Taiwan lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Strait from China — an island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. Continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other natural landscapes. Taiwan's tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate climates provide clear differentiation between the different seasons. There are about 18,400 species of wildlife on the island, with more than 20 percent being rare or endangered species. Among these are the land-locked salmon, Taiwan serow, Formosan rock monkey, Formosan black bear, blue magpie, Mikado pheasant, and Xueshan grass lizard. Taiwan is also known for its towering mountains and, indeed, is spotted with numerous mountain peaks that rise over 3,000 meters. It is also the home of Northeast Asia's tallest mountain, Yu Mountain (Yushan), which is nearly 4,000 meter in height. Besides mountains, beautiful coastal scenes are part of Taiwan's great natural assets. Starting from the northern tip of the island is the North Coast & Guanyin Guanyinshan National Scenic Area and Northeast and Yilan Coast National Scenic Area, featuring a wide variety of coastal geography. Traveling around the island to the east, you come to the scenic East Coast National Scenic Area and East Rift Valley National Scenic Area; go to the south, and you will come to the Southwest Coast National Scenic Area and then the Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area, blessed with sunshine and a tropical touch. Alongside the western edge of the Central Mountain Range is the Maolin National Scenic Area, where a lot of indigenous people live and place you can check out the world of butterflies, Rukai stone houses, and splendid natural scenes. Legendary tales depict the subtle beauty of the Alishan National Scenic Area, where you can enjoy relaxing scene of the sun rising over a sea of clouds. The incomparable natural setting of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area waits in the center of the island, and the Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area offers eagle-spotting at Bagua Mountain, the highland fruits of Lishan and the sacred Buddhist sanctuary of Lion's Head Mountain. The Penghu National Scenic Area encompasses ninety islets scattering in the Taiwan Strait. Flat landscapes make these islands much different from Taiwan itself. Located in the sea southeast of Taiwan is, Green Island, part of the East Coast National Scenic Area, which offers unique saltwater hot-spring bathing and spectacular diving on colorful coral reefs. The Matsu National Scenic Area comprises four townships on five islands. Most of the tourist sites are located on the island of Nangan. Beigan is famous for its traditional stone house and fish noodles. Juguang for its fishing port and lighthouse (designated as a Grade 2 historic site). On Dongyin you will find fantastic rock formations and the Dongyin branch of the Matsu Distillery. Natural and cultural attractions abound in the Siraya National Scenic Area in southern Taiwan's Tainan City. In addition to five scenic reservoirs (Zengwen, Wushantou, Baihe, Jianshanpi, and Hutoupi), the scenic area embraces the geologically fascinating Caoshan Moon World, the Zouzhen archaeological site, and the skin-pampering mud springs of Guanziling. Colorful indigenous events and tasty local specialties also await you at Siraya. The scenic area is also known for a varied coastline of sand dunes, sand banks, marshes, and wetlands, offering precious habitats for wildlife. Taiwan now has eight National Parks: Yangmingshan National Park in suburban Taipei, which is famous for its volcanic landscapes; Shei-Pa National Park, spanning Hsinchu and Miaoli counties and famous for the unique and endangered Formosan landlocked salmon; Taroko National Park, known for its lofty canyon landscapes; Yushan National Park, known for its bright sunshine and the highest peak in Northeast Asia; Kenting National Park gives at the southern tip of the island, giving a touch of Southeast Asia; and Kinmen National Park, containing legacies of war decades ago. The Dongsha Atoll National Park was established in January 2007 on the northern waters of the South China Sea, marking the southern portal to the Taiwan Strait. The atoll has a unique white sand landscape formed of coral and shell. Finally, both culture and natural attractions await your discovery at Taijiang National Park in Tainan City Taiwan's newest national park. In addition, the National Palace Museum, located in the outskirts of Taipei City, is home to priceless artifacts that present the essence of China's 5,000 years of history. It has the finest collection of Chinese art in the world, providing an eye-opening experience of Chinese culture. Many airlines fly to Taiwan, making it the perfect travel destination. — SG
