TAIWAN

Taiwan is situated off the coast of mainland China, the mountainous island of Taiwan teems with people in massive urban developments, but at the same time hides some picture-perfect breathtaking vistas behind the scenes. Jet into the airport at the capital, Taipei, and the island below greets you with majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins and inlets, tropical beaches and green forests.

At the foot of the mountains cluster the crowded industrial cities and towns. Modern, high-rise buildings play backdrop to numerous traditional folk festivals, and ancient temples sit alongside glass-fronted boutiques in the bustling streets. Old and new live in harmony in Taiwan, and visitors will be enthralled as much by the bustling metropolis of Taipei as with the array of natural attractions throughout this relatively small island.

In the six national parks there are thousands of species of wildlife, 20 percent of which are rare or endangered species, including the Mikado pheasant, the Hsuehshan grass lizard and the Formosan rock monkey. Unique experiences include taking a ride on the Alishan train, one of only three mountain railways in the world, and hiking up northeast Asia's highest mountain, Jade Mountain, and taking in the spectacular sunsets above a sea of clouds. With its volcanic origins, tropical climate and Polynesian flavor Taiwan has often deservedly been dubbed the 'Hawaii of Asia'.

Taiwan has and had an uneasy relationship with its larger neighbor, China. In 1684 the island became the refuge for the remnants of the deposed Ming Dynasty and when Mao's Communists forces took control of China in 1949 the nationalist leaders, and over one million supporters, fled to Taiwan. Economically the island quickly became an Asian success story but its independence from China was never recognized by many governments - primarily due to the Republic's greater political and military firepower. Many Taiwanese would like an eventual reuniting with Mainland China, but not on the terms suggested by their communist cousins and major trading partner. In the meantime China continues sabre rattling with regular military exercises off the coast of Taiwan.

CLIMATE OF TAIWAN
Taiwan is sub-tropical but the climate varies from hot and humid in the south tempering to cooler in the north and inland mountainous region. All over the country sudden rain showers frequently occur, making rainwear an essential part of a visitor's luggage. The driest time of year is autumn (September and October), which is followed by a short generally damp and chilly winter with snow on the island's mountain peaks. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F (35°C) at the coast. Summer is also typhoon season.

VISA INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS
All travelers entering Taiwan require confirmed return air tickets or proof of onward travel. Travelers are advised to contact embassy to check visa requirements.

Americans: US nationals may stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa and require a passport valid for at least six months. If passport is valid for less than six months then a visa is required, although a 30-day visitor visa can be obtained on arrival at Chiang Kai Shek or Kaohsiung International Airport for NT$4,400.

UK nationals: British citizens may stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa. If passport endorsed with other than British Citizen a visa is required. Passports should be valid for at least six months.
Canadians: Canadian nationals may stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa and require a passport valid for at least six months.
Australians: Australian nationals may stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa and require a passport valid for at least six months.
South Africans: South African nationals require a visa for travel to Taiwan and a valid passport.
Irish nationals: Irish nationals may stay in Taiwan for up to 30 days without a visa and require a passport valid for at least six months.
New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least six months. No visa is required for a stay of up to 30 days.

TRAVEL ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO:
Taiwan's capital is a city called Taipei; this city is homed about 6 million inhabitants and is easily the busiest city on the island. Although there are definite problems with pollution and traffic congestion, Taipei has the biggest selection of shops, bars and nightlife on the island. The city centre also offers a selection of tourist attractions from the National Museum of History to Fu Hsing Dramatic Arts Academy, here visitor have the opportunity to take a tour of this remarkable institution and watch tradition Chinese opera, acrobatics and theatre. The city also houses what is reputably the finest example of temple architecture in the country in the form of the Lungshan or "Dragon Mountain" temple. This temple was founded in 1740 and was built as a tribute to Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy.

No Asian country would complete without its temple town. In Taiwan the town of Tainan fills the niche nicely. There are over 200 temples in and around the town, many still in active use. Highlights include the Taoist East Mountain temple where worshippers come to exercise ghosts or to communicate with their ancestors and the Mito temple which is famous for its statue of the 100 armed goddess of mercy Kuan Yin. Visitors looking witness for actual Buddhist practices should head for Luerhmen. This suburb contains three large temples which are in current use. At each of them you have the opportunity to have your name engraved on a temple artifact in exchange for a donation to maintenance costs. Once you have seen the temples, the Woozland water park is close by and offers an excellent way to unwind after a hard day's temple touring.

A short ferry hop from the south-east coast of Taiwan takes you to the beautiful volcanic island of Lanyu. This tiny island has a tropical climate and is inhabited by Yami aborigines. The Yami speak their own dialect which is totally dissimilar to Chinese, whilst modern culture has influenced the Yami people there is still a lot of aborigine culture present. For example the Yami build their homes underground to avoid typhoons. There is enough of a Chinese influence for you to find restaurants and taxis, so inexperienced travelers shouldn't feel too out of their depth when exploring this pretty little island.