Chang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall at night, Taipei. by Liu Xuezhong/CFP

Visitors to Ali Mountain should not miss the Holy Ali Mountain Tree. East of the Shenmu Station, literally known as the Holy Tree Station, on the main peak of the mountain is the towering tree. Leaning slightly, although major trunks of the tree have broken away, branches are verdant and formidable. At a height of 52 meters, the tree's circumference is approximately 23 meters. It takes nearly 20 people hand-in-hand to wrap the tree. It is estimated that the tree is more than 3,000 years old, and thus it is known as Asia's King Tree.

Picturesque East Coast

Many tourists may already be familiar with Sun Moon Lake and Ali Mountain before visiting the island. However, the lesser-known easterly coast of Taiwan is equally spectacular.

Taiwan's first Tourism Golden Award recently selected several "Must Visits" in Taiwan. Taroko Gorge, Hualien County, along Taiwan's east coast, is among the list.

In the language of the local aborigines, Taroko means "magnificent mountains." Over the past one million years, due to uplifting forces within the Earth's crust, water erosion cut through more than 1,000-meter-thick marble layers, forming the precipitous U-shaped gorge. With its astonishing landforms, the gorge is praised as one of China's Ten Most Beautiful Gorges.

Beautiful Kenting

Taiwan boasts a number of pleasant coastal cities. If you ask those who know which is gifted with the most beautiful sea view, the likely answer would be Kenting.

A small city in southernmost Taiwan, the most scenic spots in Kenting are located in Hengchun Peninsula and Sailing Ship Rock. Walking along the seaside path of the Frog Rock Park, tourists can enjoy a full sea view of the Taiwan Strait, Bashi Channel, and the Pacific Ocean, while discovering with some amazement that the seawater there features three different shades of blue.

Kenting has only one street. There it seems everyone is decked out in clothing reflecting a mood of airy gaiety. Even the hotel staffs are dressed in colorful short-sleeved shirts, white shorts, white socks, and white sneakers. Tourists in Kenting may feel like they are within a tropical jungle. At night, small roadside shops sell various souvenirs and local snacks – and they are often at full capacity. Tourists can wear flip-flops, get tattoos, relax in pubs, drink milk tea, and eat snacks at roadside stalls, while immerse in this most local of Taiwan atmosphere.

Color and Light

Taipei, Taiwan's political, economic, cultural and transportation center is, of course, another must-see.

Taipei 101, the city's landmark skyscraper, is located in Taipei's Xinyi District. Reaching a height of 508 meters, the structure combines traditional oriental culture and local features. The repeating phased sections of the structure resemble stalks of bamboo, an icon of learning and growth, and embody the connotations of traditional Chinese architecture.

Taipei's Palace Museum is home to one of the world's foremost collections of Chinese art and relics. Here are housed nearly 700,000 pieces once owned by emperors ranging from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Due to this vast quantity, it is said that it would take 30 years for a person to examine all the pieces. Precious collections housed include the Jade Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stone. And there is a peach stone carving work of particular note. The work, carved on a peach stone, features a boating scene. Eight vividly-crafted figures are aboard. More astonishing, on one square centimeter on the bottom of the peach stone, there is carved the more than 400-character Red Cliff, a classic work of Chinese prose.

Taiwan snacks are unique delicacies savored by many. On the subject of snacks, most will speak of Taiwan's night markets, the most famous of which is Taipei's Shilin Night Market. Here tourists can sample virtually all of Taiwan snacks, from southerly to northerly regions. And so it is strongly advised that visitors peruse and enjoy a bite or two at the market.

A Multicultural Society

Taiwan not only boasts picturesque scenery, rich natural resources and sparkling modern cities, the island province also attracts visitors from around the globe with its diversified cultures.

Multiculturalism has imbued Taiwan with a diverse and colorful cultural landscape. During the course of its development, Taiwan has served as home to aborigines, Hakkas, people from southern Fujian Province, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and people from the Chinese mainland. While attaching great importance to preserving the traditional culture, local people has gradually developed new cultures. On this island, tourists can observe aboriginal culture, local culture and mainland culture, while on their way to visit historical sites preserved from the time of Japanese and Dutch colonization.

Travel Tips

Currency

The New Taiwan Dollar (NT$) is the standard currency. There are notes of NT$100, NT$500 and NT$1,000; and coins are valued at NT$1, NT$5, NT$10, and NT$50.

Specialties

Oolong tea, marble ware, and jade ware are well-known Taiwan specialties. Oolong tea, with a special flavor and a strong scent, makes a nice gift. Prices vary widely for the varying varieties. It is advised that one bring along a local acquaintance when shopping for Oolong tea.

Transportation

Among Taiwan's civil airports, Taoyuan International Airport and Kaohsiung International Airport are the two international hubs, accommodating 93 airlines flying to such countries and regions as Japan, the US, Thailand, Indonesia, and Hong Kong.

Construction of the Taipei Rapid Transit System was one of the world's most expensive of such projects. The most convenient and fastest public transit asset in Taipei, the system links through to the satellite cities around Taipei.

Most cities in Taiwan offer convenient taxi service. However, a majority of taxi drivers cannot speak English. Thus, it is advised that foreign tourists ask the hotel staff to write out their destination, name and address of the hotel in Chinese, and to settle the approximate taxi fare in advance.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Tourism Service Center: 02-2717-3737
English telephone directory: 106
Fire: 119
Theft: 110

(China Pictorial October 29, 2008)