Many of Taiwan’s landscapes are deeply inspiring. The country has East Asia’s tallest mountains, its most spectacular gorge, and stretches of dramatic coastline.  The unspoiled eastern part of the island has long been a favorite of both domestic and international tourists. The counties of Hualien and Taitung account for more than a fifth of Taiwan’s…

Straddling the Tropic of Cancer, Penghu is less than 50 km west of Taiwan’s main island, yet this stunning archipelago looks completely different. For a start, it’s quite flat, whereas much of Taiwan is ruggedly mountainous. The islands used to be almost treeless, but afforestation programs have changed this. And perhaps most impressively – and…

If you are a fan of sakura – the cherry blossoms that draw legions of adoring sightseers to parks and hillsides throughout Japan – plan your next visit to Taiwan to coincide with the Hakka Tung Blossom Festival.  The festival, which takes place in April and May, celebrates the beauty and beneficence of Vernicia fordii,…