Recent tension in the Taiwan Strait and speculation that China might try to impose a blockade on Taiwan have renewed concern about the island’s levels of food security and self-sufficiency. From the early 18th century through the mid-20th century, Taiwan was a net exporter of food, especially rice and sugar. But today the island is…
Home to a vast assortment of Taiwan’s flora and fauna, numerous wetland conservation areas around the island are waiting to be discovered. STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN CROOK Wetlands cover no more than 1.6% of Taiwan’s land area, and many are located in unappealing coastal districts. Yet they make a massive contribution to the island’s…
Nestled in the mountains of Yilan’s Datong County, Cilan Divine Tree Garden is one of Taiwan’s 18 potential World Heritage Sites. STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN CROOK We were still some distance from Cilan Divine Tree Garden (棲蘭神木園區) when I realized that the area’s strict entry requirements protect more than the ecology of this remote…
Government and business are taking action to conserve water and raise artificially low prices in response to the threat of an increase in droughts. After more than a quarter of a century without any price increase, water is finally becoming more expensive for some enterprises in Taiwan. Since February 1 this year, as part of…
Taiwanese exporters have made some headway in opening up new markets in an effort to lessen their reliance on Chinese consumers, but lack of support and onerous regulations abroad are holding them back. With agriculture accounting for less than 2% of Taiwan’s GDP, and its supermarket shelves crammed with imported produce, it can be hard…
A passion project featuring chefs and restaurants around the world, Taiwan Bites proves that Taiwanese food is more than bubble tea and beef noodles. Kenny Png has a crystal-clear recollection of the first time he tasted real Taiwanese home cooking – and not just because the occasion was as furtive as a drug deal. The year…
From house hoarding to unsustainable flood management, Taiwan’s cities must tackle a myriad of issues to reach their sustainability goals. STORY AND PHOTOS BY STEVEN CROOK If Taiwan’s efforts to embrace sustainability and tackle climate change are to have meaningful impact, its cities will have to be front and center. Urban areas cover less than…
Though not technically legal, off-road driving and motorcycling are popular activities among certain outdoor enthusiasts in Taiwan, where rugged jungle and mountainous terrain still constitute a significant portion of the land. When it comes to taking his 1993 Jeep Wrangler off the beaten track in Taiwan’s remote wilderness, Dave Johnson is the first to admit…
Taiwan’s extensive and colorful history (and prehistory) are brought to the surface at several archeological sites around the island. Many of the findings are on display at a handful of museums around Taiwan. For those who study human history by digging up human remains and artifacts, Taiwan is both fertile ground and a frustrating place…
Modeled after a hit reality TV show in the West, Dragons’ Chamber Taiwan provides a platform for foreigner-owned enterprises to test the feasibility of their business ideas by pitching them to experienced entrepreneurs. Participants – even those who are not successful – find the experience invaluable. In the U.S. and some other countries, immigrants are…
