Taiwan travel

Taiwan is a small island located of the southeastern coast of the Chinese mainland in the western Pacific. It is situated between Japan and Korea towards the north and Philippines and Hong Kong to the South. Taiwan enjoys a subtropical climate and receives an annual rainfall of more than 1500 mm which favors the island?s agricultural productivity and visitors can enjoy Taiwan?s beauty all around the year. The national language used in Taiwan is Mandarin Chinese but most island residents speak Taiwanese, the local dialect and the currency used is the New Taiwan Dollar. The largest city and the capital of Taiwan is Taipei.

Taiwan is rich in natural beauty which includes the unusual collection of tropical flora and fauna, sun-kissed beaches, waterfalls, hot springs and serene lakes. Also the highest mountain in northeast Asia the Jade Mountain is in Taiwan, about two thirds of the Taiwan island is covered with lust forested mountains.

Here is the brief of the tourist places worth seeing in Taiwan.

Lakes & Rivers

Secluded in the tropical fruit plantations at the foothills of the Central Mountain Range is the Carp Lake known for its huge carp, which extends upto 50 pounds. The popular activities at the lake include boating and fishing.

Bitan is not really a lake, but a deepening and extension of the Shindian River. It is a very untouched area and is famous for tea tent, where tea and tea sets are available. Tea lovers can go to the teahouses on the bluff of the river?s westside, where one can enjoy a spectacular view with a cup of hot tea.

Taiwan?s most popular honeymoon resort is the Sun Moon Lake. The view of the lake is spectacular from the Wen Wu Temple. Other attractions at this place include a small aborigine village, butterfly museum, boat cruises, view from Tzu En Pagoda, a golf course and hiking trails.

The Coral lake has more than 30 streams and is famous for children?s play area, picnicking, hiking, boating and camping and has a small park. The major attractions of this place include Hsikou tunnel, Dream Lake, Paotzuliao suspension bridge and Two Sisters island.

A very famous resort known as Chengching, named after Chengching lake also known as the Crystal clear lake. The resort has many facilities for boating and fishing, hiking, golf and has bridges which include a nine-corner bridge, islands, pavilions, towers, tree-lined paths and aquariums.

Islands & Scenic Areas

On the west coast of Taiwan about an hour?s drive from Taipei is Yehliou. Yehliou has a variety of oddly shaped rock formations, fossil remains and veins of coloured minerals with a great view of the coastline.

A green land escalating from the Pacific Ocean is called the Green Island or Liudau. The island has an attractive range of land and seascapes which includes seawater hot spring, coral reefs, white sand beach, odd rock formations and rocky cliffs, the island is made of volcanic rock and has an immensely eroded coastline.

South of Green Island is a unique island called Orchid island or Lanyu named after the flowers that grow in the wild tropical rain forests. The major attraction of this island is the semi-underground stone house.

Kenting in Taiwan is surrounded by water on 3 sides : the Taiwan Straits to the west, the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Bashi Channel to the south and is a paradise for beachfront nightlife party lovers. The major attraction of Kenting is the tropical national park of Taiwan called the Kenting National Park, the park includes forests, mountains, pastures, sand dunes, lakes, coral reef, beaches and a large stretch of agricultural land with a view of typical Taiwanese rural life. One can also enjoy a secluded white sand beach called the Baishawan at Kenting.

From the mouth of Hualien River in the north to Shiauyeliou in the south is a stretch of the East Coast National Scenic Area also known as ?Taiwan?s last unspoiled land? and is rich in flora and fauna. The modern features of this land include quaint fishing village, temples and churches.

Mountains & Forests

One of the famous recreation area of Taiwan is the Alishan Forest comprising of 18 mountains. According to the legend 250 yrs ago the chief of Tsou Tribe called Abali brought his people to this place as it was a rich hunting ground and therefore the region was named after him. Major attractions of this place are the Five Wonders of Alishan which are the alpine railway, the sunrise, its forests, sea of clouds and sunset.

All the above tourist places of Taiwan are well connected to all the major cities of Taiwan and all the major cities of Taiwan have tourist offices wherein one can get information and the time table regarding the road, rail or air connections to reach these places.