Each of Taiwan’s outlying islands has a character of its own, but perhaps none are more beguiling than those that comprise the Matsu archipelago. Just over 14,000 people live on these rocky islands, 114 nautical miles (211 km) northwest of Taiwan. Because there is a lack of flat land and the growing season is short,…
Taiwan is one of the world’s most densely populated countries, yet almost a fifth of the island has been set aside for the purpose of conservation. In addition to nine national parks and one national nature park, the authorities manage a network of nature reserves, forest reserves, major wildlife habitats, and wildlife refuges. Because Taiwan…
Pingtung is the county at Taiwan’s southern tip. It contains almost everything that makes Taiwan an excellent destination for travelers. Although Pingtung accounts for only about 3% of Taiwan’s population and 7% of its land area, it offers striking mountain scenery, delightfully bucolic villages, hot springs, the island’s most popular beach resort, and its oldest…
Overshadowed for most of its history by Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taichung’s recent growth spurt has caused it to overtake both Taiwan’s capital and the southern harbor city in terms of population. People are moving to this municipality of 2.9 million people in pursuit of business and employment opportunities and to enjoy a sophisticated urban lifestyle…
This year, February 10 is not just the first day of the Year of the Dragon. It also marks the beginning of a period of intense merrymaking – a time of year when Taiwanese people can forget work and school and enjoy seasonal festivities. Many will attend local or national editions of the Lantern Festival,…
Long recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, Taiwan is a remarkable ecotourism destination that straddles the Tropic of Cancer. Between June and September, the country’s lowland landscapes swelter. In winter, by contrast, its rugged uplands receive dustings of snow. Between these two extremes, there are a dozen different environments, and each has distinct fauna and flora. …
Taiwan has resumed warmly welcoming overseas visitors, and Taiwanese are once again enjoying overseas vacations. The country’s airports and hotels are bustling. Attractions like Ximending and Taipei 101 are reporting a steady flow of foreign tourists. Another sign that the travel and hospitality industries have finally put the pandemic behind them is the anticipation surrounding…
If the world’s cycling enthusiasts pooled their ideas and designed a country that is ideal for bicycle vacations, they would likely come up with a place remarkably similar to Taiwan. Taiwan is 394 km long and 144 km across at its widest, so end-to-end or around-the-island rides can be accomplished within a vacation of normal…
Some of Taiwan’s many natural wonders are better known than others. For visitors from all over the world, the splendor of Taroko Gorge and the stunning variety of the island’s birdlife are like magnets. The Purple Butterfly Valley in Maolin, a mountainous part of Kaohsiung about 250 km down island from Taipei, is unique but…
Sun Moon Lake is a symbol of both Taiwan’s transformation into a modern industrial economy and its emergence as a favored destination for international travelers. The lake’s romantic English name is a direct translation from the Chinese, Riyuetan, which itself describes the shape of this 8 km2 body of water. The eastern part is round…
