| A gem in the China Seas, Taiwan embodies a unique | | | | Temples 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 capital | | | | The Taiwan Terrain: Recreation and Ecotourism |
| city, Taipei, to the cascading volcanic mountains of | | | | Exploration of the thriving urban centers is only one |
| Yushan National Park, Taiwan offers the world | | | | of many ways to get in touch with Taiwan. The |
| traveler an unmatched experience. It is no | | | | rugged topography of Taiwan is adorned with |
| coincidence that Portuguese explorers named this | | | | magnificent 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 Diversity | | | | island'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's | | | | technical 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 ruled | | | | accessible directly from the new Central Cross-Island |
| by the Dutch, become part of Japan, has been | | | | Highway. From Jade Mountain, descend deep into |
| "returned" to China and is currently striving to | | | | Taroko 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 the | | | | open-air Wenshan hot springs and the Atayal people, |
| Aboriginal, Taiwanese and Chinese people is revealed | | | | one of Taiwan's remaining aboriginal tribes. The rocky |
| through the many cultural festivals held throughout | | | | cliffs at the canyon's end are a starting point for |
| the year. Travel to the island in February for the | | | | those who wish to travel farther into Taiwan's |
| Taiwan Lantern Festival or in June to watch the | | | | history. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is sprinkled |
| world-famous Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon | | | | with 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 is | | | | Most of the pristine and dramatic destinations are |
| Taipei 101, the world's tallest building, measuring 508 | | | | protected by Taiwan's National Park Department, |
| meters and 101 floors. Finished in 2003, the tower | | | | which offers an array of lodging and guiding services |
| signifies Taiwan's substantial economic growth from | | | | and has proven to be a well-organized resource for |
| the periphery of the global economy to become one | | | | the outdoor sightseer. |
| of the four Asian Tigers, as well as the government's | | | | From the island's tallest building to its tallest peak, |
| dedication to a democratic society separate from | | | | Taiwan has something exceptional to offer every |
| that of China. Tainan, the oldest and fourth largest | | | | kind traveler. Travel Taiwan's thriving society and |
| city on the island, offers a more authentic and less | | | | come face-to-face with an Asian Tiger. |
| commercialized window into Taiwanese culture. | | | | |