Although Taiwan is officially considered a province of China, this small island proudly maintains its status as an independent state. And it has support: 22 countries have already recognized the Republic of China, with its own government and capital in Taipei.
Taiwan’s northern and southern coasts are washed by the East China and South China Seas, and the Pacific Ocean stretches to the east. The island is also known as Formosa, which means “beautiful” in Portuguese. This name originated in the 16th century, when European navigators were struck by the beauty of the area and found no other way to describe it.
Entertainment and Attractions
Museums, temples, nature reserves, and other attractions are scattered throughout the island, and an exploration of Taiwan often begins in its capital, Taipei. Topping the list of must-see attractions is the National Palace Museum, home to a unique collection of Chinese art, including paintings, jasper, bronze, and jade. Second in popularity is the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial, with its picturesque park and complex of buildings in traditional oriental style.
Longshan Temple, built in 1738 and almost completely destroyed during the Japanese bombing, was rebuilt, preserving the statue of the goddess Guanyin, which remained intact. Another impressive temple is Guandu, erected in 1661 in honor of the sea goddess Mazu.
After exploring Taipei, we recommend heading to Taichung to enjoy the beauty of Sun-Moon Lake, surrounded by a zoo, the Temple of the God of War Wenwu, and the Shao Folk Village. Near the town of Hualien lies the Taroko Nature Reserve, with its majestic cliffs, gorges, and lush vegetation. Another natural wonder is the Alishan Mountains with their waterfalls and lakes, as well as a 3,000-year-old cherry tree.
Kaohsiung’s main tourist attractions are the Sanfengong and Wen Temples, with their gilded altars and sumptuous frescoes. The city is also home to Mount Shoushan, with its temples and terraces, and at the foot of Foguangshan lies East Asia’s largest center for Buddhist study, with a gilded Buddha statue at its center.
