Ecotourism
If you want to know how beautiful Taiwan really is, you have to come and see for yourself. You will be amazed at the diversity of ancient species this beautiful and relatively young island has to offer. Come and explore its numerous mountains, forests, wetlands and oceans, and find an incredible collection of natural ecosystems.

Taiwan lies off the southeast coast of the Asian Continent, where the tropical and subtropical zones come together. Surrounded by the sea and dominated by high mountains created by tectonic action over the eons, the country features a full range of climates and terrains from the tropical to the frigid. The variations in weather, geology, and elevation give Taiwan an unparalleled richness of flora and fauna, including many endemic species that are found nowhere else in the world. Taiwan is, in fact, a northern-hemisphere microcosm and natural treasure house that, truly, must be seen to be believed.

Coastal Regions
Taiwan is surrounded by oceans and therefore has a long coastline, which offers different sceneries wherever you go. The West Coast mainly consists of sand dunes, sand beaches, sand bars and lagoons, and its straight coastline is rather monotonous. The East Coast on the contrary presents a dramatic coastline of towering cliffs that almost directly descend into the deep sea. The coastal plains here are very narrow. The rock formations at the North Coast alternate with beautiful bays and offer the most varied coastal landscape of Taiwan, while the South Coast mainly consists of coral reefs. The offshore islands of Taiwan also offer a great variety of geographical landscapes that are characteristic for the region, such as the basaltic rocks of the Penghu islands, the granite rocks of Kinmen, and the marine erosions of Matsu.

Flora and Fauna
Taiwan harbors a great diversity of organic life, and some variations are rarely found elsewhere in the world. An example is the black forest similar to that in Germany, with vegetation going back 30 to 60 million years, such as Taxus sumatrana, mangrove, Taiwan isoetes, and the rare high-altitude grass plains. The world’s oldest amphibian, the Formosan salamander, can also be found here, as well as the Formosan black bear, the Mikado pheasant and the land-locked salmon. The beautiful azalea, cherry blossom and maple leaf are also subjects of admiration. If you want to experience this diverse animal and plant life, consider a visit to one of Taiwan’s national scenic areas, national parks or forests, or nature reserves, as these form the most ideal outdoor natural resource learning opportunities in Taiwan.

Taiwan’s national parks, including Yangming Mountain (Yangmingshan), Taroko, Yu Mountain (Yushan), Shei-Pa, Kenting, Kinmen, Dongsha Atoll, and Taijiang, form the back garden of Taiwan and in themselves are natural treasure-houses. Next to beautiful sceneries, they provide the shelter to unique animal and plant life, including insects, fish, and birds. The natural reserves actually form miniature ecosystems that not only provide a protected environment but also offer a great alternative for recreational activities, environmental education and academic research. Here, visitors can get away from their hectic lives in the city and enjoy the serene environment. You can also come to Taiwan to watch its numerous species of butterflies and birds.

Butterflies
Some 17,000 different species of butterflies are known around the world; almost 400 can be seen in Taiwan, 50 of which are endemic to the island. There are many different sites where you can go to watch them dance in the air, including Doll Valley in Wulai near Taipei, Yangming Mountain (Yangmingshan) National Park, Mt. Jiaoban, and Mt.Lala along the Northern Cross-Island Highway, Qilan near Taipingshan (Ta-ping Mountain) , Guguan, Li Mountain (Lishan) , and Cuifeng along the Central Cross-Island Highway, Nanshan River and Huisun Forest near Puli, Shanlin River (Sunlinksea) in Nantou County, Butterfly Valley in Maolin near Kaohsiung County, Sheding Park and Nanren Mountain (Nanrenshan) in Kenting , and Butterfly Valley in Taitung.

Birds
Because of its warm and humid climate, Taiwan has extremely rich vegetation which attracts many birds. Located at the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, it is also a favorite resting area for migrating birds. Resident and migrating birds total some 440 species, and endemic birds such as the black-faced spoonbill and the Sterna leucoptera can be seen here. Sites for watching these migrating birds include the Guandu swamplands in the northern Taiwan, Yilan swamplands, mouth of the Exit Dadu River in the central Taiwan and Gaopin River in the southern Taiwan. Other bird-watching sites are the Penghu islands, Matsu, Wulai, Mt. Hehuan, Xitou, Ali Mountain (Alishan), Yangming Mountain (Yangmingshan) National Park, Yu Mountain (Yushan) National Park, Shei-Pa National Park, Taroko National Park, Kenting National Park, Kinmen National Park, Taijiang National Park, Northeast Coast National Scenic Area, and East Coast and the East Rift Valley National Scenic Areas.

Marine Life
As Taiwan is surrounded by oceans, marine life and other oceanic resources are abundant and diverse. The clear waters and warm climate of Kenting and Green Island, for example, provide the ideal environment for colorful and peculiarly shaped coral reefs. These not only form the architecture of the undersea world, but also provide the shelter for all kinds of tropical fish. On Wang-an Island in Penghu, as well as Lanyu in Taitung County, you can even see the green sea turtles coming to the shore to lay its eggs. Along Taiwan’s East Coast, particularly off the coast of Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung, more than 60% of all whale and dolphin species that are found in Taiwan can be spotted. You can choose to take one of the boat trips that are organized in this area. While listening to the introduction by professional whale spotters, the chance of seeing these extraordinary creatures is as high as 90%.

Rail Tour
Taiwan’s railways offer an endless variety of experience, and the scenery lining their routes provides an infinite range of fascinating scenery. If you want to get a close look at the island’s beauties without having to suffer the troubles of unfamiliar roads and the frustrations of traffic congestion, then you could do no better than choose a railroad tour and immerse yourself in the delights of enchanting coastlines, awesome mountains, placid farmlands, and engrossing countryside.

The history of railroads in Taiwan dates back to 1887, in the declining years of the Qing Dynasty, when court official Liu Ming-chuan started to work on a section of track in the northern part of the island. The Japanese expanded on that beginning when they occupied Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, and the round-the-island network was completed after the island was restored to Chinese rule. Today, more than a century after its small beginning, Taiwan’s convenient railway network consists of the West Coast Trunk Railway, East Coast Trunk Railway, North-Link Railway, and South-Link Railway. Passenger service is divided into four classes, offering travelers a choice depending on their destination, the urgency of their trip, and the size of their pocketbooks.

The scenery along the railroad glides by in a never-ending sequence of change, and each line has its own unique characteristics. The long, narrow, mountainous nature of the island’s terrain lines the length of the railways with exquisite scenes of mountains and rivers, and the rail passenger gains access to scenes that are out of reach of the highway. Taiwan’s railroads are far more than just a tool of transportation; they embody a deep affinity with the development of local culture and society, and have left behind large numbers of historical relics, including old stations and track sections that hark back to the past and reveal unique facets of local history.

Golfing in Taiwan
With Exciting Courses, Rich Food, Unique Hot Springs and Hospitable People, Start Your Golf Journey in Taiwan!

Tea & Gourmet Golf
Taiwan is rich in agricultural products, which include a wide variety of teas and fruits. Taiwan’s teas and fruits are world famous, and some of the world’s best teas come from Taiwan. Additionally, Taiwan boasts a diverse food culture in which a variety of Chinese delicacies are combined with local snacks. Experience tea, fruit and a variety of cuisine whilst on your golfing break.

Challenging Golf
Taiwan is a mountainous island, and most of its golf courses are built on mountain slopes or hills. Mountains are a common feature of Taiwan’s golf courses. Diverse landforms enhance the pleasure of golfing. In addition, the spectacular terrain has inspired world-famous designers to create unique fairways that provide golfers with fun and excitement. Moreover, by looking down on these fairways from above, golfers can fully appreciate their beauty.

Year-round Golf
Taiwan is divided into two climatic zones by the Tropic of Cancer, which runs through Chiayi and Hualien. The north experiences a subtropical monsoon climate, and the south a tropical monsoon climate. Even in winter, the average temperature of the coldest month in northern Taiwan is above 15 degrees Celsius. Thus, the island is suitable for golfing all year round. No matter what season it is, in Taiwan, golfers can enjoy not only golfing but also numerous hot springs, the local cuisine and a variety of other tourist attractions.

Hot Spring Golf
Hot spring tourism began in Taiwan during the early part of the 20th century. Many areas boast diverse and unique hot springs. The hot spring tour routes can be combined with the golf tours. What could be better than relaxing in a hot spring after completing 18 holes of golf? Taiwan’s hot springs are something that touring golfers should not miss.

Golf in a friendly environment
The Taiwanese people have a reputation for hospitality. Most caddies in Taiwan are female. They are well-trained, experienced and patient, and provide professional services while you are golfing. Most caddies are familiar with the fairways, wind directions and terrain of the golf courses. They will be your best assistants and help you perform to your best.

LOHAS
At a time when the “LOHAS” trend (LOHAS means “Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability”) has become popular throughout the world, Taiwan offers you an endless number of ways, with an Oriental flair and a uniquely Taiwanese character, to stay healthy. Come to Taiwan and feel “LOHAS” the Taiwanese way, in the island’s cuisines, sports, leisure activities, and traditional health care therapies.

In Taiwan, you can give your taste buds a treat and stay healthy at the same time by enjoying your fill of medicinal foods and healthful organic cuisine. If you are anxious to achieve a physical and mental balance, then you might try yoga, Zen meditation, martial arts, or Tai Chi to bring you tranquility the Oriental way. If you just want to relax a bit during your trip, then a visit to one of Taiwan’s popular spas, a soak in a hot spring bath, or a soothing cup of traditional tea might be just the thing for you. If you want to experience the Chinese medical treatment that is receiving ever more attention around the world, then Taiwan will provide you with a health-travel environment of the highest quality. This brochure introduces Taiwan’s rich variety of health-giving resources so that you can experience, in the most relaxed and natural way possible, the island’s health culture and leisure travel at the same time.

Zen Meditation
Zen meditation can revitalize you and make you feel almost reborn. You can see temples all over Taiwan, and many of them have meditation rooms that visitors can use. Some offer meditation classes, and even overnight accommodation. Many of these meditation areas are located in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful natural scenery—the perfect place for you to harmonize your body and purify your soul.

Qigong
This unique method of strengthening the body and curing illness is an ancient Chinese way to health. In general, its practice is meant to harmonize the mind, breath, and body. Qigong is supposed to free you of random thoughts, paving the way for emptying the mind and relaxing the body. Harmonizing the breath means breathing from the abdomen, and harmonizing the body means achieving a state of relaxation and tranquility whether standing, sitting, or lying down. According to the theory of Chinese medicine, people become ill because the free circulation of blood and breath is blocked, and needs to be opened up. This is what the practice of Qigong is supposed to do.

Tai Chi
Tai Chi Chuan has been proven beneficial to mental and physical health, and is achieving international popularity. It is extremely easy, and just about free, to study Tai Chi Chuan in Taiwan, with teachers giving instruction in public parks, community activity centers, and schools. Tai Chi emphasizes relaxation, and exercises every part of the body with slow and graceful movements that can improve the sense of balance, enhance cardiopulmonary function, lower blood pressure, alleviate melancholy, and strengthen the immune function. Scientific research carried out in America also shows that it consumes 280 calories an hour, making it capable of “weight reduction without sweat.”

Yoga
The fashion for yoga in Taiwan encompasses small class instruction, large yoga centers, and even vacation spots. International yoga groups have come in; True Yoga, for example, gives instruction at a 2,112-square-meter six-star facility in Taipei’s Xinyi District that is said to be the biggest yoga hall in Asia. Space Yoga also has a top-class facility in the same area. Near Hualien in the eastern part of Taiwan, the Promised Land Resort offers a yoga itinerary that emphasizes the slow life.

SPA
Taiwan offers a wide variety of spa services to fill all kinds of different needs. There is far more than just functional hydrotherapy on offer here; these services extend to cover the entire field of leisure esthetics, encompassing essential oils, aromatherapy, skin treatment, music, yoga, meditation, and everything else you need for a beautiful, relaxing, and healthful experience.

Each of Taiwan’s spas is unique, since it incorporates the resources of its particular local area. Vacation resorts are usually located in scenic spots; at Sun Moon Lake’s Lalu hotel, for example, you can enjoy a spa in the midst of splendid mountain and lake scenery. Club-type spas generally offer larger spaces and more functions, in health and leisure facilities all over Taiwan. There are also hotel spas, where you can enjoy accommodation, fine dining, leisure, and spa activities all at the same time as you replenish your energy and your spirit; an example of this is provided by the Being Spa chain, which offers services in the Tayih Landis of Tainan, Evergreen Laurel of Taipei, Splendor of Kaohsiung, Royal Zhiben , and Caesar Park in Kenting. Metropolitan type spas like the Orient Retreat and Canjune Spa go for efficiency with professional health products, hardware facilities, and massage techniques designed to produce a peaceful mood in the shortest time while protecting the skin and muscles and relaxing the body and mind.

Hot Springs
Taiwan is known for its dense of hot springs (and rare cold mineral springs as well), with more than 100 hot-spring areas all over the island. This makes Taiwan one of the best places in the world for enjoying a healthful and relaxing soak in refreshing mineral waters. These springs can generally be divided into four types of water: sodium carbonate, sodium hydrocarbonate, sulfur, and pure-water. The different types have different chemical compositions that produce different therapeutic effects. Sodium carbonate springs contain carbon dioxide which generates bubbles on the skin, providing a slight massaging function; this type of spring can be found at Xiake in western Taiwan; Bulao, Baolai, and Sichongxi in southern Taiwan; and Zhiben, Green Island (Ludao), Wenshan, Jiaoxi, and Renze in eastern Taiwan. The cold springs of Su’ao also contain this kind of water. The most representative sodium hydrocarbonate springs, which lubricate the skin, are located at Wulai, Jiaoxi, and Zhiben.

Strongly acidic sulfur springs are located in the area of Yangmingshan and Beitou. Pure-water hot springs have a less simulative, moderate therapeutic effect; the Jinshan Hot Springs are of this type. The unusual “mud” springs of Guanziling in Tainan County are salty in nature.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture has a history of several thousand years in China, and its effectiveness is widely recognized. Taiwan has a high-quality environment for this kind of treatment. Needles are inserted at acupoints to stimulate the nerves; sometimes, moxa is also burned on the acupoints to regulate physiological functions. The World Health Organization of the United Nations has determined that acupuncture is effective for a wide variety of ailments, including headache and stomachache. Since acupuncture is a medical procedure, be sure to choose a legal clinic for your needle treatment.

Foot Massage
Foot massage uses stimulation of the feet to improve blood circulation and to remove wastes and toxins from the body. The human feet can directly affect the organs, and so massaging the feet makes the whole body feel comfortable and completely relaxed.

Naprapathy
Naprapathy, or manipulation massage, is a passive exercise type of treatment that involves the use of the practitioner’s hands and arms to apply pressure to acupoints throughout the body with a variety of motions. It is used for treating ailments such as headache, neck pain, and algomenorrhea, and can aid the circulation of energy, enliven the joints, adjust cardiopulmonary function, and strengthen resistance—all making you feel relaxed and comfortable.

Hot Springs
Hot springs, the hot tears of the earth, are one of the most precious gifts that the earth has given to us. Ever since the ancient times, people have recognized the rejuvenating and therapeutic properties of these natural resources. Taiwan is ranked among the world’s top 15 hot spring sites, harboring a great variety of springs, including hot springs, cold springs, mud springs, and seabed hot springs. The island can proudly regard itself as one of the regions with the highest concentration and greatest variety of hot springs in the world.

Hot springs are formed by natural waters that emerge from the bowels of the earth and that possess therapeutic properties said to have a positive effect on disorders of the nervous and digestive systems, the circulation, and the organs. People have used hot springs to keep in good health for ages. In Taiwan, with its peculiar crustal structure and location on the fault line where the Euro-Asian and Philippine continental plates meet in the Circum-Pacific seismic zone, subterranean heat is spread across the island producing hot springs island-wide. With the exception of Changhua, Yunlin and Penghu counties, almost every city and county in Taiwan can find hot springs, and so it is well to see that by some tourists name Taiwan “the Hot Spring Kingdom”.

More than one hundred hot springs have been discovered in Taiwan, located in different geological areas including plains, mountains, valleys, and oceans. The highest concentration of hot springs can be found in the northern Taiwan, where the Datun (Tatun) Volcano is located, while along both sides of the central mountain range, covering an area that to the north is bordered by Yilan and to the south by Pingtung, the largest number of hot springs can be found. Hot springs found here make up more than 80% of all hot springs in Taiwan.

As hot springs generally come from deep below the surface of the earth, when they emerge they bring along a high concentration and great variety of minerals that are mostly foreign to the human body and benefit our general health. Specific properties of hot springs vary depending on chemical composition, mineral concentration and water temperature. Taiwan has a great variety of springs, both cold and hot.

The German Quely first discovered the Beitou hot springs in 1894, and when the Japanese occupied Taiwan, they brought with them their rich culture of spring soaking which greatly influenced Taiwan. In March 1896, Hirado Gengo from Osaka, Japan opened Taiwan’s first hot spring hotel, called Tenguan. This not only heralded a new era of hot spring bathing in Beitou, but also paved the way for a whole new hot spring culture. The four most famous hot springs during the Japanese occupation were Beitou, Yangming Mountain (Yangmingshan), Guanziling and Sichong River. However, after 1945 the hot spring culture in Taiwan gradually lost momentum, and only in 1999 did the authorities again started a large-scale promotion of Taiwan’s hot springs, initiating a comeback of the hot spring culture and setting off a new hot spring fever.

While in the past hot springs mainly had a recreational function, present development and usage of Taiwan’s hot springs not only focuses on the traditional aspect of soaking, but also includes health benefits as a major drawing point of hot springs. Modern applications of hot springs include hydrotherapy, spring pools, spring saunas, spring massage pools, health bathing houses, and spring health centers. Many enterprises have invested in the construction or renovation of spring hotels, and have even purchased modern scientific hot spring equipments, transforming the traditional concept of hot spring soaking into the added-value concept of hot spring hydrotherapy. Now, while enjoying the traditional comfort of soaking in a hot spring, people can receive additional health benefits by taking advantage of the physical properties of water using hydro jets that splash columns of water onto the body, ultra-sonic massage equipment, and the water’s natural buoyancy, made possible through the installation of modern equipment and the professional assistance of hot spring hydro therapists.

Because most of Taiwan’s hot springs are located in beautiful scenic areas, when going to soak in one of the numerous hot springs you will not only be able to get away from hectic life in the city but will also be given the opportunity to enjoy gorgeous scenery while listening to the voices of nature, thus adding a new dimension to recreation and health. Therefore, coming to Taiwan on a hot spring tour will definitely pay off!

Gourmet Guide
Chinese cuisine goes back to ancient times and achieves its present level of excellence through the accumulation of thousands of years of practical knowledge and experience in cookery. Emphasis is placed on the perfect combination of color, aroma, flavor, and appearance, through which the most common ingredients are transformed into culinary tours de force. In Taiwan, cooking techniques from all areas of China have fused; the Taiwanese have not only mastered the traditional local Chinese specialties, but have also used traditional techniques to develop new culinary treats. These features attract many tourists to Taiwan every year to savor these Chinese specialties, ranging from small steamed buns to boiled dumplings.

Traditional Chinese food to be found all over Taiwan, next to Taiwanese and Hakka-style dishes, mainly including dishes from Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangzhe, Shanghai, Hunan, Sichuan, and Beijing.

Following are descriptions of the characteristics and different cooking styles of dishes from different regions:

Taiwan: Natural original flavors are preserved and the main focus is on light-seasoned, fresh, and simply flavored dishes. Thanks to Dutch and Japanese influences, raw and slightly water-scalded food is widely accepted.

Fujian: Dominated by seafood, preferably steamed, mainly light-seasoned, with sweet and sour flavorings.

Guangdong: Great variety of ingredients, focus on light-seasoned, fresh, smooth, sweet, tasty, and tender dishes. The main methods of food preparation consist of frying, baking, stir-frying, steaming, and boiling.

Jiangzhe: Focus on original flavors, with methods of preparation consisting mainly of stewing, braising, steaming, and stir-frying, for all of which temperature control is the most important aspect. Flavors are light but do not lack taste, and bones are removed while keeping shapes intact.

Shanghai: Dishes breathing international fame originate here. Local flavors are adhered to and dishes are mostly oily, drowning in sauce and brightly colored.

Hunan: Sour, hot, and rich flavors are the secrets behind the popular dishes from this area, with a well-known specialty being smoked bacon. Dishes from Hunan and Sichuan show some similarities, with many dishes being spicy because of the use of large amounts of red pepper.

Sichuan: Famous for its spicy-flavored dishes as dried and fresh red pepper is used during preparation; fish and other seafood is favored. Sichuan cuisine is extremely popular among those who favor strongly-flavored food.

Beijing: A combination of flavors from all corners, magnificently and delicately prepared; dishes combine color, shape, flavor, and nutrition, and are mostly light and tender.

Hakka: Dried and preserved materials form important ingredients in the Hakka kitchen; dishes are mostly strongly flavored (burnt, flavored, well-done, salty, fat).

Other than the main island, Taiwan has plenty of small surrounding islets, administered by counties such as Penghu, Kinmen and Lienchiang. Once a forbidden military zone, Kinmen today is a popular tourist area. Its three specialties – steel knives, peanut candies, and sorghum wine, are long-time best sellers. Matsu’s old wine and the sorghum wine of Tunnel 88 have a resounding taste.

In Penghu, the fireworks festival held at the turn of spring and summer is full of passion and romance. The blue sky and oceans, as well as soft white sand beaches, plus all kinds of fun water facilities, await visitors to enjoy.

Penghu County
Like pearls scattering in the East Sea, the Penghu archipelago is located in the southwest of the Taiwan Strait. Penghu is known as the pearl of the Taiwan Strait. Composed of 90 islands, the county is steeped in history and culture, with magnificent ocean views and many other natural wonders.

Basalt columns sculpted by the elements are a dominant part of the geological landscape on the Penghu Islands. The clear waters of Penghu Bay and strong winter winds have put Penghu on the map as an international hot spot for competitive sailing. The islands host brilliant firework festivals in the spring and summer, and in fall and winter visitors can enjoy the fresh and delicious catch of the sea at the Penghu Seafood Carnival. Penghu is also an excellent choice for seaside fun, with blue seas, clear skies, soft white beaches, plenty of beach and water recreation facilities, and an amazing marine ecology and scenic beauty.

It is easy to get to Penghu from other parts of Taiwan. Regular flights serve the islands from Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, Chiayi, and Kaohsiung, and a regular charter flight service is offered from Kinmen. Visitors can also reach Penghu by boat, with service from Budai Harbor in Chiayi City, and the Port of Kaohsiung. Mainland Chinese visitors can sail from Xiamen to Kinmen and then continue by boat to Penghu, or they can take a charter flight directly from Xiamen to Penghu. Another option is to fly to the main island of Taiwan from one of the various cities offering direct cross-strait service and then continue by plane or boat to Penghu to round out the Formosan tour.

Kinmen County
Kinmen, also known as Quemoy, is a small island with a very big reputation. Situated just off the coast of Mainland China, it was the site of fierce fighting between Communist and Nationalist forces when the latter withdrew from the mainland in 1949.

The Kinmen Islands were known in earlier times as Wuzhou. In 1387, the Marquis of Jiangxia Chou Te-hsing erected walls to defend the Kinmen Island against pirates. Because of its geographic position, the Kinmen Wall became known as the “impregnable fort guarding the gate to the sea,” from which the name “Kinmen,” or “Golden Gate,” derives. For nearly a half century, Kinmen was a battleground in Taiwan’s defense against the mainland forces. Military administration of Kinmen was lifted in 1992, marking the start of the island’s emergence as a tourism destination. In January 2001, direct cross-strait links were opened between Kinmen and Xiamen in mainland China, putting the island in a key position for cross-strait interactions.

During the period of military administration, the soldiers and civilian residents of Kinmen lived in stoic conditions and worked together to develop the island infrastructure. The military installations developed at that time have today become an invaluable tourism resource for the islands. Major reforestation efforts by the military since 1950 have further endowed Kinmen with lush greenery and roadside flowers, giving the islands a reputation as a “park in the sea.”

In recent years, government conservation efforts and greater eco-awareness among the island residents have helped Kinmen’s bird population to steadily grow in numbers and species. The coastal waters of Kinmen are also home to several rare and protected species, including the Chinese otter (Lutra lutra chinensis) and the “living fossil” horseshoe crab.

Among Kinmen’s best-known specialty items are knives fashioned from old mortar shells, peanut candy, sorghum wine, vermicelli, sorghum vinegar, porcelain and ceramics. The climate, soil, and water quality of Kinmen are ideal for growing high-oil peanuts with rich flavor. The local harvest is used to make crispy peanut candy. Kinmen’s climate is also well suited for making strong sorghum spirits. The local vermicelli, taro, and pickled cabbage also stay true to tradition. Products made with the medicinal Glycine tabacina (wild soybean), and fine earth-fired ceramics are also popular specialty items here.

The snack culture of Kinmen has southern Fujian roots, while also infusing a unique local touch. Seafood specialties include oyster omelets, oyster vermicelli, and fried sandworms, and for a light snack one can choose from bite-sized savory pastries, date candy, Cantonese congee, stuffed clay-oven rolls, and other taste bud pleasers.

Lienchiang County (Matsu)
Named after the goddess “Mazu”, Matsu Archipelago is located northwestward by west in Taiwan Strait, which is the very water Matsu had saved many sailors’ lives.

The Matsu Islands are composed of dozens of islands, including Nangan, Beigan, Juguang, and Dongyin. The chain occupies the northernmost edge of the Taiwan-Penghu-Kinmen-Matsu area at the west-northwest side of the Taiwan Strait, just a stone’s throw from mainland China. During the opposition to the mainland communist regime, Matsu served as Taiwan’s front-line defense, turning the island landscape into battlefield scenes of psy-war slogans, defensive tunnels, and troops.

Although the monsoons, ocean currents, and Matsu’s geographical position make the islands scorching hot in the summer, visitors still flock to Matsu in the months of June to August to see the fabled Chinese crested tern (or common tern). In winter, with the arrival of the chilling northeast monsoons, Matsu comes alive with folk activities and religious ceremonies for the Lantern Festival. Entire villages mobilize for this grand event, which consists of the “Bai Ming” offering ceremony and a ceremony to welcome the gods for a tour of the mortal world.

Differences between Matsu and the main island of Taiwan can also be seen in the building materials, architectural styles, and functional aspects of residences in Matsu. Some of the better-known villages include: Niujiao, Jinsha, and Tieban on Nangan Island; Qinbi and Qiaozai on Donggan Island; and Fuzheng and Dapu on Dongju Island. In addition, Matsu is a paradise for sea fishing thanks to its numerous bays and reefs, as well as ocean currents that channel abundant marine resources to the island throughout the year. Matsu also has many well-known local specialty products, including Matsu Aged Liquor and Tong Yung X’Old Kao Liang Liquor, both favorites served at state banquets. A wide variety of seafood and processed seafood products, healthy red yeast cuisine, pickled vegetables, and pastries also make good souvenir gifts for home.

Eastern Taiwan includes two counties, Hualien and Taitung. It faces the vast Pacific Ocean on the East and leans against the Central Mountain Ridge on the West. Standing in between such magnificent waters and mountains, when the Portuguese sailed by during their early explorations, they exclaimed “formosa,” meaning “how beautiful” in their language. That’s how Taiwan acquired its other name “Formosa,” and this reveals how beautiful eastern Taiwan is. Eastern Taiwan is blessed with lots of natural resources, an old farming culture, and kind-hearted locals. Known as the “back yard” of Taiwan, it is ideal for a slow trip. Take a walk on this paradise on Earth, take some deep breaths, and breathe in sweet air. Long stay is recommended here.

Taroko National Park is not to be missed. Its awe-inspiring steep gorges and strange geological formations are worth appreciation. Xiuguluan River’s crooked watercourse cuts through coastal mountain ridges, bringing about twists and turns along the way. The river is perfect for canoeing. Youngsters love coming here to enjoy exciting, challenging moments.

Hualien County
Hualien is the meeting point of the Central Cross-Island Highway, Suao-Hualien Highway, and highways leading south to Taitung. Hualien County is home to several world-class scenic attractions. In 1590, Portuguese sailors passed by the eastern coast of Taiwan and were so moved by the grandeur of what they saw that they named this land “Formosa,” the beautiful island. Since that time, the majestic views of Hualien have come to represent Taiwan.

Formerly known as Qilai, Hualien’s current name derives from the phrase “huilan” (eddying water), a reference to the swirling currents of the Hualien River where it meets the sea.

Hualien is Taiwan’s biggest county, with an area of about 4,628 square kilometers and a population of 350,000. The county borders the Pacific Ocean to the east and is hemmed in by the Central Range to the west. With its towering peaks, azure skies, vast seas, scenic valleys, cultural diversity, and friendly kindhearted people, Hualien has become one of Taiwan’s first-choice travel destinations for local and international visitors alike.

With all of its natural beauty, most of Hualien is a national scenic area. Visitors to the county can enjoy the impressive gorges at Taroko National Park, the magnificence of Yushan National Park, the stunning natural landscapes of the East Coast National Scenic Area, and the rustic charms of the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area. Wherever you go in Hualien, nature is there to greet you.

Taitung County
Taitung County is located on the delta of the Beinan River, at the southern tip of the rift valley. From coastal areas to mountain highs, Taitung greets visitors to a land of ecological richness and scenic beauty. The county is also known for its distinctive local products, from premium rice, day lilies, hibiscus, and sugar apples to sailfish, bonito (skipjack tuna), and other specialty seafood items.

Ethnic diversity has endowed Taitung with a unique culture, diverse festival occasions, and a vibrant tradition of oral history and myth to provide plenty of food for the mind.

Cyclists are also well served in Taitung. Taiwan’s oldest bikeway—the Guanshan Bicycle Trail—is located here, and other cycling routes can be enjoyed in Longtian Village (Luye Township), Chishang, Taitung City, and coastal areas, all while cyclists are surrounded by fairytale-like scenic beauty.

These natural charms have earned Taitung the nickname as the “garden of Taiwan.” True to this reputation, Taitung is a bona fide paradise for a healthy and relaxing holiday escape in nature’s embrace.

Southern Taiwan is full of history and culture. Tainan City is the island’s oldest city. Until the late 19th century, it had also been a political, economic and cultural hub. Thus, the city features plenty of historic sites. The Tropic of Cancer passes through Chiayi City, and thus Tropic of Cancer Solar Exploration Center has been built to highlight the city’s unique geographical trait. World-famous Alishan Forest Recreation Park boasts high-elevation forest railways and off-the-beaten-track old hiking trails, making it a must-see for visitors in Taiwan.

It is warm like the summer all year round in Southern Taiwan. In Pingtung, Kenting Park is ideal for scenic scuba diving and all sorts of other water activities. Eluanbi, the southernmost tip of Taiwan, offers magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean on its left and the Taiwan Strait on its right.

Chiayi County
Chiayi’s attractions are mostly of cultural and historical interest. Foremost among these is Lantan, which used to be called “foreigner’s stockade”.

Bordered by mountains on one side and the sea on the other, Chiayi County is the only county in Taiwan with three major national scenic areas: Alishan National Scenic Area, Southwest Coast National Scenic Area, and Siraya National Scenic Area, each presenting a unique view of nature’s wonders, from mountains to plains to ocean views. Alishan, located in the east part of the county by Taiwan’s tallest peak, Yushan, is the homeland of the Tsou indigenous people. This area is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views and cloud formations, towering ancient trees, colorful cherry blossoms, the world-famous Alishan Forest Railway, and secluded forest trails, valleys, and waterfalls. The area’s appeal is further heightened by the mountain culture and ancestral legends of the Tsou. The fishing harbors of Dongshi and Budai on the west coast are good places to experience the county’s oyster industry, coastal ecology, and views. In recent years, Dongshi Fisherman’s Wharf has become a summer hot spot for visitors. The Aogu Wetland Forest Park, also in Dongshi, is the largest lowland forest park in Taiwan. Visitors can take a fishing raft ride along the Puzi River to the Waisanding Sand Bar and Haomeili Nature Reserve in Budai to experience the coastal fishing industry. And in the plains area of the county, one can make an educational visit to the Tropic of Cancer Monument or tour centuries-old temples. Chiayi also hosts several grand religious ceremonies that attract thousands of visitors to the county each year, from the Matsu pilgrimage to a watery procession welcoming the “Guest Kings” (visiting gods).

Chiayi City
The Tropic of Cancer bisects the counties of Chiayi City and Hualien. There is a monument just outside Chiayi City that marks its latitude.

Some of the earliest pioneers from Zhangzhou in Fujian Province landed in Chiayi City and settled in the area near present Xingang. The inhabitants of the area remained loyal to the imperial government during the Lin Shuang-wen rebellion in 1786 ─ a period of history recorded in artifacts preserved in Yimin Temple in Chiayi City.

Tainan City
Ancient Capital Tainan, the ancient capital of Taiwan, is situated on the southwestern coastal plains of the island and enjoys a warm climate year-round.

Tainan is the birthplace of Taiwan and the oldest city on the island. In 1661, the Ming loyalist Cheng Cheng-kung drove the Dutch from Taiwan and established his administration in Tainan. At the time, mainland Chinese immigrants were coming to Taiwan in droves, helping the young city to grow.

After the Qing pacification of Taiwan in 1683, the Taiwan Prefectural Capital was established in Tainan. In 1885, Taiwan became a province and Tainan’s position changed to that of Tainan Prefectural Capital, from which its current name derives. Tainan remained the political, economic and cultural center of Taiwan up to the late nineteenth century. As a result, Tainan is home to many famous historic sites. It also is the city with the longest history and earliest cultural roots in Taiwan.

In addition to its historic and cultural attractions, Tainan boasts a stunning natural landscape and well-known agricultural and fishery products and cuisine. In spring, the Taiwan International Orchid Show is held in Houbi Township’s Taiwan Orchid Plantation, presenting the early spring orchids in all their beauty and charm. Every year on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the spectacular Yanshui Beehive Rockets Festival attracts throngs of visitors from across Taiwan and the world to Tainan. And for an educational family fun in the summer visitors can choose from firefly watching in Meiling, lotus watching in Baihe, and activities at Qigu Mangrove Tourist Park. With the arrival of the autumn cool, visitors can head to Dongshan to sample the fragrant locally-grown Arabica coffee. And in winter, you can sooth away those sore muscles at the Guanziling mud springs.

Kaohsiung City
Located in the southern part of Taiwan, the city of Kaohsiung is the island’s largest industrial center. A thriving international metropolis at the southern tip of Taiwan, Kaohsiung was the host city for the 2009 World Games. Due to the regulating effects of the marine climate, Kaohsiung is generally sunny and enjoys pleasant weather year-round. Known as “Taiwan’s Maritime Capital,” the city has worked hard in recent years to develop its tourism industry, including through beautification of the urban landscape.

Kaohsiung is home to several popular visitor sites, including the Love River, Shoushan (Mt. Shou), Xiziwan Bay, Lotus Pond, Qijin, and the Old City of Zuoying. It also is an ethnic melting pot, joining Hokkien and Hakka communities, the Pingpu, Tsou, Rukai, Bunun, and Paiwan indigenous tribes, and a military community culture. Kaohsiung also offers scenic mountains, ocean views, and rivers, as well as port, cultural, and historic attractions. Visitors to the city can experience the beauty of nature and savor fine cuisine, or head to the nearby Hakka village of Meinong to experience traditional oil paper umbrella art. The Neimen Songjiang Battle Array and the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist monastery in Dashu further add to the ethnic richness of Kaohsiung. Taiwan’s biggest mall and well-known night markets complete the scene for a thoroughly satisfying trip.

Pingtung County
Pingtung County is the southernmost county in Taiwan. The shape of the county is slender. The county is backed by mountains and facing the water. Taiwan’s southernmost county, Pingtung covers a long and narrow territory with a border defined by mountains to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Taiwan Strait to the west, and the Bashi Channel to the south. Due to its subtropical location, Pingtung enjoys spring-like weather all year round. Graceful coconut trees add to the county’s ample South Pacific charms.

Pingtung is home to Kenting National Park, Taiwan’s first National Park. Other visitor attractions here include the island Eden of Xiaoliuqiu, scenic forest-hemmed highways, Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, Maolin National Scenic Area, and Taiwan’s best paragliding area, Saijia Air Park. Coastal areas in Pingtung are excellent choices for coastal recreation, whether donning a snorkel to explore the beauty of the corals or hunting for shells on the beach. At Eluanbi, marking the southernmost tip of Taiwan, you can enjoy the unusual sight of the Pacific to the left and the Taiwan Strait to the right. Pingtung is also a wintering stop for migratory birds, including shrikes, and in October, gray-faced buzzards, making this a good spot to enjoy the avian ecology. And if you like to gaze at the stars, the light-pollution free night skies over the Pingbei foothills offer the perfect tapestry to indulge. The local indigenous culture is also well worth experiencing.

Pingtung has a number of local specialties. Linbian Township is known for its juicy and sweet black pearl wax apple, Wanluan for its tasty and chewy pig’s feet, and Donggang for melt-in-your-mouth bluefin tuna. The coffee of Dewen, onions of Checheng and Hengchun, and preserved dates of Gaoshu are other delicious must-try treats. For recreation or dining fun, Taiwan’s southern border is hard to beat!

“Central Taiwan” refers to the following five counties and cities: Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, and Yunlin County. Located at the heart of Taiwan, these places are ideal for travel as the climate is mild. Many holiday villages and theme parks suitable for young and old can also be found here. If you like culture and art, you must not miss the wood carving studios and pottery kilns in Miaoli, where DIY classes are available. National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts and National Museum of Natural Science are worth some close explorations. Yunlin is known to the world as the place of origin of puppet theatre. It is also worth some fine appreciation.

Miaoli County
The main attraction in Miaoli is Shitoushan, or Lion’s Head Mountain. This isn’t one of the oldest temples on the island, but it is said to be very nice, and an interesting place to spend some restful days and nights.

Located between Hsinchu and Taichung counties, Miaoli is one of the best travel and vacation spots in western Taiwan. The county attracts over 6.5 million local and international tourism visitors every year with the help of its pleasing climate, convenient transportation, and six major attractions: the tung blossoms, wood sculpture, hot springs, fruit, ceramics, and Hakka food. Visitors will want to arrange a three-day stay to take it all in.

Each year in April and May, Miaoli turns into a beautiful sea of tung blossoms. These snow-white blooms blanket entire mountainsides and reflect the tranquility of the county lakes. Every year they attract throngs of visitors with their seasonal cheer, much like the cherry blossoms in Japan.

There are five major tourism areas in Miaoli, including: the Sanyi Wood Sculpture and Old Mountain Line Tourism Area, Dahu Strawberry Culture Park, Taian Hot Spring Scenic Area, Mingde Reservoir Scenic Area, and Nanzhuang Lion’s Head Mountain Scenic Area. At all of these sites, visitors can also enjoy the local Hakka cuisine, aboriginal culture, recreational farms, coastal recreation, and festival activities.

Taichung City
Taiwan’s second largest city; Taichung enjoys a mild year-round climate with an average temperature of 22.4 degrees centigrade. It also has a highly developed industrial and commercial base, thriving cultural scene, friendly people, and beautiful scenery, all of which contribute to its status as an international-class city. Centrally located in the western half of Taiwan, Taichung welcomes visitors with a pleasant climate throughout the year. The city first rose as a major political, economic, transportation, and cultural hub during the Japanese occupation period, due highway, railway and shipping port development during that time.

Through dedicated preservation efforts, Taichung has saved many of the city’s historic sites and retains the original “chessboard” street plan from the Japanese era. Among the many sites of interest in the city are the 200-year-old Lecheng Temple, the ornate and much-visited Chenghuang Temple, and the three-hall style Wanhe Temple. The Chang Liao Family Shrine as well as the 200-plus-year-old Zhenlan Temple in Dajia further add to Taichung’s yesteryear charms.

In addition to historic attractions, Taichung also offers plenty to satisfy one’s thirst for the arts, culture and learning, including the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, and Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau.

There are also a number of department stores and distinctive shopping areas and boutiques. The European-style Jingming Shopping District and Fenglin Restaurant at the Art Garden impart Taichung with a fashionable elegance that recalls the Champs Elysees in Paris.

Changhua County
Changhua is known as “the granary of Taiwan.” Surrounded by mountains to the north, south, and east, the city faces the Taiwan Straits to the west.

The flat and fertile land of Changhua has earned this county a reputation as the breadbasket of Taiwan. Known originally as ‘Banxian,’ this area was one of the first to be developed in Taiwan. During the Qing period, Lugang in Changhua grew to become the main city in central Taiwan, leading to the saying: “first Tainan, second Lugang, third Taipei’s Mengjia (Wanhua) district.”

Today, Changhua invites visitors with an abundance of tourism resources. The Bagua Mountain Range is a rising star on Taiwan’s tourism map, offering a perfect spot for hiking, fitness walks, bicycling, and ecotourism. For cuisine, each region of Changhua serves up unique mouthwatering specialties: Taiwanese meatballs (Changhua and Beidou), mutton stewed with Chinese herbs (Xihu), sweetmeat (Yuanlin), oyster omelets and traditional cakes (Lukang), fried oysters (Wanggong), herbal cuisine (Tianwei), and fire stir-fried noodles (Ershui). Changhua is also a great spot to enjoy a leisurely vacation in the country, with many of the county’s farms open for recreation. The local orchards produce some of Taiwan’s best fruit, including carambola (in Yuanlin Township), litchis (Fenyuan), grapes (Dacun and Xihu), guava (Shetou), and watermelon (Dacheng).

Changhua was settled largely by immigrants from the Chinese provinces of Fujian and Guangdong. These settlers brought with them their unique customs and culture, evident today in the many colorful historic sites found throughout the county. These include: Changhua’s landmark Baguashan Great Buddha; Longshan Temple, a national historic site known as “Taiwan’s Forbidden City”; Tianhou Temple, a national historic site dedicated to Meizhou’s Mazu; and Baozang Temple, Qingshui Temple, and Hushan Temple. All open a fascinating window to Taiwan’s history.

Nantou County
Nantou County lies at the geographical heart of Taiwan and is the only county that does not border the coast. If the central region is the heartland of Taiwan, Nantou is Taiwan’s heart: it is the only landlocked county on the island!

Nantou County occupies an area of about 4,100 square kilometers. It is home to Taiwan’s highest peak, Yushan (Mt. Jade), and 41 other 3,000-plus-meter mountains that form an unbroken and undulating expanse of green. Taiwan’s longest river, the Zhuoshui River, winds through the county, and the island’s most beautiful lake, Sun Moon Lake, completes the county’s scenic tapestry.

Nantou is heavily dependent on farming. Rustic areas and an abundance of agricultural products are therefore among the county’s major visitor draws. There are dozens of well-planned recreational farm areas that are perfect for a quiet and leisurely family trip to the countryside.

Accommodation choices range from world-class resort hotels to rural B&Bs. Whether you choose to stay at an exotic villa at Qingjing Farm or an elegant room at Puli Tao-Mi Eco-Village, you are never far from nature’s scenic embrace.

Visitors can discover the beauty of Nantou along the seven main travel routes in the county. Enjoy a spring excursion to the outskirts, a cool summer escape, the starry nights of fall, or a winter hot spring soak and fun in the snow. Whenever and wherever you arrive, Nantou is there to welcome you on a relaxing, fun, and eye-opening journey.

Yunlin County
Located at the central-south part along the western coast of Taiwan, Yunlin County stands at the north tip of Jianan plain, bordering Nantou County in the east, Changhua County in north with Zhoushui River as watershed, Chiayi County in the south with Beigang River as watershed.

Yunlin is located in the south-central part of western Taiwan at the northern end of the Jianan Plain. Nantou County lies to the east and the Taiwan Strait to the west, the Beigang River and Chiayi County define the southern border, with the Zhuoshui River and Changhua County to the north. Plains account for nine-tenths of the county area, while mountainous areas make up the remaining 10 percent. The county has a subtropical climate and a year-round average temperature of 22.6 degrees centigrade. Administratively, it is divided into 20 townships and cities, all in flatland areas except for the three mountainous areas of Douliu City, Gukeng Township, and Linnei Township.

As a county built on agriculture, Yunlin has long taken pride in its rustic charm and high-quality agricultural products. Among the local specialty goods here are coffee (Gukeng Township), hard clams (Taixi Township), horseshoe clams and Taiwan tilapia (Kouhu Township), shaddock (Douliu Township), soy sauce (Xiluo Township), pickled cabbage (Dapi Township), and peanuts and sesame oil (Beigang Township). Each of these items captures the authentic local flavors of Yunlin and makes a perfect souvenir gift for home. In addition, Yunlin’s many temples (there are more here than anywhere else in Taiwan!) attract tens of thousands of people every year. Yunlin has also nurtured a vibrant cultural industry. The county is the birthplace and a well-known capital of Taiwanese puppet theater.

“Northern Taiwan” refers to the following seven counties and cities: Taipei City, New Taipei City, Keelung City, Yilan County, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County and Hsinchu City. You may enjoy a birds-eye-view of the capital from Taipei 101, the Taiwan’s tallest building, go to National Palace Museum for appreciating historic objects, or take a walk on old streets in Jiufen, Tamsui, Yingge and Sanxia to immerse in old-time charm.

Taipei City
Taipei is Taiwan’s largest city as well as its economic, political, and cultural center. It is a modern cosmopolitan metropolis with a lively and diversified face, filled with exuberance.

From the world’s tallest building (2004~2010) to the biggest collection of Chinese art, Taipei invites you into a world of fascinating contrasts – a mix of the modern and traditional, with a generous dash of energy and friendly smiles to make this one of your most memorable trips to Asia.

The cultural kaleidoscope of Taiwan’s capital city pulses wherever you go. Incense – veiled temples dating back to dynastic times blend seamlessly with a neon street life of a decidedly more modern era. Taipei has dozens of world – class restaurants where gourmets can sample the best regional Chinese cuisine; and for the gourmand, there are plenty of night markets serving up scrumptious evening snacks in an environment of chaotic excitement and fun.

The polarities of Taipei are vividly present as well in the joining of the urban and natural. Just a few minutes from the heart of the city you can soak away the cares of the world in mineral – rich hot springs nestled in the lush mountain foothills ringing the Taipei Basin. And throughout the city there are plenty of trails, parks and other oases of tranquility to lift and invigorate your spirits.

Whether you’re just stopping over en route to another Asian destination, or planning a longer stay, Taipei is a many-faceted treasure that will call you back again and again.

Discover the heart of Asia in beautiful Taipei!

New Taipei City
The life of any region arises out of its historical past, its remembrance of culture, and its hold on the future. The New Taipei City government has established museums of tea culture, pottery and ceramics, and other sites to help preserve the memory of the common history and culture.

New Taipei City is rich in cultural resources. It’s a major cultural county that hosts a rich variety of cultural activities. Come! Join us as we trace our cultural roots. The confluence of the Tamsui (Danshui), Xindian and Keelung Rivers gave rise to New Taipei City, which expanded gradually inland from the smallish river mouth to achieve its present scope. The meeting ground of the rivers stretches away in a scene of grandeur as the seashore, its terrain carved out by the hand of time, faces off with the low mountains standing peacefully in the distance of New Taipei City.

Keelung City
Keelung belongs to northern Taiwan, with mountains surrounding on three sides, while Donghai (The Eastern Sea) in its north front. Serving as a natural harbor with immense water, Keelung has its bay cut into downtown deeply.

Within the city are much more slopes than planes, and moreover, the protective Keelung Islet and Hoping Islet screen on both sides of the water. These factors mentioned above have contributed to this natural and strategically difficult point, which combines roles of commercial, military, and fishing harbor, yet most importantly, keeps guard at the gates of the whole Taipei area. Famous foods in Keelung include the night market in front of the temple gate, Lienjen Cake Store, Lihu Cake Store, and Taiyanggu (Sun Valley) Honey Store.

Yilan County
The city of Yilan is located in the central and most favored part of the Lanyang Plain. Streams and rivers provide a constant source of replenishment for the nutrients in the soil here, making Yilan a breadbasket county.

Yilan looks out to the sea on Taiwan’s Northeast Coast, with mountains on the three other sides forming a unique geography that has nurtured an equally distinctive cultural landscape and human warmth. The county is home to Asia’s second longest highway tunnel, the Hsuehshan Tunnel, which has reduced the driving time between Yilan and Taipei to less than 50 minutes. From natural environments and cold and hot springs to a wealth of ocean recreation resources and verdant country scenes, Yilan offers the perfect setting to slow down and enjoy nature at its best.

The Land of Sacred Trees
Among Yilan’s diverse arboreal attractions, the Qilan Sacred Trees Garden is one of the most unique. The garden is home to a hundred indigenous trees over a millennium old, including Formosan red false cypresses and Taiwan hinoki false cypresses. Each tree is named after a famous person contemporary with the birth year of the tree, adding a note of historic interest for visitors.

Whale and Dolphin Watching
Surrounded by submarine hot springs that emit steam all year round, Guishan Island is a rare sight in the Pacific. The sea area here is a favorite haunt for whales and dolphins. The dolphins can often be seen jumping and spinning above the water in groups like ballet dancers, presenting a spectacle far different from what one sees at marine parks.

Night Market Snacking
Taiwan has a plethora of popular snacks, from soy-marinated foods and stuffed starch ball desserts to oyster omelets and Chinese angelica mutton soup. All of these tasty dishes and more can be enjoyed at the Luodong Night Market and Yilan Night Market. There are also plenty of shops here selling inexpensive clothes and shoes.

Cold and Hot Springs
For a relaxing hot spring soak, visitors to Yilan County can choose between the lowland hot springs of Jiaoxi Township and the carbonic acid cold springs in Su’ao Township, one of only two cold springs in Southeast Asia. The clear and tasteless spring water pampers your skin and embraces you, body and mind, in a world of relaxation

Yilan: A Natural Paradise with a Human Touch
Yilan offers a welcome escape from the urban bustle with the tranquility of rustic B&Bs and the down-to-earth hospitality of farmer hosts.

Taoyuan City
The narrow-shaped Taoyuan City is a plateau lies in the northwestern part of Taiwan Main Island, with Taipei and Yilan counties adjacent to it.

The cultural diversity of Taoyuan City is paralleled by an equal abundance of natural attractions, earning the county the nicknames of the “flower kingdom” and “land of a thousand ponds.” The scenic sites along the Northern Cross-Island Highway and the historic Chiang Kai-Shek and Chiang Ching-Kuo Cultural Park are just a few of the many good reasons to visit Taoyuan.

Over the past two years, the Chiang Kai-Shek and Chiang Ching-Kuo Cultural Park has attracted over three million visitors a year. The park is a successful example of efforts by the Taoyuan City Government to create tourism value, promote innovative and high-quality visitor services with private sector partners, and develop locally unique attractions that present the “Taiwan Experience.”

Taoyuan also has developed other distinctive attractions, such as the county’s Hakka culture, military communities, rustic areas, trails, bikeways, and local industries, hoping to attract more visitors to discover the story of Taoyuan.

Hsinchu County
Hsinchu County is home to the largest Hakka community in Taiwan. Most of the early Hakka immigrants to this region landed at Hongmao Harbor and Nanliao Harbor, the majority coming from Haifeng and Lufeng in China.

The Hakka residents in Hsinchu have unique dialects, customs and religious practices that reflect differences of environment. The Hakka people have traditionally lived in areas with poor farming conditions and inconvenient transportation links, forcing them to continually migrate into new lands. They are known for their diligence, respect for the teachings of their ancestors, and commitment to education. At the same time, the insular quality of their communities has traditionally limited opportunities for exchange and integration with other cultures, with the result that many Hakka communities have preserved their traditional dialects, culture and customs.

In recent years, Hsinchu County has enjoyed a thriving economy with support from the Hsinchu Science Park and Hsinchu Industrial Park. The county government has also vigorously promoted growth through infrastructure building and the development of the Hsinchu Biomedical Science Park, High Speed Rail (HSR) Hsinchu Station special district, third-phase development of the Hsinchu Science Park, Puyu Development Plan, HSR underpass roads, a sports stadium and biotech park. These projects are honing Hsinchu’s competitive edge in scientific fields and injecting new growth momentum into the region.

Hsinchu City
The town of Hsinchu, now famous for its Science-based Industrial Park, was first developed in 1723. It was first called Hsinchu in 1875, and was upgraded to a provincial city in 1982.

The Hsinchu administrative district includes Xiangshan and covers an area of about 104 square kilometers. It has gained considerable prosperity and an international reputation since the creation of the Hsinchu Science-based industrial Park. Hsinchu City is located in the northwestern part of Hsinchu County, its highest point rising only 120 meters above sea level. The Hsinchu plain slopes upward to the east, and merges into Eighteen Peaks Mountain and Niupu Mountains. Most of the eastern part of the county is covered with foothills and small mountains.