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The island of
Taiwan, which 16th century Portuguese mariners christened
Formosa (beautiful), is situated between
Korea and Japan to the north and Hong Kong and the Philippines to the
south, about 160 kilometers (100 miles) off the southeastern coast of
mainland China. The island is generally divided into northern, central,
southern, and eastern Taiwan, and each region has its own distinct
attractions. Taiwan province also includes the Penghu Archipelago--a group
of 64 islands previously known as the Pescadores--and 21 other islands.
In 1895, military defeat forced China to cede Taiwan to Japan, however it
reverted to Chinese control after World War II. Following the communist
victory on the mainland in 1949, 2 million Nationalists fled to Taiwan and
established a government using the 1947 constitution drawn up for all of
China. Over the next five decades, the ruling authorities gradually
democratized and incorporated the native population within its governing
structure. Throughout this period, the island has prospered to become one
of East Asia's economic "Tigers." The
dominant political issue continues to be the relationship between Taiwan
and China and the question of eventual reunification
The Central
Mountain Range bisects Taiwan from north to south, and about
two-thirds of the island is covered with forested peaks rising above
verdant foothills, terraced flatlands, and coastal plains and basins.
Just north of the vibrant capital city, Taipei,
lies Yangmingshan National Park, a mountainous playground with waterfalls,
lakes, hot springs, hiking trails, picnic areas, and colorful spring
flowers. The northern coastline of Taiwan has many attractions, such as
quaint little towns, several excellent beaches, the bizarre rocks of
Yehliu, the harbor city of Keelung, and the scenic splendor of the
Northeast Coast National Scenic Area. In the summer, the scenic area is
the best place in northern Taiwan for water activities, and in the winter
it is the best place for fishing.
Central Taiwan is home to some of the
island's finest attractions, all within easy reach of the city of
Taichung, a major business center. In this region you will find folk arts
and handicrafts (and an annual folk arts festival), magnificent temples,
elaborate religious festivals, glimpses of traditional rural life and
customs, and you can witness the songs, dances, and traditional lifestyles
the island's native aborigine tribes. You can also find tranquil honeymoon
resorts, lovely lakes and serene forests, secluded valleys and waterfalls,
pleasant hiking trails and hot springs, a "sea of clouds" seen from a
mountain resort, and you can even go snow skiing. But the central region
of Taiwan is most known for the spectacular natural beauty of the Central
Cross-lsland Highway, the serenity of Hsitou's bamboo forests, and the
towering majesty of Yushan National Park. Near Alishan, famous for its
sunrise view of the "sea of clouds," is Yushan (
Mt. Jade), the island's highest peak and largest national park.
A great place to start your tour of
southern Taiwan is the city of Taiwan, home to hundreds of ancient temples
and historical sites. A short drive south is the vibrant city of
Kaohsiung, the island's industrial center.At the southern tip of Taiwan is
Kenting National Park, famous for its tropical beaches and secluded coves,
exotic plants and wildlife, and unusual scenery. The island's only
international resort is here.
The Penghu Archipelago, off the
southwestern coast of Taiwan, is the ROC's third national scenic area.
Penghu offers a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities unit with an
cient temples, picturesque farms and windswept fishing villages, friendly
people, fine beaches, coral reefs, and rugged coastlines. This is a great
place for all kinds of water sports. Don't forget to try the fresh
seafood!
Eastern Taiwan has some of the
island's most beautiful and accessible attractions: a breathtaking coastal
road carved front sheer cliffs above the ocean, unspoiled emerald islands,
aborigine tribes, water sports, hot springs, and two cross-island highways
with magnificent scenery.Hualien city boasts an amazing range of marble
products, song and dance performances by aborigines, and is a starting
point for excursions to nearby scenic areas.Taroko Gorge is a beautiful,
narrow ravine of towering cliffs of marble and granite above a rushing
river, waterfalls, and pavilions, pagodas, and temples clinging to
mistshrouded mountainsides. Taroko Gorge is an easy half- or full-day trip
from Hualien. By air, it is also a full-day trip from Taipei.
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