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Taiwan
Taiwan- Asia’s Beautiful Island
Taiwan has the Portuguese to thank for first spreading the news about their beautiful island. Sure, it was 1517 and news traveled a bit more slowly, but the Portuguese moniker quickly took hold and, for almost 500 years, Taiwan was known as Isla Formosa, or beautiful island.
The Portuguese are long gone, but Taiwan remains as one of the most unexpectedly beautiful places in all of Asia. Created by erosion, tectonics and volcanoes, this small island proudly boasts dramatic Pacific Rim scenery highlighted by dramatic coastlines, cavernous gorges and magical lakes.
Here’s a sampling of our favorite places in Taiwan, places where you to can see this “Beautiful Island” for yourself.
Taroko Gorge
Located on Taiwan’s rugged east coast, this wonderful, dramatic gorge is Taiwan’s best known National Park and premier tourist attraction.
A broad marble chasm with precipitous cliffs framing a wild white water river, Taroko is a great spot for hiking and trekking, as well as for 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. Even those who choose to visit the area by vehicle will find plenty of chances to take in the scenery at a series of convenient sightseeing stops along the way.
Taroko Gorge is a short, scenic 2 hour train ride from Taipei and can be seen- however quickly- in just one day. Outdoor and nature enthusiasts will be disappointed with so little time in this striking setting and should also consider a rafting trip down the nearby Hsiukuluan River as well as exploring the area’s abundant hot springs and shrines.
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 air and timeless beauty of the forests make this an ideal place to relax, unwind and explore.
Set amongst the rich bamboo forests in Taiwan’s southern mountains, sunrise in Alishan is considered especially beautiful as the sun rises slowly above a sea of clouds shrouding the nearby peaks. The area is also famous for its wonderful display of Cherry Blossoms each spring, an event that draws visitors from around Taiwan for the explosion of pink and white blossoms.
Besides numerous hiking trails, Alishan also boasts one of the only three remaining alpine railways in the world. Built by the Japanese to carry lumber, the Alishan Forest Railway ascends into the mountains to over 6,000 feet above sea level with 49 tunnels, 77 bridges and numerous wonderful sights along the way. Because of the steep incline, the train has to zigzag upward, making the ride an unforgettable experience. Word of note: there is only one train trip scheduled daily (two on weekends and holidays), so it’s best to book this trip in advance!
Sun Moon Lake
Located near the very center of Taiwan is Sun Moon Lake, the island’s largest body of fresh water and certainly one of its loveliest natural settings. The eastern half of the lake is round in shape, while the western half is more like a crescent; the name followed logically. In the middle is a small island called Lalu, or the Pearl, accessible only to its aboriginal inhabitants.
Surrounding Sun Moon Lake is ridge after ridge of steep, forested mountains, each becoming darker and hazier as they disappear into the distance. Picturesque temples line the lake’s shore, with the most impressive being the Cien Pagoda, built in 1971 by late President Chiang Kai-shek in memory of his mother, and offering excellent panoramic views.
Visitors can easily tour the lake either by bicycle, motor scooter or tour bus. Another great alternative is to take a 1 ½ hour boat ride across the lake with a stop at Dehua village inhabited primarily by members of the native Thao Tribe.
From Sun Moon Lake it is a short bus ride to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, where visitors can see replicas of traditional dwellings of nine of Taiwan's 12 officially recognized indigenous tribes.
Kenting
On the very southern tip of the island, surrounded by oceans on three sides, is Taiwan’s first national park, Kenting. A tropical climate and miles of beaches make Kenting a popular getaway for both Taiwanese and international visitors looking to escape the heat of summer.
The white sand beaches and rocky seashores tumble into the ocean from mountains, tablelands, and cliffs. Abundant native flora and fauna- including over 300 species of birds- make the area popular amongst nature enthusiasts. The underwater sights are even better, and Kenting’s warm, clear waters, studded with large amounts of coral, are ideal for snorkeling and Scuba.
And what beach resort would be without an active nightlife? After dark, Kenting’s beach front streets come alive with restaurants, bars and nightclubs, offering a different take on Taiwan’s wildlife.
Green Island
Green Island is a beautiful volcanic island located 20 miles 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, a resident population of rare Sika deer and many 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. Another popular activity on Green Island is a dawn climb to the 1000 foot peak of Huoshaoshan - an extinct volcano- which offers an excellent view of the stunning sunrise over the island.
There are regular light aircraft flights to Green Island from Taitung as well as ferries available for the short crossing from the mainland.
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