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TAIWAN - AN IDEAL
TRAVEL DESTINATION
Prepare yourself for the holiday of
your dreams as Taiwan has it all: good food, a beautiful ocean,
stupendous mountains and lots of sunshine!
REPUBLIC OF CHINA
Area : 36,000 square
kilometers
Population : 22 million
Capital : Taipei City
People : Chinese
Language : Mandarin/Taiwanese/Hakka
Religion : Buddhism/Taoism/Christian
President : Chen Shui-bian
Taiwan's total land area
is only about 3,6000 square kilometers; it is shaped like a tobacco
leaf that is narrow at both ends. It lies off the southeastern coast
of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Straits from Mainland China-- a
solitary island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. To the north
lies Japan and Okinawa, to the south is the Philippines. Many airlines
fly to Taiwan, helping make it the perfect travel destination.
Taiwan lies on the western edge of the Pacific "rim of fire," and
continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling
hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other wonders. Taiwan sees
climates of many types: tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate,
providing clear differentiation between the different seasons. There
are about 18,400 species of wildlife on the island, with more than 20%
belonging to rare or endangered species; among these are the
land-locked salmon, Taiwan mountain goat, Formosan rock monkey,
Formosan black bear, blue magpie, Mikado pheasant, Hsuehshan grass
lizard, and many more.
The government has established 6 national parks and 11 national scenic
areas to preserve Taiwan's best natural ecological environment and
cultural sites. Take in the splendor and sheer heights of the cliffs
at Taroko Gorge; take a ride on the Alishan train--one of only three
mountain railways in the world--and experience the breathtaking sunset
and sea of clouds; hike up to the summit of Northeast Asia's highest
peak, Jade Mountain. You can also soak up the sun in Kending, Asia's
version of Hawaii; stand at the edge of Sun Moon Lake; traipse through
the East Rift Valley; or visit the offshore islands of Kinmen and
Penghu. It's fun in capital letters as well as an awesome journey of
natural discovery!
The cultural aspects also not to be missed. The blending of Hakka,
Taiwanese, and mainland Chinese cultures has produced a rich plethora
of cultural and social color. Whether it is religion, architecture,
language, living habits, or food, it's just one big exciting melting
pot! Food is the best representative of this cultural mixing and
matching. Aside from cuisines from different parts of the mainland
such as Zhejiang, Hunan, Guangdong, Yunnan, Shanghai, Beijing,
Sichuan, and others, there is also the local Taiwanese cuisine as well
as the local delicacies of each area. |
General
