Size:  35,563 sq km (13,731 sq mi)
Region:  Northeast Asia
Population:  22.5 million
Languages:  Taiwanese, Mandarin Chinese
Time Zone:  GMT/UTC plus eight hours
Currency:  New Taiwan dollar (NT$)
Landscape: ridge of steep mountains, falling away to a rocky coastline on the east and a narrow, fertile plain (where 90 per cent of the population lives) on the west
Climate:  subtropical
Entry Requirements:  Some visitors from Western Europe, Australia and the USA can stay in Taiwan for 14 days without a visa. Everyone else needs a visa, which allows a 30-day stay. Single entry visas are easy to get, but if you want a multiple entry visa get it before you leave home. The Republic of China (Taiwan) is not recognized by most countries, so you'll have to get your visa from a Taiwanese 'pseudo embassy' - look for trade offices, travel services or friendship associations.
Airlines:  All Nippon Airways, United Airlines, Northwest, EVA Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines
Travel Time from LAX:  13 hrs
Travel Time from JFK:  20 hrs
Getting Around: Flights go between all the major cities. With buses you can choose between government or private. A train line circumnavigates the island and the service is good. There are four classes - the first three are more expensive than buses, the fourth is cheap but slow. Taxis are expensive, but also available.
Personal Technology: 110V, 60 Hz
Nearby Destinations:  China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Philippines

Web Sites:
http://www.go2taiwan.net
http://www.taiwan.net.tw

 

TAIWAN
Taiwan may be the most extreme example of an ancient culture that has clung tightly to its cultural past, yet has also embraced modern industrialization. The mixture of ancient customs and modernization is seen when a day of temple rituals is followed by waterslide rides and aboriginal tribes are dressed in mini-skirts. The human tide of Taipei will sweep you off your feet, but if you step outside the city limits you'll discover why Taiwan is known as Ilha Formosa, 'the beautiful island'. When you take a look around you'll find mountain peaks puncture a sea of clouds, slick black volcanic rock wraps the coastlines, and waterfalls shrouding themselves in mist.

Culture
Since Taiwanese history is so closely tied to China, it isn't surprising that their cultures are very similar. Taiwanese opera, which is closely related to Chinese Opera, are an integral part of the culture. Regardless of understanding the language, the music, acting, and costumes create a beautiful atmosphere. One difference you will find is auditory. The majority of sounds you will encounter in Taiwan are of temple trumpets and gongs, whereas in China string instruments and flutes produce the majority of music.

The Taiwanese regard health and wellness as an important component of everyday life. Taijiquan is a slow motion shadow boxing, which has been developed as a form of exercise and is also considered an art form. In the early morning as the sun rises, many people can be found gliding through the peaceful motions of taijiquan. Taiwanese employ an alternative to western medicine; Quigong, acupuncture and faith healing are emphasized as valid treatments. The Taiwanese are very superstitious about death. They avoid the subjects of dying or accidents, and never talk about death symbols, the number four and white. In life they are very quite about death, but once someone dies their whole attitude changes. Their funerals are more like parties. Everyone stuffs themselves with food and wine, while watching the entertainment provided by scantily clad women and people sings karaoke. One thing the cautious traveler should be aware of is the notion of "saving face". To save the face of others, Taiwanese rarely speak candidly with one another. They will always smile and be extremely polite, keeping their emotions to themselves.

History
It is believed that Pacific Islanders first inhabited Taiwan. They may have lived here for about 10,000 years undisturbed, until 1206 when Genghis Khan made Taiwan a protectorate of the Chinese Empire. The Portuguese controlled Taiwan for a brief period of time before the Dutch invaded in 1624. The Chinese did not dislodge the Dutch until 1661. The Ming and Manchu dynasties wrestled with one another for control of the island. The Manchus eventually dominated and initiated Chinese immigration. In 1894, Japan went to war with China; the result was a treaty that ceded Taiwan to the Japanese. Taiwan was returned to China following WWII.

In 2000, Taiwan elected a candidate of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party as its next president. He believed in a formal declaration of independence for the island. This concluded 55 years of Nationalist rule. China was alarmed, they still regards Taiwan as a rebel province. Currently, Taiwanese politics is divided among those who want reunification with China and those who want Taiwanese independence.

Attractions
Taipei is Taiwan's bustling lively capital. It's not where you go to relax, but there is excellent food and friendly people. There are sites that can't be replicated anywhere else in the world.

Tienhsiang is the site of Taiwan's best scenic spot, the Taroko Gorge. At the bottom of the gorge is a river of white rapids that is framed by sheer sloping cliffs. Hovering over the waterfall entering the gorge is the Eternal Spring Shrine. In contrast to the boisterous city of Taipei, the town of Tienhsiang is relaxing and peaceful nestled in towering mountains.

Tainan is Taiwan's temple town and where you want to go to get a sense of the traditional culture. It's the ideal location to see Buddhist parades and festivals. To wutness temple building in action, visit the suburb of Luerhmen, where three temples are constantly trying to outdo one another for the title of 'biggest temple in Taiwan'. If you have had enough of temples and culture, visit the nearby waterslide part to cool off.

Message from the Tourism Bureau, Director-General

Dear Traveler,

Welcome to Taiwan and a Happy New Year!

The ways in which travelers are discovering Taiwan- our charming island in the pacific Ocean - are changing. Taiwan used to be a place where foreign tourists mainly visited the larger cities and a few of the major tourist attractions on organized tours with the main means of transport being the tour bus Of course, organized tours are still available and are in fact increasingly popular with international tourists. There are now daily bus tours to almost all corners of the land with stops at the most scenic and culturally interesting places (for more info see: www.taiwantourbus.com.tw/)

However, while the tour bus is an excellent choice to get around and get a preliminary overview of Taiwan's beauty, if you want to discover more of the island's treasures, individual self-help travel is the way to go. Taiwan is the perfect destination for those adventurous types who prefect to move about with a map in hand and a pack on their back. There are numerous reasons why: Modern and convenient transportation systems- most notably the brand-new high-speed railway and the MRT systems of Taipei and Kaohsiung; availability of travel information in English, Japanese, and other foreign languages, including maps, pamphlets and other printed material as well as online info provided by central and local governments; friendly and hospitable people; a safe environment; and weather that is suited for travel almost any day of the year.

Young self-hlep travelers appreciate the services offered by the National Youth Commission, including Tour Buddy tours, renting of digital buddies, and discounts for accommodation, tickets, etc. For more info you can visit the website of the National Youth Commission at www.nyc.gov.tw/.

Another special way of getting around individually is on two wheels. With rising awareness of the importance of living a healthier life and keeping the environment clean, may people in Taiwan have fallen in love with bicycling. There are now numerous dedicated bicycle paths in cities and counties around Taiwan, including the extensive bike network of Taipei and the bicycle paths along scenic Lover River in Kaohsiung. Bicycle trips are highly recommended in Taiwan's rural countryside, such as the East Rift Valley, or around scenic lakes such as Sun Moon Lake in Central Taiwan and Cising Lake in Eastern Taiwan. Bicycles are also an excellent choice if you want to go on leisurely discovery tours of Taiwan's offshore islands, such as Penghu, Kinmen, and Green Island.

With getting around being so convenient, touring Taiwan is a truly rewarding experience for travelers. Now it's just a matter of coming here. We await you with open arms!

On behalf of the Tourism Bureau, I wish you a prosperous and successful year 2007!

Janice Seh-Jen Lai
Director General
Tourism Bureau, MOTC, R.O.C.

 

Adventures:
Lanyu is off the beaten track. It's a volcanic island, surrounded by jagged, black volcanic rock. Contrary to the rest of Taiwan the natives are mainly of Philippine descent. They build their houses underground and make their livelihood fishing and growing taro and sweet potatoes.
Maolin is a beautiful mountainous village, surrounded by scenic hikes dotted with suspension bridges and waterfalls. Just outside of Maolin is Tona, which has hot springs and is famous for its stone carvings.
Penghu Islands is a group of 64 islands off the coast of Taiwan, with only city, Makung. Tourists are lured to the islands by sandy white beaches, outdoor markets, delicious seafood and turquoise seas. The main attractions are Taiwan's oldest temple and a 300 yr old banyan tree.

For Families:
Taiwan is perfect for the nature lover, with a plethora of mountains, waterfalls, volcanic craters, lakes, rice patties, and hot springs. There are many trails that provide great hiking. For a challenge there are Yushan and Hsuehshan, while the leisure hiker should explore Tungpu and Alishan. The tropic of cancer divides Taiwan, which enables Taiwan to have tropical and subtropic diving scenery, thriving with a vast number of fish and coral colonies. The east coast, far north and far southern tips have pretty good surfing spots. To try a new sport that might not be offered at home you can try grass skiing. There are a few resorts that also offer grass sledding and tobogganing. Taiwan has the perfect conditions, no snow and many mountains. Good whitewater rafting runs are available on the Hsiukuluan River and the Laonung River.

Shopping:
There is anything from upscale shopping centers to little boutiques to local unique Taiwanese crafts. Taiwan shopping is huge in Asia and shopping in Taichung is growing. Taichung shopping offers some of the largest and newest department stores in South East Asia as well as a variety of other shopping choices.

Culinary:
Taiwan has developed its own cuisine, based largely on seafood and sauces drawn from Shanghai traditions. If you want to get a sampling of the food go to night markets where they have stands tha sell everything. The food can be similar to China with dishes from Beijing-Shandong, Sichuan-Hunan, Shanghaiese and Cantonese-Chaozhou cuisine. But the Taiwanese have modified the taste to be unique. They have created a subtropical flavor with plenty of seafood and the liberal use of sugar. They have been known to use unique ingredients, but you probably won't find they oftern. Special foods you must try include moon cakes (made during the Moon Festival in Autumn), spring rolls (sold in April), rice dumplings (made for the Dragon Boat Festival) and red turtle cakes (for birthdays and temple worship).

Sports:
 Many Taiwanese enjoy golf, ping-pong, basketball, soccer, softball and badminton. Health clubs and gyms are used regularly. In the early morning hours many adults engage in various forms of recreation in city parks. Some of these are folk dancing, practicing Kung Fu, playing Chinese chess, aerobics, jogging, stretching and singing. Shadow boxing or T'ai chi ch'uan, and Kung Fu are very popular.

Nightlife:
Plenty of things to do at night. You can shop day and night. There are night markets that are open late, because the Taiwanese love to shop. Karaoke Bars are all the rage. The word karaoke means empty orchestra in Japanese. There is also a very healthy bar and nightclub life.

Getting Around:
Flights go between all the major cities. With buses you can choose between government or private. A train line circumnavigates the island and the service is good. There are four classes - the first three are more expensive than buses, the fourth is cheap but slow. Taxis are expensive, but also available.