Located off the southeast coast of the Asian Continent at the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, between Japan and the Philippines and right in the center of the East-Asian island arc, Taiwan forms a vital line of communication in the Asia-Pacific region. It covers an area of approximately 36,000 square kilometers (14,400 square miles) and is longer than it is wide. Two-thirds of the total area is covered by forested mountains and the remaining area consists of hilly country, platforms and highlands, coastal plains and basins. The Central Mountain Range stretches along the entire country from north to south, thus forming a natural line of demarcation for rivers on the eastern and western sides of the island. On the west side, lies the Yushan (Yu Mountain) Range with its main peak reaching 3,952 meters, the highest mountain peak in Northeast Asia.
In addition, there are nine national parks which offer a variety of distinct topographic landscapes: the Taroko National Park, focused on a narrow ravine created by a river which has cut through the mountains; Yushan National Park, containing the highest landmark of Taiwan and also the highest peak in Northeast Asia; Shei-pa National Park, featuring dangerously steep slopes; Yangmingshan National Park, with its volcanic craters and lakes; Kenting National Park, encompassing the only tropical area in Taiwan which breathes a truly Southeast Asian atmosphere; Kinmen National Park, which greets visitors with white coral and shell beaches and other geological wonders. Finally, both culture and natural attrations await your discovery at Taijiang National Park.
Taiwanese people like to put food on their priority list. It is said that when you are on a street here, walk three steps and you shall find a small bistro. Walk five steps and you shall see a big restaurant. These places serve all kinds of cuisine, from northern-style to southern-style. Any food you think of can virtually be found in this country. Due to rapid industrial and commercial development, other than traditional oriental food places, chain stores have emerged, making dining culture in Taiwan more complicated. Also, because many different cultures have been introduced to this country, a vast range of foreign food has appeared, such as American hamburgers, Italian pizza, Japanese sashimi, German pork knuckles and Swiss cheese. Such culinary diversity makes Taiwan a gourmets’ heaven. Of course, Taiwanese cuisine is craved by food fans around the world. You shall never forget its resounding taste once you try it.
Adapted from: https://www.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0001004
Travel Resources：
Lonely Planet https://www.lonelyplanet.com/taiwan
Rough Guides https://www.roughguides.com/destinations/asia/taiwan/
Taipei was first designated as capital in 1875. At that time, Taipei Basin was part of Tamsui County in Taipei Capital. After the 1949 great retreat, Taipei city was then designated as provincial city under Taiwan Providence. In 1990, Taipei City administrative districts were consolidated from the original 16 districts into 12 districts as below: Zhongzheng Dist., Wanhua Dist., Datong Dist., Zhongshan Dist., Songshan Dist., Daan Dist., Xinyi Dist., Neihu Dist., Nankang Dist., Shilin Dist., Beitou Dist., and Wenshan Dist.
Since Taipei launched its first metro system with Muzha Line in March 1996, other lines were completed one after another.
Taipei Main Station is the largest traffic junction in Taipei City with three railway systems, TRA, HSR and MRT. It also connects to Taipei Bus Terminal, allowing passengers to transit more easily. The architectural style of Taipei Main Station is one-of-a-kind. Since its inauguration in 1989, it has become an indispensable transportation hub.
The Taipei YouBike bike-share system was launched in recent years to help ease traffic congestion in the city. As commuters can easily lease and return, the healthy, eco-friendly YouBikes are widely favored and used.
Taipei boasts bountiful ecological scenery. The breath-taking scenery derives from enclosed island ecology for the fact that Taipei Basin was originally a lake. Guandu Nature Park and Yingmingshan National Park are excellent outing destinations for city dwellers to enjoy the unique natural beauty of Taipei.
Adapted from: https://www.travel.taipei/en/tour/overview
Travel Resources：
Guide to Taipei https://guidetotaipei.com/ Lonely Planet https://www.lonelyplanet.com/taiwan/taipei
