Welcome to Taiwan

Taiwan is called Treasure Island for its beautiful natural sights and abundant products. Currency is New Taiwan Dollar (TWD).

With a fluctuant landform and its characteristic landscapes, the island has become a highly popular destination and is especially renowned for its grand mountains. If you will visit just one of these mountains, you should make it Jade Mountain, which has the highest peak in the northeastern Asia. The second choice should be Mt. Yangming, which boasts of volcanic sights, natural valleys, waterfalls, hot springs and a lot of flower and plant varieties. It is the largest and most beautiful natural area, being one of the four famous parks in Taiwan.

Ali Mountain and Sun Moon Lake are the most noted scenic areas that are dreamed to go by all visitors willing to Taiwan. Ali Mountain is indeed the general name of eighteen hills, famous for its five rare sites including the Sunrise, Forest Railway, Sacred Tree, Grand Sea of Clouds and the Flamboyant Cheery Blossom. Getting its name for the resemblance as a rhombus-shaped sun in the north section and a crescent in the south, the Sun Moon Lake (Ri Yue Tan) is the largest natural lake in Taiwan, located between Jade Mountain and Ali Mountain.

Seashore sightseeing is an activity not to miss in Taiwan. Its west coastline is gently sloping and holds many fine bathing beaches. The surf and wind have eroded the seaboard bays and capes, wind has blasted rocks, and marine erosion has shaped the landform; together creating glamorous seashores for tourists' aesthetic enjoyment.

Additionally, various cultural relics enrich the sightseeing resources even further. National Palace Museum collects tens of thousands culture relics from the Palace Museum in Beijing, Shenyang Imperial Palace in Liaoning and Rehe Imperial Palace (today's Mountain Resort and Its Outlying Temples of Chengde) in Hebei.

Apart from the majestic mountains, green forests, bright sunshine, beautiful seacoast and splendid cultural and historical sites, you can also enjoy a modern Taiwan and its friendly people. Gaoshan ethnic group accounts for over 300,000 of Taiwan's total population and its nine tribes have their own features. Comfortable weather, convenient transportation and superior tourist facilities are also valuable chips for Taiwan's Tourism.

Below are the attractive places in Taiwan:

Taipei National Palace Museum

The Taipei National Palace Museum and the famous Forbidden City in Beijing are derived from the same institution, which was split into two as a result of the Chinese Civil War. Covering a total area of 1200 mu (about 198 acres), the National Palace Museum is located in the outskirts of Taipei City, Taiwan. Construction started in 1962 and the museum was inaugurated on November 12, 1965, the 100th anniversary of the birth of Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925), the great Chinese revolutionary and founder of the Republic of China. Thus, the museum is also named as Yat-sen Museum. The splendid architecture of the structure is modeled on the Forbidden City in Beijing and incorporates elements of traditional Chinese royal design in feudal society. The museum itself has four floors. The first, second and third floors are used for exhibitions, while the fourth floor is a lounge where visitors can rest.

The Taipei National Palace Museum houses the largest collection of priceless Chinese artifacts and artwork in the world, including ancient bronze castings, calligraphy, scroll paintings, porcelain, jade, and rare books, many of which were possessions of the former imperial family. The full collection, which consists of some 650,000 pieces, spans many dynasties. Each exhibit, however, puts on display only about 1,700 pieces at a time. At this rate, assuming a duration of three months for each exhibit, it will take 100 years to cycle through the entire collection! Incredible!

On the left side of the museum hall is Chih-shan Garden, which showcases many of the elements of traditional Chinese gardening art. Inside the garden, pavilions, little bridges, flowing water, winding paths and green trees combine to create an atmosphere of simplicity and serenity. On the pillars of the pavilion, verses of well-known calligraphers are carved, increasing the beauty of the area and the pleasure of visitors-even those who cannot read the graceful characters.

On the right side of the museum hall is Chih-te Garden. Strolling through it, you will marvel at the beauty of the pavilions, bridges and ponds that grace this garden, especially in autumn, when the cool wind carries the fragrance of the lotus and sweet-scented osmanthus.

Also part of the Taipei National Palace Museum is the Chang Dai-ch'ien Memorial Residence, which was the home of the celebrated painter Chang Dai-ch'ien (1901-1984).

One of the treasures of this museum is a jade cabbage, which was part of the dowry of Concubine Jin in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). What's amazing about this jade cabbage is that it is carved from a single piece of jade that is half grey and half emerald green. The artist carved the leaves from the green part and used the grey part as the outside of the cabbage. Two red katydids posed on the cabbage make this work of art so realistic that if you nipped it with your fingernails you would expect to see juice drip from the wound. When it was carved, cabbage stood for the purity of a family, while the katydids were the symbol of many children-obviously good symbolisms for an object that was part of a dowry.

It is said that originally the jade cabbage was the dowry of Concubine Zhen. So why was it found in the room of Concubine Jin? The answer is that Concubine Jin and Concubine Zhen were sisters. When Emperor Guangxu chose them as concubines, their father prepared munificent dowries for them. Concubine Jin loved jewelry, so she was given a huge amount of money and valuables; while her little sister Concubine Zhen was fond of books, so her father gave the priceless jade cabbage to her. When Concubine Jin discovered that there was no jade cabbage in her box, she became angry and cried. In order to comfortable her elder sister, Concubine Zhen gave the treasure to Concubine Jin, thus making it part of her sister's dowry.

Note:

1. No photographing in the Taipei National Palace Museum from June 1, 2005.

2. Please call or write in advance to make arrangements if you intend to visit the Chang Dai-ch'ien Memorial Residence.

Admission Fee:  

Museum: TWD 160 (about CNY 35) for general audiences; TWD 120 (about CNY 30) for groups of 10 or more

Chih-shan Garden    : TWD 20 (about CNY 5)

Chih-te Garden: Free

Operate:

Museum: 9am-5pm; 5pm-8.30pm on Saturday (free of charge) 

Chih-shan Garden    : 7am-5pm from Tuesday to Sunday

Chih-te Garden: Daily

The Chang Dai-ch'ien Memorial Residence: 9am-4pm, closed on Monday and holidays (need to reserve a week ago)

Access:

Bus Routes 255, 304, 18, 19,101 to Palace Museum Station

Jade Mountain (Mt. Yushan)

In the center of Taiwan Island, Jade Mountain extends to the west of the Central Mountain. It runs approximately north-south for about 280 km (about 174 miles). Most peaks of Jade Mountain are over 2000 meters (about 6500 feet) high, so Jade Mountain has gained the name 'Roof of Taiwan'. In 1985, Jade Mountain National Park, which has Jade Mountain at the center, was opened to the public.

Jade Mountain consists of 11 peaks, including Jade Peak, South Peak, North Peak, and East Peak.

Jade Peak is the main peak of Jade Mountain. With an elevation of nearly 4000 meters (about 13,000 feet), it is not only the highest peak in Taiwan, but also the highest one in eastern China. In the winter, Jade Peak is often capped with thick snow which makes the entire peak shine like stainless jade, hence its name. At the top of Jade Peak, one can overlook the Taiwan Strait and the Pacific Ocean. Owing to its height and steepness, Jade Peak is recognized as the most prominent of Taiwan's 'Ten Peaks'.

One can climb the mountain on foot or drive a car to enjoy the landscape along the road. Any season of the year is fine to visit the mountain except at some times in the winter when roads are covered by snow. At this time it is too treacherous for climbers or cars.

One should also be well equipped before the climbing. Prepare clothes to resist the cold on top of the mountain and take medicine for mountain sickness. If one has any intention of rock climbing, ropes and hooks must be prepared. If it is possible, climbing with an experienced guide is a better choice. Before climbing the mountain, one must apply for permission. Make your visit an environmentally friendly one too.

Mt. Yangming

Located in the north of Taiwan, Mt. Yangming is the largest and most beautiful natural area in the province. It boasts of volcanic sights, natural valleys, waterfalls, hot springs, and a multitude of flower and plant varieties.

Throughout the four seasons you will enjoy four different sights here. In spring, flowers such as rhododendrons, cherry blossoms, camellias and wild flowers, cover the whole mountain. Every year from February to March, the local people hold the activity of Flower Season, which attracts thousands of visitors. In summer, due to frequent thunderstorms, you can always see a colorful rainbow arcing across the valley. There are many maple trees whose leaves turn red in autumn, and make the mountain more beautiful than ever. When it snows in winter, the mountain will become completely white with clouds and mist swirling around, just like a fairy world.

The mountain can be divided into two parts: the Front Mountain Park (also called Zhongzheng Gongyuan in Pinyin) and the Back Mountain Park (also called Yangming Gongyuan in Pinyin). In the Front Mountain Park, you can see the exquisitely designed bridges crossing limpid brooks, elegant pavilions standing on the low mountains, and various flowers blossoming along the trails. All of these sights form a simple and primitive world, which can completely relax your body and mind. The most famous waterfall here is called the Grass Mountain Waterfall, from which water flows all year round. In the northeast of the park, you can see an ancient architectural site. It is the Zhongshan Lou where Taiwan politicians often hold important activities.

Yangming Gongyuan is the most beautiful and important part of Mt. Yangming. It is encircled by several mountains, which include Mt. Seven Star, Mt. Gauze Hat, Mt. Bamboo Lake, Mt. Zhongzheng, and Mt. Datun. Mt. Datun is the main group of volcanoes that is famous for its amazing geography. On Mt. Seven Star, the hot springs spout with average temperatures ranging from 60C (140F) to 70C (158F). Bathing in the hot springs will help to cure diseases like neuralgia, anemia, and diabetes. The famous Flower Season, symbolized by the Flower Clock, is also held here. There are more sights to see in the park, such as the sparkling Xiaoyin Pool, the well-rounded Seven Color Fountain, the magnificent Guangfu Lou, and various waterfalls.

Due to the warm and humid climate and the volcanic geography, the mountain is rich in animal, insect, and plant species. There are 1,224 kinds of plants, among which cress, metasequoia, and gingko are considered as very precious rare plants. For the insects, the most famous is the butterfly. There are about 133 different kinds of butterflies, which make Mt. Yangming one of the best places to see them.

Access: Bus Routes:       260, 230

Ali Mountain

Located in the northeast part of the Jiayi County in Taiwan Province, Ali Mountain is in fact the general name of the eighteen hills including Zhu Hill and Tower Hill. The highest peak of Ali Mountain is Tower Hill with the height of 2,663 meters (about 8,736 feet). Ali Mountain is world famous for its 'five rare sites' including the Sunrise, the Ali Mountain Forest Railway, the famous Alishan Sacred Tree, the Grand Sea of Clouds, and the Flamboyant Cherry Blossom. It is said that one who has not been to Ali Mountain will never know its wonderful beauty.

The sunrise is a must for everyone who travels the Ali Mountain. Many have said "to miss viewing the sunrise on Ali Mountain is like returning empty after entering the Golconda." The best place to view the sunrise is on the top of Zhu Hill. The place and time of the sunrise are different due to the changes of the four seasons. If you plan to view the sunrise it is best to ask the local people the time of sunrise, so you don't miss this magnificent opportunity. When the sun is rising slowly from the peak, it sends out the golden rays for a short time which provides a spectacular scene.

The Ali Mountain Forest Railway is regarded as one of three mountain climbing railways. Traveling along the 72-kilometer-long railway, the train climbs from 30 meters (about 98 feet) to 2,450 meters (about 8,038 feet) above sea level. Its gradient is so great that it is rarely seen in the whole world. From the bottom of Ali Mountain to the top, the train crosses four forest areas – tropic, subtropical, temperature and the frigid zone. While traveling up the mountain the forest scenery is spectacular including eucalypt trees, coconut trees, conifers and the Frigid Zone forest.

There is a Chinese Juniper within the Ali Mountain forest area, with some 53 meters (about 174 feet) high, and 23 meters (about 75 feet) wide. This Juniper is so huge that more than ten people can surround the circumference. It has a history of more than 3,000 years, thus is called Alishan Sacred Tree. The most wondrous tree is a 'three-generation' tree. The three generations of this tree exist in the same trunk. Now since the first and second generations have faded, the third generation is still flourishing. This tree is really a wonder of nature. The forest sea on Ali Mountain creates a relaxed and pleasant environment for the people living in the city nearby.

The sea of clouds and the cherry blossom should not be overlooked. If you want to avoid sunstroke, the comfortable climate in midsummer on Ali Mountain will be a good choice.

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is located in Nantou County, Taipei City. It is surrounded by Mount Shuishe and Mount Dajian. The lake covers an area of 7.7 square kilometers and has an average water depth of 40 meters. The lake is divided into northern and southern sections by an island called Guanghua. The lake gets its name because the northern section resembles a rhombus-shaped sun while the southern section looks like a crescent-shaped moon.

According to legend, a white deer contributed to the discovery of the lake. Three hundred years ago, a group of peasants were hunting when they discovered a large white deer running to the northwest. They followed this amazing creature for three days and nights, but it finally disappeared in the forest. On the fourth day, after they had moved through the forest, they came upon an impressive vista. They saw rolling verdant mountains and a shimmering lake shining brightly under the sun. A small round island covered with trees divided the lake into two parts. One part was like the sun and the other part was like the moon, so they called it Sun Moon Lake. Attracted by the fertile soil and beautiful scenery there, the peasants decided to settle down and began a new life.

Originally called Shui Shalian and Long Lake, the Sun Moon is the largest natural lake in Taiwan. The climate in this area is quite temperate with the highest summer temperature being less than 22C (71.6F) and the lowest winter temperature bottoming out at 15C (59F). With such a pleasant climate, it is a top choice as a summer resort. Besides the cool weather, visitors are drawn by the magnificent scenery. The beauty of the lake lies in its tranquil crystal water that clearly reflects the surrounding mountains. Rain or shine, winter or summer, the lake offers visitors a plethora of picturesque sights. If the scenery of the lake were a wall calendar amazing and breathtaking pictures would be found by turning over each page. The lake is extremely attractive at night. When the water is bathed in moonlight tinged with a layer of thin fog, it gives the appearance of a place existing only in legend.

Many places of interest are found around the lake. Wenwu Temple, located near the north shore of the lake, pays homage to Confucius (551-479 BC), the founder of Confucianism. It also honors General Yue Fei (1103-1142) of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and Guan Yu, a great general of Shu States in the Three Kingdoms (221-263). The temple is tall and splendid and is designed according to the features of the surrounding mountains. Guanghua Island is the burial place of Xuan Zang (602-664), the monk who went to India on foot to seek the sutra. Finally, on the island, there is a pavilion named for Old Man under the Moon (the god of marriage).