In Taiwan, we say "Naruwan," which is a traditional aboriginal greeting on our island. When European explorers reached the shores of Taiwan, they were so taken with the island's natural beauty - lush green landscape, soaring mountains and breathtaking beaches - they exclaimed "Formosa," meaning "beautiful island." The description was so fitting; it became the island's moniker for many centuries. Today, parts of the island have changed, but the same feeling of wonder and excitement remains. Share the ancient mariner's reaction as they discovered this scenic, diverse and mystical island with a rich and colorful history. Come and let Taiwan touch your heart.

Taipei

Taipei is the heart of Taiwan, a lively metropolis that has grown from an isolated river valley into one of Asia’s most vibrant cities.

This sprawling city is Taiwan’s most populous area, with well over 2.9 million people calling the city home. Taipei is a business hub and a thriving economic powerhouse that has drives the Nation.

This is also the cultural heart of the island. Far from being a soul-less place of concrete and steel, Taipei also values its past and the traditions that built this city.

Alongside its skyscrapers and highways, you will still find places of peace and contemplation, temples, shrines and museums dedicated to preserving the unique history of the country.

Taipei is also a place for enjoyment, where hard working residents also find time to work hard at having fun. With an endless choice of restaurants serving a whole world of cuisine, including a showcase of the best that China has to offer, nightclubs, live music, theatre and much more- Taipei is a city with something for everyone.

Northern Taiwan

Northern Taiwan is a land of great contrasts, from high mountain peaks to white sandy beaches, with stunning waterfalls, hot springs and old gold mining towns along the way.

Here are some highlights:

Wulai

Wulai is a mountainous area just south of Taipei is widely known for its spectacular scenery, cool fresh air and its stunning waterfalls. This is an excellent destination for a rainy day- the rain brings the area to life with spectacular plunging waterfalls surrounding the breathtaking gorges of the Nanshih River.

There is a cable car to the top of the Wulai falls which provides breathtakiing views of both the falls and the surrounding area.

Among all of the stunning scenery lies several small Aboriginal villages and a series of hot springs, all of which have been developed into fully fledged health resorts.

Chiufen

This gold mining town in the hills near Keelung was all but abandoned after its supply of gold ran out. As a result, little has changed in Chiufen for decades, and the town is now one of the finest examples of historical Taiwanese architecture. The narrow winding streets are surrounded by excellent traditional teahouses, museums and art galleries.

Fulung

Without doubt the finest beach in all of Northern Taiwan, this is the where the rugged rocky coastline gives way to wide white sand.

This is a good surfing beach with clean breaks and consistent waves, and there are plenty of other watersports available- waterskiing, jet-skiing and sailing. Further out beyond the surf is a coral reef perfect for snorkeling.

Mt. Dabajian

A Guided trek to the summit of this spectacular 3492 m peak, locally known as “Big Chief Pointed Mountain” is one of the finest trekking experiences in Taiwan. The challenging 3 day ascent takes you from forested foothills to the stark, pyramidal summit. Most climbers time their treks for a stunning dawn ascent to the peak as the sun breaks over the surrounding countryside.

South Taiwan

Southern Taiwan is truly tropical, with warm balmy weather tempered by sea breezes, as well as fantastic beaches, and fruit and sugar cane plantations. Despite the presence of Taiwan’s bustling second city of Kaohsiung this is still a place of great tradition and custom, with many of the island’s finest temples…

Some highlights include:

Kenting

The beautiful beaches and forests of Kenting were Taiwan’s first National Park, gazetted in 1984. This tropical region makes for an excellent escape from winter in the mountains, but the heat is always eased by a constant, refreshing sea breeze.

The verdant forests of Sheting meet the sea in a long line of beaches, each one more beautiful than the next. The coastline is dotted with a wide range of hotels and resorts.

Kenting is a great place to relax, but there’s also plenty to keep you active; Water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, SCUBA diving on the coast, as well as forest trails and bird watching inland. As soon as the sun goes down, the bars, clubs and pubs liven up the nights.

Kenting is easily accessed from nearby Kaohsiung.

Maolin

Not far from Kaohsiung is Maolin- a picture postcard Chinese paradise of winding streams, high mountain passes and reclusive monasteries high in the hills.

This is ideal country for a quiet break, hiking, biking or bird watching.

Tainan

Tainan is the heart of Taiwanese culture- a city with more than 200 temples. This traditional town is a frequent staging ground for elaborate processions and ceremonies, with fireworks displays, burning of “ghost money” tributes, music and open air banquets.

Famed temples here include Taiwan’s oldest Confucian temple as well as the extremely active Tien Tan temple, and the huge, colorful Chuhsi temple.

Just outside Tainan is the Tsengwen Estuary- an excellent birding area and one of the best places to see the very rare Black-faced Spoonbill.

South Cross Island Highway

This cross country highway runs from Tainan on the West Coast to Taitung on the East Coast. A journey along this highway takes through a world of contrasts that offers a fascinating portrait of the face of Taiwan.

Spectacular mountain scenery and lush green forests alternate with small rural villages and farmlands as the highway winds its way through Southern Taiwan.

The trip can be completed in a single day by car or bus, or on foot as a 3-4 day hike stopping in villages along the way.

East Taiwan

Eastern Taiwan is the wildest and least populated area of the island, with dense forests lining a rugged, rocky coastline of crashing surf and plunging cliffs, while white water rivers carve their way inland through spectacular gorges.

Here are some highlights:

Taroko Gorge

This wild and wonderful gorge is Taiwan’s best known National Park and premier tourist attraction.

A broad marble gorge with precipitous cliffs framing a wild white water river, Taroko is a great spot for hiking and trekking, in addition to visiting natural hot springs, remote shrines and temples and Ami Aboriginal villages.

There are numerous hiking trails through the gorge, with options ranging from short walks to longer multi-day hikes, with campsites and bungalows along the way.

Hot Springs

At the East coast towns of Juisui, Hungyeh and Antung are a series of hot springs, available for medicinal bathing and treatments. The waters from the springs are pumped into specialized spa resorts.

At Chihpen, near Taitung, lies one of Taiwan’s most highly regarded hot spring spas. Here the springs allow for open air bathing along the riverside, and in the springs, in tranquil, all natural surrounds. The forests around Chihpen have winding walking trails, and are home to many bird and monkey species.

While in the area, it is well worth visiting the nearby Chingchueh Buddhist temple, home to a large white jade Buddha imported from Burma and a golden Buddha from Thailand.

Hsiukuluan River

The many narrow gorges and winding rivers of this region make this perfect rafting country- and the Hsiukuluan is the best white water in the area. Well organized and fully equipped rafting trips are run from the nearby town of Hualien.

With 22kms of fine grade rapids to run, a white water expedition is a full day event, carrying rafts along a twisting course of challenging water- with unforgettable scenery along the way. This is a must for any adventurous traveler in Taiwan.

West Taiwan

The West is home to the highest, most dramatic landscapes in Taiwan, excellent hiking country among the bamboo forests, waterfalls and peaks of Alishan and Tungpu. Above all of this is mighty Mt Yushan- a challenging summit for experienced mountaineers

Alishan

The mountain resort of Alishan is a popular place for Taiwanese residents to escape the heat and stress of the city. The cool fresh mountain area and timeless beauty of the forests make this an ideal place to relax, unwind and explore.

There are a large number of hiking trails through the hills and mountains, with plenty of options for varying levels of fitness.

One of the most popular hikes is the easy ascent of Chushan to watch the sun rise over the surrounding countryside.

Yushan

Mt.Yushan is the highest point in Taiwan with an elevation of 3952 meters. It has 11 separate peaks, all of which are steep and rocky. This makes Yushan an extremely challenging climb for Mountaineers. The best time to climb the mountain is from October to December during the dry season. From January to March, there are deep snows on the upper reaches of the mountain.

There is a great deal of wildlife in the forests surrounding Yushan, including black bear, wild boar, water deer, longhaired mountain goat, flying squirrel, and monkeys. About 151 species of birds and 228 types of butterflies, can also be seen on the mountain.

The route to and from the mountain passes several spectacular waterfalls, such as the Seven Threads and Dragon Cloud falls.

Hsitou

This high cool area is widely regarded as one of the most romantic places in Taiwan, - a peaceful forest reserve located near Sun Moon Lake. The main attraction here is the deep still bamboo forests, ideal for long relaxing walks.

The peaceful atmosphere of Hsitou makes this Taiwan’s number one Honeymoon destination.

Tungpu

Less known and visited than Alishan, Tungpu is one of Taiwan’s best kept secrets- a paradise for hikers and trekkers.

Completely unspoilt and relatively isolated, Tungpu has a series of hiking trails along high mountain passes and along precipitous clifftops with spectacular views.

When you’ve completed your hike and want to relax- nature has provided several hot springs in the area, perfect for sinking into an resting your tired muscles.

nyone with a love of truly wild hiking should strap on their pack and head for Tungpu.

Lion's Head Mountain

The peaceful hills of Lion's Head Mountain are Taiwan's leading Buddhist retreat and the rolling green countryside is dotted with pagodas and isolated monasteries. This beautiful countryside encourages stillness and contemplation, and attending a dawn service at one of the temples or monasteries is a glimpse into the eternal and timeless art of zen.

Offshore Islands

The island chains and archipelagoes surrounding Taiwan are diverse world unto themselves, each one with its own unique attractions. From extinct volcanoes and lush rainforest to historical battlegrounds and preserves of southern Chinese culture, each island is a world apart form mainland Taiwan.

Penghu

Penghu is a large archipelago incorporating the Penghu, Paisha and Hsi Islands, between mainland China and Taiwan. The entire archipelago encompasses 64 small islands- with a combined coastline of more than 300 kilometers.

Other Islands

Green Island

Green Island is a beautiful volcanic island located 33 kilometers off the coast of Taitung in eastern Taiwan. Like nearby Orchid Island, this quiet idyllic island is ideal for anyone looking for a relaxing peaceful break.

Green Island has hot springs, sacred caves, historical lighthouses and prisons, a resident population of rare Sika deer and fine beaches fringed with coral reef. There is good offshore SCUBA diving and snorkeling all around the island- and glass bottomed boats and even a submarine for non-divers.

A popular activity on Green Island is a dawn climb to the 281 m peak of Huoshaoshan- an extinct volcano. The summit offers an excellent view of the stunning sunrise over the island.
There are regular light aircraft flights to Green Island from Taitung.

Orchid Island

 Orchid Island, sometimes called Lanyu, is just off the southeastern coast of Taiwan and was created by undersea volcanic activity. As a result, the island resembles a typical South Pacific Island paradise, with high volcanic mountains mountain areas covered lush tropical rain forests and stunning beaches fringed by coral reef, which are rich in sea life.

The island is inhabited by Yami tribespeople, who are the most primitive of Taiwan\'s aboriginal communities. A close knit, fishing culture, the Yami still retain their traditional lifestyle, dress and customs.

Culturally closer to the people of the Phillipines and the Pacific Islands then Taiwan, the Yami live in heavily traditional stone houses both the heat and the ravages of typhoons and fish from distinctively carved canoes.

Kinmen

Lying just 2,100 meters off the coast of mainland China at the nearest point, this stark, stony island is officially a Fujian province of China, and throughout the local towns and villages a large number of traditional southern Fujianese three-sided courtyard style houses can still be found.

Kinmen’s proximity to China is also the reason for its history of warfare, particularly from its bombardment in 1958. As a result, the island has a diverse blend of historical attractions- with Ming Dynasty Chinese temples, shrines and stone gates standing alongside more recent battlegrounds, memorials and war museums.

But while the battlefields of Kuningtou serve as a stark reminder of the past, the future of Kinmen looks very different- its towns are some of Taiwan’s best planned and most attractive, and the island has been declared Taiwan’s 6th National Park, to protect its many migratory bird species.

Matsu

Situated in the northeast corner of the Taiwan Straits and separated from mainland China by only a narrow strip of water, Matsu, like nearby Kinmen, has a distinctly southern Chinese flavor.

With high sea-eroded cliffs over pebble beaches, this windswept island is a place of wild and spectacular beauty. Nestled among its hills and mountains are several small traditional Chinese Fujian villages such as Chinpi.

The 298 m high summit of Pishan provides great views across the island and across the straits to China.

The island is named for Matsu- one of Taiwan’s most popular deities- the goddess of the sea and protectors of fishermen and sailors- so the many temples here come to life each year on the occasion of Matsu’s Birthday.