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When they landed at the island in 1544, the Portuguese explorers were so captivated by its landscape that they nicknamed it "Ilha Formosa" which means "Beautiful Island." The same thing can still be said true about Taiwan today. Roughly two-thirds of the country is dominated by forested mountains, while having some of the best hot springs in the world and an energetic capital, Taipei.
Taiwan today almost always makes the impression of being a country with both feet firmly in the modern age. While that may be the case (as it is one of the richest in the world), it is also among the few places that have been able to balance ancient cultural traditions with a forward-thinking attitude.
Technology Paradise
What Taiwan is most known for, of course, is being a hotspot for technology. It is a world leader in information technology, and one of the original "Four Asian Tigers" (the region's first industrialized countries). A testament to its modern advancements is the Taipei 101, which at 509 meters was once the tallest skyscraper in the world. It's not the height that impresses, but more so the technology involved in erecting such a building in an earthquake-prone land.
Another is the Taiwan Speed Rail that connects the country's two largest cities, which has some of the fastest and most advanced trains around. There are also no less than 22 million cell phones used by the Taiwanese, with around 75 percent of the island households connected to the Internet.
Unsung Destination
Unfortunately, it doesn't always get the recognition that it deserves. Often, when talking about Asian destinations, other countries like Thailand and China come to mind. Perhaps the main culprit is the lack of knowledge about Taiwan's sights and attractions. The future is bright, though: the nation has just posted a 14.29 percent tourist arrival growth since 2008, and is expected to surpass four million foreign visitors in the coming years.
The fact that Taiwan has some of the most unspoiled coastlines and tallest mountains in the region seems to help its cause immensely, with tourist paradises like the Green and Orchid Islands, as well as the Taroko Gorge. Not to mention that it possesses one of the largest art museums on the planet - the National Palace Museum, with its roughly 650,000 exhibits.
Taiwan Landmarks:
- Bars (4)
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- Historical Spots (10)
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- Museums (23)
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- Shopping Centers (2)
- Sights (9)
- Stadiums (1)
- Temples (21)
- Theatres (2)
- Universities (1) 22f0
- Zoos (1)
Taiwan Traveler Advice
| Accommodation (1) | Female Traveler (1) | Health (1) |
| Itineraries (2) | Sights (3) | Transportation (1) |
| Warnings (7) |
User blogs:
Ta Marija Restaurant
In «Ta 'Marija», located in the center of the village Mosta you’ll be amazed by the welcoming atmosphere created thanks to the traditional setting of talented entertainers and warm ones. Every Wednesday and Friday after the Auto Reviews and Auto Shows that are shown in the TV, customers are invited to sing accompanied by mandolin and guitar, traditional and popular songs ... Read full Blog post
Ati-atihan in Kalibo Aklan
Ati-atihand origins ccan be traced to 1210 when refugees from Borneo would smear their faces with soot in affectionalte immitation of the Filipino natives The island of Panay in the Visayas is where this particular detail of Philipine history took place sometime ih the late 12th or early 13th century. For centuries hence, it has been commemoratged in one specific place - in Kalibo, the capital ... Read full Blog post
An Aerial fiesta in Clark Pampanga
Its a party in the sky as multi colored hot air balloons piloted ny different pilots from various partso of the world participated in this annual gathering. As early as 5am, the 2,500 hectare aviation complex at Clar Economic Zone in Pampanga was already crammedi with excitement. Clusters of hot air balloon participants busily prepare their own balloons for liftoff as they need to take advantage of ... Read full Blog post
Destinations
See All- Beigan
- Changhua
- Chiayi
- Eastern Taiwan
- Green Island
- Hsinchu
- Kinmen
- Lanyu
- Little Liuchiu Island
- Lukang
- Matsu
- Northern Taiwan
- Penghu Islands
- Shilin District
- Southern Taiwan
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