Looking for you next exotic vacation in Asia?

Taiwan is an island located in East Asia between the South China Sea and the East China Sea. Formerly known as Formosa (“beautiful island” in Portuguese). It is part of an island group that has been governed by the Republic of China (ROC) since the end of WWII, but is claimed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Mainland Chinese authorities claim Taiwan as theirs and view the island not as a separate state but a renegade province.

Taiwan is densely populated island, separated from the Asian continent by a narrow 120-kilometer-wide-strait. The ruggedness and compactness of Taiwan’s terrain, however, makes the island quite stunning. The eastern two-thirds consisting mostly of jagged mountain ranges from the north to the south.

Taiwan is very eco-friendly place and you will be amazed at how lush and green the island’s forests are.

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, a bustling metropolis nestled in the middle of small, jade-colored mountains. Despite its rapid urbanization, the city of Taipei remains generally safe and it’s possible to wander without having to worry about personal danger. Getting around the city of Taipei is also very easy due to its efficient and inexpensive subway system.

What To Do

Ride the world’s fastest elevator  and head for the top-of the world Taipei 101. The most famous landmark in Taipei. An enormous financial and shopping center and the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010 (Burj Dubai in United Arab Emirates is now the tallest building in the world).

Designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes common in its area of the Asia-Pacific. Taipei 101’s characteristic blue-green glass curtain walls are double paned and glazed, offer heat and UV protection sufficient to block external heat by 50 percent.

Recycled water meets 20-30 percent of the building’s water needs. Upgrades are currently under way to make Taipei 101 “the world’s tallest green building”  by summer 2011.

This architectural marvel can be toured via the observation deck – for stunning 360-degree view of Taipei and the surrounding suburbs.

Explore the National Palace Museum. Taipei has plenty of attractions but its single most impressive draw is the National Palace Museum in Taipei, which, in itself, is worth a visit to the island.The most extensive and most fabulous exhibition of Chinese art in the world,d with a total of 650,000 ancient artifacts. Rumor has it that the collection is so vast that it would take a person almost 30 years to see every piece, as they are rotated on a regular basis.

Visit Taipei’s memorial halls, which were built in very grandiose style. Most notables ones are the colossal Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall – dedicated to the ROC’s longest serving president, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall built in honor of the founder of the ROC.

Go shopping int the night markets, but don’t think it’s all about clothes and souvenirs – its more about food, as each market as it’s own traditions of snacks and street food available.

Buy beautiful jade pieces at the weekend jade markets, like Chienkuo, Jianguo, and Holiday.

Visit the beautiful and tranquil Sun Moon Lake, which sits at an altitude of 762 meters in the mountain of Nantou Country. You can bike around its perimeter, row a boat, hike surrounding trails, hang out at the dock, or even go swimming.

Go porcelain and ceramic shopping in Yingge, a town famous for its production of porcelain. There are lots of art studios and shops, and a strip called Yingge Pottery Street.

There are several prominent  landmarks in Taipei which you can explore.  You need several weeks to fully appreciate  the island offers. Taiwan is truly one of Asia’s under-rated tourist destinations.

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