A gem in the China Seas, Taiwan
embodies a unique entangling of ancient and modern, East and West. From
the bustling commercial center of the capital city, Taipei, to the
cascading volcanic mountains of Yushan National Park, Taiwan offers the
world traveler an unmatched experience. It is no coincidence that
Portuguese explorers named this island 'Ilha Formosa', or the beautiful
island.
Planning a vacation to Taipei Taiwan? The following videos of Taipei
tours will help give you idea of what you can expect to see and do in
the capital of Taiwan.
While you're in Taipei, it would be a big mistake not to
include a visit to Taipei 101, which isn't a college course but
actually the world's tallest building. (Some reports dispute this,
citing various factors such as counting spires, have/doesn't have
observation decks, etc.) The Taiwanese are understandably proud of the
fact that this edifice includes the world's fastest elevator, which
takes passengers from the ground level to the observation deck.
Officially
known as the Republic of China (R.O.C.), Taiwan should not be confused
with the People's Republic of China, which refers to mainland China.
Within the past 200 years the island has been ruled by the Dutch,
became part of Japan, has been "returned" to China and is currently
striving to become an internationally recognized sovereign nation.
Taiwan's tumultuous and fascinating history of the Aboriginal,
Taiwanese and Chinese people is revealed through the many cultural
festivals held throughout the year. Travel to the island in February
for the Taiwan Lantern Festival or in June to watch the world-famous
Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat Festival.
One of Taiwan's most prominent cultural symbols is Taipei 101, the
world's tallest building, measuring 508 meters and 101 floors. Finished
in 2003, the tower signifies Taiwan's substantial economic growth from
the periphery of the global economy to become one of the four Asian
Tigers, as well as the government's dedication to a democratic society
separate from that of China. Tainan, the oldest and fourth largest city
on the island, offers a more authentic and less commercialized window
into Taiwanese culture. Temples and Memorial Arches define this city
where the Ching Dynasty once prayed to the God of War.
Exploration
of the thriving urban centers is only one of many ways to get in touch
with Taiwan. The rugged topography of Taiwan is adorned with
magnificent peaks, lush valleys and dramatic waterfalls. Yushan
National Park is home to the island's tallest peak, Jade Mountain,
which towers at 2,610 meters. Hike to the summit and take the more
technical route down or simply enjoy the breathtaking view from the
Tatachia Visitor Center, accessible directly from the new Central
Cross-Island Highway. From Jade Mountain, descend deep into Taroko
Gorge on Taiwan's rocky and secluded east coast. This 12-mile-long
canyon is home to the natural open-air Wenshan hot springs and the
Atayal people, one of Taiwan's remaining aboriginal tribes. The rocky
cliffs at the canyon's end are a starting point for those who wish to
travel farther into Taiwan's history. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is
sprinkled with beautiful green islands that have unique native
histories and are mostly accessible by plane or ferry. Most of the
pristine and dramatic destinations are protected by Taiwan's National
Park Department, which offers an array of lodging and guiding services
and has proven to be a well-organized resource for the outdoor
sightseer.
From the island's tallest building to its tallest peak, Taiwan has
something exceptional to offer every kind traveler. Travel Taiwan's
thriving society and come face-to-face with an Asian Tiger.
Apply Online for Your Taiwan Visa
Did you know that
Taiwan won the 1996 Little League World Series in the U.S Ccity of Williamsport. Baseball is the national sport in Taiwan.
Did you know that
Like France, Italy and the United States, Taiwan
is very famous for its films in the world. The prizes attained include
the Golden Lion awarded by the Venice International Film Festival to
Hou Hsiao-hsien's "City of Sadness" (1989). In 2001, Ang Lee's
"Crouching, Tiger, Hidden Dragon" won four Oscars at the 73rd Annual
Academy Awards: Best Foreign Language Film, Best Art Direction, Best
Music, and Best Art Cinematography.He is considered one of the best
film directors of all times. Ang Lee was born on October 23, 1954, in
Pingting, Taiwan.
Did you know that
Lu Hsiu-lien (Annette Lu) was vice president of Taiwan from 2000 to
2008. On December 9, 2001, she became the first woman to be awarded the
World Peace Prize from the World Peace Corps Academy. She announced her
intention to run for Taiwan's President in 2007 but withdrew her bid.
Lu Hsiu-lien was born on June 7, 1944, in Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Did you know that
Taiwan hosted the Miss Universe pageant in 1988. Ironically, Miss Taiwan, Jade Hu Fei-tsui, did not even make the semi-finals.
Did you know that
Different from Cuba, Myanmar and Vietnam, Taiwan is a democratic
country. Freedom and democracy are more than just slogans in Taiwan.
The first article of the Constitution National says "The Republic of
China (or Taiwan), founded on the Three Principles of the People, shall
be a democratic republic of the people, to be governed by the people
and for the people."
Did you know that
Taiwan competed at the 1973 Summer Olympics in Munich,West Germany. The
Taiwanese delegation had 22 athletes competing in ten sports: track and
field (8), boxing (1), wrestling (1), judo(4), weighlifting (1),
cycling (1), shooting(1), archery (1), swimming (3), and sailing (1).
Did you know that
Taiwan is slightly bigger than Belgium.
Did you know that
The Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to Lee Yuan-tseh. He was born on November 19, 1936, in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Did you know that After the Cold War, Taiwan emerged as one of the most powerful economies in the Third World.
Did you know that Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan,
is Asia's capital of art and culture. It is home to some of the
most famous museums in Asia. Taipei's National Palace Museum has the
world's largest collection of oriental art treasures. Much of the
immense collection of porcelain, jade, sculptures, paintings, and
bronze is regularly rotated. The National Museum of Prehistory is a
famous Taiwanese museum situated adjacent to the Puyuma archeological
site in Taitung County.
Did you know that On November 9, 1961, Miss Taiwan, Grace Li,
competed in the international beauty pageant Miss World, held in
London, England. Miss Taiwan was the first runner-up at the Miss World
1961.She was long considered one of the most beautiful women in Taiwan.
DID
YOU KNOW THAT Master Chen Yen is known by many as "The Mother Teresa of
Asia". She is an advocate for the poor and homeless in Asia. In 1996,
Chen Yen was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against
poverty.She once said: " The Buddha became the Buddha because he gave
up his life to save people. Donating our bone marrow does no harm to
us. We can save people without hurting ourselves. So, I hope you
donate. I also hoped to set up a Data Bank of 20,000 donors, or 50,000
donors, or 100,000. If there is a Bank of 100,000, the opportunity for
a patient to be saved will be as high as 95%."
Did you know that Taiwan has competed in the Winter Olympic
Games 9 times (Sapporo-1972, Innsbruck-1976, Sarajevo-1984,
Calgary-1988, Albertville-1992,Lillehammer-1994, Nagano-1998,Salt Lake
City-2002 and Turin-2006). Taiwan did not have participants in 2010
(Vancouver, Canada) and 2014 (Sochi, Russia).
Alejandro Guevara Onofre: He is a freelance writer. Alejandro is of Italian, African and Peruvian ancestry. He has studied political science and journalism. He has published more than seventy-five research papers in English, and more than twenty in Spanish, concerning the world issues, olympic sports, countries, and tourism. His next essay is called "The Dictator and Alicia Alonso". He is an expert on foreign affairs. Futhermore, Alejandro is the first author who has published a world-book encyclopedia in Latina America. He admires Frida Kahlo (Mexican painter), Hillary Clinton (ex-First Lady of the USA), and Jimmy Carter (former President of the USA). His favorite film is "Gorillas in the Mist".Some of his favorite books are "The Return of Eva Peron and the Killings in Trinidad" (by V.S.Naipaul), "Las Mujeres de los Dictadores" (by Juan Gasparini) and "Murder of a Gentle Land" (by John Barron and Anthony Paul). His personal motto is "The future is for those people who believe in the beauty o f their dreams" by Eleanor Roosevelt. Taiwan Visa
Taiwan visa information for U.S. citizens. Tourist, business, resident and work visa info. Taiwan Chinese and Mainland Chinese
Find out the distinguishing factors that differentiate Chinese in Taiwan from the language on the mainland. In a hurry? Apply online for expedited visa service
Taipei 101 Video
Popular Tourist Attractions in Taipei
Rainy Day Tour of Taipei
While you won't see a lot of popular tourist locations in the following video, you will catch a glimpse of city from a car. Pass by building, parks, people and signs in this short clip.Travel to Taiwan to Understand Diversity
Officially
known as the Republic of China (R.O.C.), Taiwan should not be confused
with the People's Republic of China, which refers to mainland China.
Within the past 200 years the island has been ruled by the Dutch,
became part of Japan, has been "returned" to China and is currently
striving to become an internationally recognized sovereign nation.
Taiwan's tumultuous and fascinating history of the Aboriginal,
Taiwanese and Chinese people is revealed through the many cultural
festivals held throughout the year. Travel to the island in February
for the Taiwan Lantern Festival or in June to watch the world-famous
Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat Festival.
One of Taiwan's most prominent cultural symbols is Taipei 101, the
world's tallest building, measuring 508 meters and 101 floors. Finished
in 2003, the tower signifies Taiwan's substantial economic growth from
the periphery of the global economy to become one of the four Asian
Tigers, as well as the government's dedication to a democratic society
separate from that of China. Tainan, the oldest and fourth largest city
on the island, offers a more authentic and less commercialized window
into Taiwanese culture. Temples and Memorial Arches define this city
where the Ching Dynasty once prayed to the God of War.
The Taiwan Terrain: Recreation and Ecotourism
Exploration
of the thriving urban centers is only one of many ways to get in touch
with Taiwan. The rugged topography of Taiwan is adorned with
magnificent peaks, lush valleys and dramatic waterfalls. Yushan
National Park is home to the island's tallest peak, Jade Mountain,
which towers at 2,610 meters. Hike to the summit and take the more
technical route down or simply enjoy the breathtaking view from the
Tatachia Visitor Center, accessible directly from the new Central
Cross-Island Highway. From Jade Mountain, descend deep into Taroko
Gorge on Taiwan's rocky and secluded east coast. This 12-mile-long
canyon is home to the natural open-air Wenshan hot springs and the
Atayal people, one of Taiwan's remaining aboriginal tribes. The rocky
cliffs at the canyon's end are a starting point for those who wish to
travel farther into Taiwan's history. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is
sprinkled with beautiful green islands that have unique native
histories and are mostly accessible by plane or ferry. Most of the
pristine and dramatic destinations are protected by Taiwan's National
Park Department, which offers an array of lodging and guiding services
and has proven to be a well-organized resource for the outdoor
sightseer.
From the island's tallest building to its tallest peak, Taiwan has
something exceptional to offer every kind traveler. Travel Taiwan's
thriving society and come face-to-face with an Asian Tiger.
Apply Online for Your Taiwan Visa
Fun Facts About Taiwan
Did you know that
Taiwan won the 1996 Little League World Series in the U.S Ccity of Williamsport. Baseball is the national sport in Taiwan.
Did you know that
Like France, Italy and the United States, Taiwan
is very famous for its films in the world. The prizes attained include
the Golden Lion awarded by the Venice International Film Festival to
Hou Hsiao-hsien's "City of Sadness" (1989). In 2001, Ang Lee's
"Crouching, Tiger, Hidden Dragon" won four Oscars at the 73rd Annual
Academy Awards: Best Foreign Language Film, Best Art Direction, Best
Music, and Best Art Cinematography.He is considered one of the best
film directors of all times. Ang Lee was born on October 23, 1954, in
Pingting, Taiwan.
Did you know that
Lu Hsiu-lien (Annette Lu) was vice president of Taiwan from 2000 to
2008. On December 9, 2001, she became the first woman to be awarded the
World Peace Prize from the World Peace Corps Academy. She announced her
intention to run for Taiwan's President in 2007 but withdrew her bid.
Lu Hsiu-lien was born on June 7, 1944, in Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Did you know that
Taiwan hosted the Miss Universe pageant in 1988. Ironically, Miss Taiwan, Jade Hu Fei-tsui, did not even make the semi-finals.
Did you know that
Different from Cuba, Myanmar and Vietnam, Taiwan is a democratic
country. Freedom and democracy are more than just slogans in Taiwan.
The first article of the Constitution National says "The Republic of
China (or Taiwan), founded on the Three Principles of the People, shall
be a democratic republic of the people, to be governed by the people
and for the people."
Did you know that
Taiwan competed at the 1973 Summer Olympics in Munich,West Germany. The
Taiwanese delegation had 22 athletes competing in ten sports: track and
field (8), boxing (1), wrestling (1), judo(4), weighlifting (1),
cycling (1), shooting(1), archery (1), swimming (3), and sailing (1).
Did you know that
Taiwan is slightly bigger than Belgium.
Did you know that
The Nobel Prize for Chemistry was awarded to Lee Yuan-tseh. He was born on November 19, 1936, in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Did you know that After the Cold War, Taiwan emerged as one of the most powerful economies in the Third World.
Did you know that Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan,
is Asia's capital of art and culture. It is home to some of the
most famous museums in Asia. Taipei's National Palace Museum has the
world's largest collection of oriental art treasures. Much of the
immense collection of porcelain, jade, sculptures, paintings, and
bronze is regularly rotated. The National Museum of Prehistory is a
famous Taiwanese museum situated adjacent to the Puyuma archeological
site in Taitung County.
Did you know that On November 9, 1961, Miss Taiwan, Grace Li,
competed in the international beauty pageant Miss World, held in
London, England. Miss Taiwan was the first runner-up at the Miss World
1961.She was long considered one of the most beautiful women in Taiwan.
DID
YOU KNOW THAT Master Chen Yen is known by many as "The Mother Teresa of
Asia". She is an advocate for the poor and homeless in Asia. In 1996,
Chen Yen was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against
poverty.She once said: " The Buddha became the Buddha because he gave
up his life to save people. Donating our bone marrow does no harm to
us. We can save people without hurting ourselves. So, I hope you
donate. I also hoped to set up a Data Bank of 20,000 donors, or 50,000
donors, or 100,000. If there is a Bank of 100,000, the opportunity for
a patient to be saved will be as high as 95%."
Did you know that Taiwan has competed in the Winter Olympic
Games 9 times (Sapporo-1972, Innsbruck-1976, Sarajevo-1984,
Calgary-1988, Albertville-1992,Lillehammer-1994, Nagano-1998,Salt Lake
City-2002 and Turin-2006). Taiwan did not have participants in 2010
(Vancouver, Canada) and 2014 (Sochi, Russia).Alejandro Guevara Onofre: He is a freelance writer. Alejandro is of Italian, African and Peruvian ancestry. He has studied political science and journalism. He has published more than seventy-five research papers in English, and more than twenty in Spanish, concerning the world issues, olympic sports, countries, and tourism. His next essay is called "The Dictator and Alicia Alonso". He is an expert on foreign affairs. Futhermore, Alejandro is the first author who has published a world-book encyclopedia in Latina America. He admires Frida Kahlo (Mexican painter), Hillary Clinton (ex-First Lady of the USA), and Jimmy Carter (former President of the USA). His favorite film is "Gorillas in the Mist".Some of his favorite books are "The Return of Eva Peron and the Killings in Trinidad" (by V.S.Naipaul), "Las Mujeres de los Dictadores" (by Juan Gasparini) and "Murder of a Gentle Land" (by John Barron and Anthony Paul). His personal motto is "The future is for those people who believe in the beauty o f their dreams" by Eleanor Roosevelt. Taiwan Visa
Taiwan visa information for U.S. citizens. Tourist, business, resident and work visa info. Taiwan Chinese and Mainland Chinese
Find out the distinguishing factors that differentiate Chinese in Taiwan from the language on the mainland. In a hurry? Apply online for expedited visa service
