversityisland's tallest peak, Jade Mountain, which towers at
Officially known as the Republic of China (R.O.C.),2,610 meters. Hike to the summit and take the more
Taiwan should not be confused with the People'stechnical route down or simply enjoy the
Republic of China, which refers to mainland China.breathtaking view from the Tatachia Visitor Center,
Within the past 200 years the island has been ruledaccessible directly from the new Central Cross-Island
by the Dutch, become part of Japan, has beenHighway. From Jade Mountain, descend deep into
"returned" to China and is currently striving toTaroko Gorge on Taiwan's rocky and secluded east
become an internationally recognized sovereign nation.coast. This 12-mile-long canyon is home to the natural
Taiwan's tumultuous and fascinating history of theopen-air Wenshan hot springs and the Atayal people,
Aboriginal, Taiwanese and Chinese people is revealedone of Taiwan's remaining aboriginal tribes. The rocky
through the many cultural festivals held throughoutcliffs at the canyon's end are a starting point for
the year. Travel to the island in February for thethose who wish to travel farther into Taiwan's
Taiwan Lantern Festival or in June to watch thehistory. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is sprinkled
world-famous Dragon Boat Races during the Dragonwith beautiful green islands that have unique native
Boat Festival.histories and are mostly accessible by plane or ferry.
One of Taiwan's most prominent cultural symbols isMost of the pristine and dramatic destinations are
Taipei 101, the world's tallest building, measuring 508protected by Taiwan's National Park Department,
meters and 101 floors. Finished in 2003, the towerwhich offers an array of lodging and guiding services
signifies Taiwan's substantial economic growth fromand has proven to be a well-organized resource for
the periphery of the global economy to become onethe outdoor sightseer.
of the four Asian Tigers, as well as the government'sFrom the island's tallest building to its tallest peak,
dedication to a democratic society separate fromTaiwan has something exceptional to offer every
that of China. Tainan, the oldest and fourth largestkind traveler. Travel Taiwan's thriving society and
city on the island, offers a more authentic and lesscome face-to-face with an Asian Tiger.
commercialized window into Taiwanese culture.