TAIWAN

General Information The Republic of China(Taiwan) was founded in 1912, making it the first democratic republic in Asia !n 19"9, the go#ernment mo#ed to Taiwan and maintained $urisdiction o#er an area encompassing the islands of Taiwan, %enghu, &inmen, 'atsu, (ongsha, )hongsha, and *ansha

Area + ,-,... s/uare kilometers %opulation + 2, million 0anguage + 'andarin 1 Taiwanese 1 2akka 1 !ndigenous 0anguages Religion + 3uddhism 1 Taoism 1 Christianit4 1 !slam %resident + 'r 'a 5ing6$eou

Location Taiwan7s total land area is about ,-,... s/uare kilometers (1",".. s/uare miles) !t is shaped like a leaf that is narrow at both ends !t lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan 8trait from China66 an island on the western edge of the %acific 9cean To the north is :apan; to the south is the %hilippines 'an4 airlines fl4 to Taiwan, making it the perfect tra#el destination Taiwan lies on the western edge of the %acific <rim of fire,< and continuous tectonic mo#ements ha#e created ma$estic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other natural landscapes Taiwan7s tropical, sub6tropical, and temperate climates pro#ide clear differentiation between the different seasons There are about 1=,".. species of wildlife on the island, with more than 2.> being rare or endangered species Among these are the land6locked salmon, Taiwan serow, ?ormosan rock monke4, ?ormosan black bear, blue magpie, 'ikado pheasant, and @ueshan grass liAard

The Taiwan go#ernment has established = national parks and 1, national scenic areas to preser#e Taiwan7s best natural ecological en#ironment and cultural sites There are #arious wa4s to disco#er the beaut4 of Taiwan ?or eBample, trekking in the magnificence of the cliffs at Taroko Corge; taking a ride on the Alishan ?orest Railwa4 and eBperiencing the breathtaking sunrise and sea of clouds; hiking up to the summit of *ortheast Asia7s highest peak, 5u 'ountain (5ushan) 5ou can also soak up the sun in &ending (&enting), Asia7s #ersion of 2awaii; stand at the edge of 8un 'oon 0ake; wander through the Dast Rift Ealle4; or #isit the offshore islands of &inmen and %enghu !t7s fun in capital letters as well as an awesome $ourne4 of natural disco#er4F

Climate !f 4ou are from a high6latitude countr4, 4ou can lea#e 4our winter coat behind when coming to Taiwan and en$o4 the pleasant warmth of the sun !f 4ou7d rather eBperience the carefree sensation of health4 beads of sweat running down 4our forehead, then 4ou should #isit the beach at &ending (&enting) in southern Taiwan, where it is summer all 4ear round (on7t worr4 too much about getting burned b4 the daAAling sun, so long as 4ou take prudent precautions; the sun ma4 not be as stinging hot as it seems ?urthermore, the countr4 is surrounded b4 the ocean; and the ocean breeAes, which are the reasons for Taiwan7s humid weather, will surel4 make 4ou completel4 forget the dr4 cold back home !f 4ou are from a low6latitude countr4, 4ou will certainl4 re#el in the comfortable warmth of Taiwan7s sun The coolness that hangs in the air will be, a welcome change from the simmering heat of 4our nati#e countr4 5ou can do some hiking in the mountains, immersing 4ourself in the beautiful trees of the forest while inhaling the pure and fresh air that blows across the island of Taiwan

Taiwan en$o4s warm weather all 4ear round Geather conditions fluctuate during spring and winter, while in summer and autumns the weather is relati#el4 stable Taiwan is eBtremel4 suitable for tra#eling, as the annual a#erage temperature is a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius with the lowest temperatures on the lowlands generall4 ranging from 12 to 1H degrees Celsius (I"6-, ?ahrenheit) Therefore, with the eBception of a few mountain areas where some traces of snow can be found during winter, no snow can be seen in Taiwan (uring raining season ('arch to 'a4), continuousl4 driAAling rain will sometimes fall on Taiwan Ghen #isiting Taiwan during this period, remember to carr4 an umbrella at all time Although it might seem romantic to ha#e a stroll in the rain, it is

no fun to tra#el when 4ou7re soaking wet (uring the summer time (:une to August), t4phoons sometimes approach or hit the countr4 Ge suggest 4ou keep an e4e on weather reports, because weather conditions are often se#ere and unpredictable when t4phoons hit Taiwan !n addition, the roaring wa#es along the coast are not to be regarded as one of Taiwan7s tourist scenes (uring the autumn (8eptember to 9ctober), 4ou can wholeheartedl4 en$o4 the cool and comforting weather, while Taiwan7s relati#el4 warm and short winters (*o#ember to ?ebruar4) are the time for 4ou to appreciate the beautifull4 colored maple trees The cold fronts that reach Taiwan sporadicall4 are greatl4 fa#ored b4 the island7s hot6spring lo#ers !n short, Taiwan, where it alwa4s seems to be spring, is 4our perfect tra#el destinationF

History The histor4 of Taiwan can be traced back to at least H... 4ears ago 3etween H... and ".. 4ears ago, Austronesians, the ancestor of the island7s indigenous peoples, arri#ed in small groups and became the earliest known inhabitants of Taiwan (uring the age of disco#er4 in the 1-th centur4, Gestern sailors arri#ed in the ?ar Dast to set up colonies and conduct trade As Taiwan was located at the con$unction of the Dast Asia and the ocean, as well as being where the *ortheast Asian waters meet the 8outheast waters, it became the focus of the Gestern powers that were operating in Dast Asian waters at the time !n the first half of the 1Hth Centur4, the (utch established a presence at Anping (in modern6da4 Tainan cit4) The4 conducted missionar4 acti#ities, trade and the production of #arious goods The4 also recruited man4 2an Chinese immigrants from the China coast, leading to a multicultural histor4 of Taiwan The number of 2an Chinese immigrants in Taiwan steadil4 increased during the short6li#ed Cheng (&oBinga) regime and Jing period o#er the neBt 2.. 4ears, creating a primaril4 2an societ4 in Taiwan !n the late 19th centur4, the wa#e of imperialism touched the shores of Taiwan The island became a colon4 of :apan and remained under :apanese rule for I. 4ears, during which time it e#ol#ed from a traditional societ4 into a modern societ4 At the end of Gorld Gar !! in 19"I, Taiwan was liberated from colonial rule 8ince then, the island has eBperienced an economic miracle and introduced political democrac4 achie#ements that ha#e attracted the world7s attention Toda4, Taiwan boasts an eBcellent infrastructure, con#enient transportation s4stem, and high6/ualit4 communication ser#ices !t also has accomplished, in the face of se#eral international energ4 crises and economic downturns, a remarkable record of economic de#elopment and political democrac4 b4 #irtue of the perse#erance and unremitting efforts of its people

Religion Taiwan is highl4 di#ersified in terms of religious belief, with the practices of 3uddhism, Taoism, Christianit4, 'ormonism, the Knification Church, !slam, and 2induism, as well as nati#e sects such as 5iguandao and others The countr4 not onl4 respects traditional faiths but also opens its arms to other t4pes of religious thought from the outside ?or the most part, the traditional religions practiced in Taiwan are 3uddhism, Taoism, and folk religions; eBcept for a small number of purel4 3uddhist temples, howe#er, most of the island7s traditional places of worship combine all three traditions Taoism is China7s nati#e religion, and man4 of its gods are deified persons who actuall4 li#ed in the past and made important contributions to societ4 Cuan Cong, the Cod of Gar, is a classic eBample of this; in histor4 he was Cuan 5u, a famous general of the Three &ingdoms period Taoism came to Taiwan in the 1Hth centur4, but it was suppressed during the period of :apanese occupation (1=9I619"I) because of its embodiment of the spirit of Chinese culture (uring those 4ears the adherents of Taoism had to worship their gods surreptitiousl4 in 3uddhist temples, and after the countr4 was returned to Chinese rule, the con#ergence of these two religions continued Toda4 all sorts of deities are worshipped in the same temple, forming one of the uni/ue features of religion in Taiwan

Confucius is another important part of religious thinking in Taiwan Confucius was China7s most famous and belo#ed teacher, ad#ocating the practice of rituals and the worship of ancestors Dmperor 5uan of the Gestern 2an (4nast4 (2.H 3 C 6 A ( 2") built the first shrine dedicated to Confucius, and after that man4 more temples were constructed as a mark of respect to the sage DBternal religions first arri#ed on Taiwan in the earl4 part of the 1Hth centur4 when Catholicism and %rotestantism were introduced b4 8panish and (utch missionaries %resb4terianism is perhaps the %rotestant branch of Christianit4 that has pla4ed the most prominent role in Taiwan7s histor4

People The friendl4 people of Taiwan Taiwan has a population of 2, million The larger part of the countr47s inhabitants are the descendants of immigrants from the #arious pro#inces of mainland China, but in particular from the southeastern coastal pro#inces+ ?u$ian and Cuangdong 3ecause the different ethnic groups ha#e fairl4 well integrated, differences that originall4 eBisted between people from different pro#inces ha#e graduall4 disappeared *earl4 I..,... indigenous people, the original inhabitants of Taiwan, still li#e here; the4 are into 1" different tribes, namel4 Amis, Ata4al, %aiwan, 3unun, %u4uma, Rukai, Tsou, 8aisi4at, 5ami, Thao, &a#alan, Truku, 8akiAa4a, and 8edi/ Language The official language of Taiwan is 'andarin Chinese; but because man4 Taiwanese are of southern ?u$ianese descent, 'innan (the 8outhern 'in dialect or 2eluo) is also widel4 spoken The smaller groups of 2akka people and indigenous tribes ha#e also preser#ed their own languages 'an4 elderl4 people can also speak some :apanese, as the4 were sub$ected to :apanese education before Taiwan was returned to Chinese rule in 19"I after the :apanese occupation, which lasted for half a centur4 The most popular foreign language in Taiwan is Dnglish, which is part of the regular school curriculum 2owe#er, for 4our own con#enience, when taking a taBi in Taiwan, it is ad#isable to prepare a note with 4our destination written in Chinese to show the taBi dri#er

Taiwan is also the ideal place to learn Chinese There are numerous language schools that offer Chinese classes, ranging from hourl46based classes to recogniAed uni#ersit4 programs 'an4 foreigners from Durope and the Knited 8tates, as well as other areas, come to Taiwan to spend their holida4s, or one or two 4ears, stud4ing Chinese

Gourmet Guide Chinese cuisine goes back to ancient times and achie#es its present le#el of eBcellence through the accumulation of thousands of 4ears of practical knowledge and eBperience in cooker4 Dmphasis is placed on the perfect combination of color, aroma, fla#or, and appearance, through which the most common ingredients are transformed into culinar4 tours de force !n Taiwan, cooking techni/ues from all areas of China ha#e fused; the Taiwanese ha#e not onl4 mastered the traditional local Chinese specialties, but ha#e also used traditional techni/ues to de#elop new culinar4 treats These features attract man4 tourists to Taiwan e#er4 4ear to sa#or these Chinese specialties, ranging from small steamed buns to boiled dumplings Traditional Chinese food to be found all o#er Taiwan, neBt to Taiwanese and 2akka6 st4le dishes, mainl4 including dishes from ?u$ian, Cuangdong, :iangAhe, 8hanghai, 2unan, 8ichuan, and 3ei$ing ?ollowing are descriptions of the characteristics and different cooking st4les of dishes from different regions+ 1 Taiwan+

*atural original fla#ors are preser#ed and the main focus is on light6seasoned, fresh, and simpl4 fla#ored dishes Thanks to (utch and :apanese influences, raw and slightl4 water6scalded food is widel4 accepted 2 ?u$ian+

(ominated b4 seafood, preferabl4 steamed, mainl4 light6seasoned, with sweet and sour fla#orings , Cuangdong+

Creat #ariet4 of ingredients, focus on light6seasoned, fresh, smooth, sweet, tast4, and tender dishes The main methods of food preparation consist of fr4ing, baking, stir6 fr4ing, steaming, and boiling " :iangAhe+

?ocus on original fla#ors, with methods of preparation consisting mainl4 of stewing, braising, steaming, and stir6fr4ing, for all of which temperature control is the most important aspect ?la#ors are light but do not lack taste, and bones are remo#ed while keeping shapes intact I 8hanghai+

(ishes breathing international fame originate here 0ocal fla#ors are adhered to and dishes are mostl4 oil4, drowning in sauce and brightl4 colored

2unan+

8our, hot, and rich fla#ors are the secrets behind the popular dishes from this area, with a well6known specialt4 being smoked bacon (ishes from 2unan and 8ichuan show some similarities, with man4 dishes being spic4 because of the use of large amounts of red pepper H 8ichuan+

?amous for its spic46fla#ored dishes as dried and fresh red pepper is used during preparation; fish and other seafood is fa#ored 8ichuan cuisine is eBtremel4 popular among those who fa#or strongl46fla#ored food = 3ei$ing+

A combination of fla#ors from all corners, magnificentl4 and delicatel4 prepared; dishes combine color, shape, fla#or, and nutrition, and are mostl4 light and tender 9 2akka+

(ried and preser#ed materials form important ingredients in the 2akka kitchen; dishes are mostl4 strongl4 fla#ored (burnt, fla#ored, well6done, salt4, fat)

*eBt to these Chinese delicacies, the enormous #ariet4 of t4pical Taiwanese snacks is uni/ue in the world and most snacks perfectl4 illustrate the important place that the food culture takes in the li#es of the Taiwanese people ?amous and uni/ue Taiwanese snacks include o4ster omelets, fried rice noodles, tempura, Tainan (anAai noodles, Taiwanese spring rolls, rice tube pudding, and braised pork rice This food is cheap and delicious, and b4 no means inferior, with each specialt4 gi#ing 4ou an insight in the people of the area from which it originates T4pical Taiwanese snacks are found e#er4where, but the island7s night markets in particular, are the places where these snacks can be found in abundance Tr4ing out these snacks, tourists will be able to learn about different specialties, cultures, and people from different areas, and gain a whole new perspecti#e on tra#eling

Natural Environment ormosa !"#eautiful Island"$

?ormosa is what the %ortuguese called Taiwan when the4 came here in the 1-th centur4 and saw the #erdant beaut4 of the island 0ocated off the southeast coast of the Asian Continent at the western edge of the %acific 9cean, between :apan and the %hilippines and right in the center of the Dast6Asian island arc, Taiwan forms a #ital line of communication in the Asia6%acific region !t co#ers an area of approBimatel4 ,-,... s/uare kilometers (1",".. s/uare miles) and is longer than it is wide Two6thirds of the total area is co#ered b4 forested mountains and the remaining area consists of hill4 countr4, platforms and highlands, coastal plains and basins The Central 'ountain Range stretches along the entire countr4 from north to south, thus forming a natural line of demarcation for ri#ers on the eastern and western sides of the island 9n the west side, lies the 5ushan (5u 'ountain) Range with its main peak reaching ,,9I2 meters, the highest mountain peak in *ortheast Asia T%e &ountains Taiwan has been abundantl4 endowed with mountains; 2I= of its peaks are more than ,,... meters high, making Taiwan geographicall4 uni/ue As mountains can be found an4where, mountain climbing is a popular leisure acti#it4 in Taiwan 9ne can choose to hike the mountains on the outskirts of the cit4 or accept the challenge of climbing one of the numerous high mountains, following the course of streams and #alle4s, tracing back

to the source of ri#ers, or crossing entire mountains !n an4 case, lush scener4 will unfold 4our e4es and it will not take too long for 4ou to be con#inced of the beaut4 of Taiwan7s mountains !n addition, there are eight national parks which offer a #ariet4 of distinct topographic landscapes+ the Taroko *ational %ark, focused on a narrow ra#ine created b4 a ri#er which has cut through the mountains; 5ushan *ational %ark, containing the highest landmark of Taiwan and also the highest peak in *ortheast Asia; 8hei6pa *ational %ark, featuring dangerousl4 steep slopes; 5angmingshan *ational %ark, with its #olcanic craters and lakes; &enting *ational %ark, encompassing the onl4 tropical area in Taiwan which breathes a trul4 8outheast Asian atmosphere; &inmen *ational %ark, which greets #isitors with white coral and shell beaches and other geological wonders ?inall4, both culture and natural attrations await 4our disco#er4 at Tai$iang *ational %ark

'ea World Taiwan has a #er4 rich marine ecolog4 5ou can see a groups of bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, Risso7s dolphins, and pan tropical spotted dolphins $umping out of the %acific 9cean along the east AAure seas and magnificent coral reefs can be found in &ending (&enting) at the southern tip of Taiwan, and on Creen !sland and the %enghu Archipelago This is a place for 4ou to disco#er and be amaAed Eco(par) Taiwan has a warm and humid climate and a #ariet4 of terrain, including sandbars, plains, basins, hills, plateaus, and mountains As a result, the countr4 is home to abundant animal and plant life, including #arious endemic species, and can therefore be regarded as one gigantic eco6park 3ecause of the formation of mud flats and mangro#es along the coast, large numbers of migrator4 birds from around the world are attracted to Taiwan, where the4 use these coastal areas as a temporar4 shelter and rest area before the4 resume their $ourne4 !n spring and summer time, there are the birds that lea#e the tropics behind to spend this season in Taiwan, such as the e4e6catching fair4 pitta, known in Chinese as the eight6color bird (uring autumn time, birds from colder northern areas come to Taiwan to spend the winter, such as the black6faced spoonbill The gra46faced buAAard will be right on time to participate in the (ouble Ten celebrations (Taiwan7s national da4) in 9ctober each 4ear, and there are also countless other migrator4 birds that use Taiwan either as a stopo#er or as their final destination, one wa4 or the other adding eBuberant #italit4 to the island7s wildlife

Literature and Art !f 4ou want to obser#e the multifaceted manifestations of I,... 4ears of culture, or feel for 4ourself the $o4 and harmon4 of life in a heterogeneous societ4, then a tour of Taiwan is $ust what 4ou need

%erhaps the best thing about eBperiencing the endless #ariet4 of Taiwan7s cultural and artistic wonders is that whate#er 4ou like, whether it be folk festi#als, religious practices, traditional skills, or modern art, e#er4thing is right at hand 5ou can find eBpressions of the countr47s rich and #aried arts on e#er4 street and lane, and in the li#es of the people And e#er4 part of Taiwan 6 north, center, south, and east, and e#en the offshore islands 6 presents its own uni/ue local characteristics, profoundl4 different 4et centered on a common cultural core This is the source of Taiwan7s magnetic allure Glove Puppetry

Clo#e %uppetr4Clo#e puppetr4 is one of the most important traditional performing arts in Taiwan, an art form that incorporates literar4 motifs, music, and #oice acting The puppets are eBpertl4 crafted with car#ed wooden heads, elaborate attire, and other trimmings that make them works of art in their own right Their faces ha#e no ob#ious eBpression; the li#eliness of the figurines depends entirel4 on the puppetr4 skills of the puppeteer The car#ings and paintings of the puppet stage further add to the delight of the show *il Paper +m,rellas

9il paper umbrellas pla4 an important role in the life of the 2akka people !n addition to pro#iding shelter from sun and rain, the4 are also a s4mbol of good fortune The 2akka town of 'einong in southern Taiwan is renowned for its oil paper umbrellas !t is a custom among the townspeople to gi#e umbrellas awa4 as a gesture of good luck !t is common to see people in 'einong walking through the town streets holding an oil paper umbrella on a rain4 da4 The umbrellas represent not onl4 the locals7 lo#e for their hometown, but also pride in their skill and art -oug% igures

(ough ?iguresThe making of dough figures is a traditional folk art in Chinese culture The figures are fashioned from steamed stick4 rice and flour dough and so are also called <rice sculptures < 'ost dough figures are made into characters from legendar4 stories or are shaped like beasts, flowers, or birds *owada4s, some dough figures are shaped into cartoon and comic stor4 characters as well 8ince the4 are brightl4 colored, dough figures are popular among and lo#ed b4 children (ough figures were often sold at temple fairs Toda4, the4 are considered as art works to be collected and appreciated rather than items offered at an altar to the dead or deities in temples, as the4 once were #lo.ing 'ugar igurines A sugar figurine is made b4 first melting malt sugar in a pot, then taking it out when it becomes semi6colloid and blowing it into a hollow round ball with a long and thin tube Ghen the ball cools down, it becomes solid while the lump of elastic sugar remains soft and warm in the hand At that point, the sugar blower pulls, rolls, and pinches the ball while blowing into the tube !n less than a minute, a figure takes shape Although it is not difficult to learn the basics of blowing sugar figurines, it takes much time and practice to do it well C%inese /nots

9il %aper Kmbrellas !n earlier times, knots were used not onl4 to fasten ob$ects, but also to record facts !n Chinese culture, the4 ha#e long ser#ed a decorati#e function as well The knots ha#e a s4mmetrical design and subtle beaut4 that eBemplifies traditional Chinese aesthetic #alues Toda4 the4 are called <Chinese knots,< or <Chinese macrame <

'cented 'ac%ets

8cented 8achets!t is customar4 in Taiwan to make and wear scented sachets (pomanders) during the (ragon 3oat ?esti#al, celebrated on the Ith da4 of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese calendar !n the past when medicine was less ad#anced, people ground up realgar (arsenic mineral ore) and artemisia and calamus plants into fine powders, and wrapped them in a small piece of cloth to make a sachet that could be worn around the neck The sachets ga#e out a scent that kept awa4 insects and bacteria; this is the origin of toda47s scented sachets Ghile these auspicious s4mbols are no longer used to ward off e#ils or cure illnesses, the4 still retain a cultural #alue and are appreciated for their decorati#e beaut4 'pinning Tops

8pinning Tops <8pinning tops< is a game dating from ancient times which still en$o4s great popularit4 toda4 This special t4pe of folk sport is well preser#ed in the town of (aBi in Tao4uan Count4, where man4 residents begin whipping tops from a #er4 4oung age The largest <king top< displa4ed at the ?uren Temple weighs 12.kg, and is pla4ed with a cord thicker than 4our thumb The neBt time 4ou #isit this enchanted town to see its historical streets, appreciate the wooden furniture, and shop for tofu, don7t forget to see the tops as wellF /ites

&ites Traditional kites in Taiwan are made of narrow bamboo strips and cotton paper, which is light, eas4 to paint, and not so easil4 damaged as paper made from wood pulp Toda47s kites are mostl4 made of plastic or n4lon and are durable e#en in rain !n terms of st4le, there are regular flat kites and sculptural kites in the shapes of dragons, centipedes, and other fanciful figures -ia,olos

A diabolo is a $uggling prop whirled and tossed on a string connected to two sticks, one held in each hand As the diabolo accelerates, it issues a low humming sound DBperienced performers can simultaneousl4 spin multiple diabolos and send them high through the air (iabolos are also incorporated into dances and other ri#eting performances Calligrap%y

Calligraph4 is the most appreciated form of all Chinese arts 8ome sa4 it embodies the essence of Chinese culture Calligraph4 comes in man4 st4les The characters ma4 be carefull4 and neatl4 written, or described with flourish The characters ma4 also be presented to emphasiAe their meaning A work of calligraph4 e#okes a different response from each #iewer Calligraph4 is said to bring peace of mind and inner tran/uilit4, ele#ate one spirituall4, and promote the abilit4 to obser#e and make $udgments !t is also said to enhance perse#erance and willpower Culture 0 Heritage (uring TaiwanLs long histor4, prehistoric people, indigenous tribes, (utch, 8panish, :apanese, and 2an Chinese ha#e successi#el4 populated Taiwan, creating a #aried

culture and de#eloping different local customs and traditions along the wa4 Ghen #isiting Taiwan, 4ou will be able to come in touch with all aspects of this beautiful countr47s multifaceted cultures 3ecause of its uni/ue historical and geographical background, Taiwan has a rich and #aried culture composed of elements taken from man4 different ethnic groups, including the indigenous peoples, the (utch, the 8panish, the :apanese, the 2an Chinese (bringing traditions from China and creating their own in Taiwan), as well as more recentl4 the Americans Conse/uentl4, the customs and traditions that make up Taiwan7s culture as we know it toda4 are eBtremel4 #i#id and miB different cultures And not onl4 that; the people who pre#iousl4 inhabited Taiwan also left man4 cultural remnants that can still be found around the island toda4, including traditional architecture, relics of prehistoric ci#iliAations, folk art, and traditions Taiwan7s histor4 goes as far back as two, three, e#en tens of thousands of 4ears According to archeologists, prehistoric people were the first to ha#e li#ed in Taiwan, proof of which can be found in archaeological dig and sites in Taitung and elsewhere The indigenous people who first came to Taiwan so long ago form the northernmost branch of the Austronesia culture group The indigenous people who remain toda4 are di#ided into 1" tribes; the Amis, Ata4al, %aiwan, 3unun, %u4uma, Rukai, Tsou, 8aisi4at, 5ami (or Tao), Thao, &a#alan, Truku, 8akiAa4a, and the 8edi/ 9#er the 4ears, other tribes, especiall4 flatland groups, increasingl4 came in contact with the 2an Chinese, their dail4 li#es becoming more and more integrated, and b4 now most ha#e assimilated with the Chinese The other tribes, howe#er, ha#e also managed to preser#e some of their traditional customs, tribal structures and architecture, and continue to keep the tribal spirit ali#e through the practice of traditional worship Traces left b4 the (utch, 8panish, and :apanese include ?ort 8an (omingo in Tamsui and the remains of Anping 9ld ?ort (?ort )eelandia) in Tainan along with man4 other buildings such as the %residential 9ffice 3uilding, the 0egislati#e 5uan and Control 5uan buildings, #arious schools, and other large structures that now house go#ernmental institutions, assembl4 halls etc , all testif4ing to the importation of foreign cultures into Taiwan *e#ertheless, the most important part in Taiwan7s cultural histor4 was pla4ed b4 the 2an Chinese who brought with them traditional customs from China and created new ones in Taiwan Ghether the4 were southern ?u$ianese who immigrated o#er the centuries, the Chinese who came in the late 19".s, or 2akkas, the4 created their own cultures, traces of which can still be found all o#er Taiwan !n Taipei, Tainan, and 0ugang, for eBample, old cities, streets, and temples still breathe the atmosphere of times long gone, while traces of wars, settlements and different cultures can e#en be found on the off6shore islands of &inmen, 'atsu and %enghu *eBt to these cultural remnants, Taiwan also offers a uni/ue collection of art eBpression, such as 8an4i7s wooden car#ings, 5ingge7s potter4, and &inmen7s ceramics

Another important aspect of culture are the man4 holida4s and festi#als that the Taiwanese celebrate so passionatel4 and de#otedl4, such as the Chinese *ew 5ear, 'id6Autumn ?esti#al, Tomb 8weeping ?esti#al, Chost ?esti#al, and temple festi#als 34 watching or e#en participating in these celebrations, one can get a better understanding of the cultural and historical background of the Taiwanese people Ge would like to in#ite 4ou to come to Taiwan, tra#el through time and go on a $ourne4 of past ci#iliAations, reli#e the past, and eBperience these cultural treasures un acts Hot 'prings 2ot springs, the hot tears of the earth, are one of the most precious gifts that the earth has gi#en to us D#er since the ancient times, people ha#e recogniAed the re$u#enating and therapeutic properties of these natural resources Taiwan is ranked among the world7s top 1I hot spring sites, harboring a great #ariet4 of springs, including hot springs, cold springs, mud springs, and seabed hot springs The island can proudl4 regard itself as one of the regions with the highest concentration and greatest #ariet4 of hot springs in the world 2ot springs are formed b4 natural waters that emerge from the bowels of the earth and that possess therapeutic properties said to ha#e a positi#e effect on disorders of the ner#ous and digesti#e s4stems, the circulation, and the organs %eople ha#e used hot springs to keep in good health for ages !n Taiwan, with its peculiar crustal structure and location on the fault line where the Duro6Asian and %hilippine continental plates meet in the Circum6%acific seismic Aone, subterranean heat is spread across the island producing hot springs island6wide Gith the eBception of Changhua, 5unlin and %enghu counties, almost e#er4 cit4 and count4 in Taiwan can find hot springs, and so it is well to see that b4 some tourists name Taiwan <the 2ot 8pring &ingdom< 'ore than one hundred hot springs ha#e been disco#ered in Taiwan, located in different geological areas including plains, mountains, #alle4s, and oceans The highest concentration of hot springs can be found in the northern Taiwan, where the (atun (Tatun) Eolcano is located, while along both sides of the central mountain range, co#ering an area that to the north is bordered b4 5ilan and to the south b4 %ingtung, the largest number of hot springs can be found 2ot springs found here make up more than =.> of all hot springs in Taiwan As hot springs generall4 come from deep below the surface of the earth, when the4 emerge the4 bring along a high concentration and great #ariet4 of minerals that are mostl4 foreign to the human bod4 and benefit our general health 8pecific properties of hot springs #ar4 depending on chemical composition, mineral concentration and water temperature Taiwan has a great #ariet4 of springs, both cold and hot (istribution and therapeutic properties of hot springs in Taiwan+

L*HA' At a time when the M092A8N trend (092A8 means M0ifest4les of 2ealth and 8ustainabilit4N) has become popular throughout the world, Taiwan offers 4ou an endless number of wa4s, with an 9riental flair and a uni/uel4 Taiwanese character, to sta4 health4 Come to Taiwan and feel M092A8N the Taiwanese wa4, in the islandLs cuisines, sports, leisure acti#ities, and traditional health care therapies !n Taiwan, 4ou can gi#e 4our taste buds a treat and sta4 health4 at the same time b4 en$o4ing 4our fill of medicinal foods and healthful organic cuisine !f 4ou are anBious to achie#e a ph4sical and mental balance, then 4ou might tr4 4oga, )en meditation, martial arts, or Tai Chi to bring 4ou tran/uilit4 the 9riental wa4 !f 4ou $ust want to relaB a bit during 4our trip, then a #isit to one of TaiwanLs popular spas, a soak in a hot spring bath, or a soothing cup of traditional tea might be $ust the thing for 4ou !f 4ou want to eBperience the Chinese medical treatment that is recei#ing e#er more attention around the world, then Taiwan will pro#ide 4ou with a health6tra#el en#ironment of the highest /ualit4 This brochure introduces TaiwanLs rich #ariet4 of health6gi#ing resources so that 4ou can eBperience, in the most relaBed and natural wa4 possible, the islandLs health culture and leisure tra#el at the same time )en 'editation )en meditation can re#italiAe 4ou and make 4ou feel almost reborn 5ou can see temples all o#er Taiwan, and man4 of them ha#e meditation rooms that #isitors can use

8ome offer meditation classes, and e#en o#ernight accommodation 'an4 of these meditation areas are located in the mountains, surrounded b4 beautiful natural scener4 Othe perfect place for 4ou to harmoniAe 4our bod4 and purif4 4our soul Jigong This uni/ue method of strengthening the bod4 and curing illness is an ancient Chinese wa4 to health !n general, its practice is meant to harmoniAe the mind, breath, and bod4 Jigong is supposed to free 4ou of random thoughts, pa#ing the wa4 for empt4ing the mind and relaBing the bod4 2armoniAing the breath means breathing from the abdomen, and harmoniAing the bod4 means achie#ing a state of relaBation and tran/uilit4 whether standing, sitting, or l4ing down According to the theor4 of Chinese medicine, people become ill because the free circulation of blood and breath is blocked, and needs to be opened up This is what the practice of Jigong is supposed to do Tai Chi Tai Chi Chuan has been pro#en beneficial to mental and ph4sical health, and is achie#ing international popularit4 !t is eBtremel4 eas4, and $ust about free, to stud4 Tai Chi Chuan in Taiwan, with teachers gi#ing instruction in public parks, communit4 acti#it4 centers, and schools Tai Chi emphasiAes relaBation, and eBercises e#er4 part of the bod4 with slow and graceful mo#ements that can impro#e the sense of balance, enhance cardiopulmonar4 function, lower blood pressure, alle#iate melanchol4, and strengthen the immune function 8cientific research carried out in America also shows that it consumes 2=. calories an hour, making it capable of Mweight reduction without sweat N 5oga

The fashion for 4oga in Taiwan encompasses small class instruction, large 4oga centers, and e#en #acation spots !nternational 4oga groups ha#e come in; True 5oga, for eBample, gi#es instruction at a 2,1126s/uare6meter siB6star facilit4 in TaipeiLs @in4i (istrict that is said to be the biggest 4oga hall in Asia 8pace 5oga also has a top6class facilit4 in the same area *ear 2ualien in the eastern part of Taiwan, the %romised 0and Resort offers a 4oga itinerar4 that emphasiAes the slow life 8pas Taiwan offers a wide #ariet4 of spa ser#ices to fill all kinds of different needs There is far more than $ust functional h4drotherap4 on offer here; these ser#ices eBtend to co#er

the entire field of leisure esthetics, encompassing essential oils, aromatherap4, skin treatment, music, 4oga, meditation, and e#er4thing else 4ou need for a beautiful, relaBing, and healthful eBperience Dach of TaiwanLs spas is uni/ue, since it incorporates the resources of its particular local area Eacation resorts are usuall4 located in scenic spots; at 8un 'oon 0akeLs 0alu hotel, for eBample, 4ou can en$o4 a spa in the midst of splendid mountain and lake scener4 Club6t4pe spas generall4 offer larger spaces and more functions, in health and leisure facilities all o#er Taiwan There are also hotel spas, where 4ou can en$o4 accommodation, fine dining, leisure, and spa acti#ities all at the same time as 4ou replenish 4our energ4 and 4our spirit; an eBample of this is pro#ided b4 the 3eing 8pa chain, which offers ser#ices in the Ta4ih 0andis of Tainan, D#ergreen 0aurel of Taipei, 8plendor of &aohsiung, Ro4al )hiben , and Caesar %ark in &enting 'etropolitan t4pe spas like the 9rient Retreat and Can$une 8pa go for efficienc4 with professional health products, hardware facilities, and massage techni/ues designed to produce a peaceful mood in the shortest time while protecting the skin and muscles and relaBing the bod4 and mind 2ot 8prings 2ot 8pringTaiwan is known for its dense of hot springs (and rare cold mineral springs as well), with more than 1.. hot6spring areas all o#er the island This makes Taiwan one of the best places in the world for en$o4ing a healthful and relaBing soak in refreshing mineral waters These springs can generall4 be di#ided into four t4pes of water+ sodium carbonate, sodium h4drocarbonate, sulfur, and pure6water The different t4pes ha#e different chemical compositions that produce different therapeutic effects 8odium carbonate springs contain carbon dioBide which generates bubbles on the skin, pro#iding a slight massaging function; this t4pe of spring can be found at @iake in western Taiwan; 3ulao, 3aolai, and 8ichongBi in southern Taiwan; and )hiben, Creen !sland (0udao), Genshan, :iaoBi, and RenAe in eastern Taiwan The cold springs of 8u7ao also contain this kind of water The most representati#e sodium h4drocarbonate springs, which lubricate the skin, are located at Gulai, :iaoBi, and )hiben 8trongl4 acidic sulfur springs are located in the area of 5angmingshan and 3eitou %ure6water hot springs ha#e a less simulati#e, moderate therapeutic effect; the :inshan 2ot 8prings are of this t4pe The unusual MmudN springs of CuanAiling in Tainan Count4 are salt4 in nature

Acupuncture Acupuncture has a histor4 of se#eral thousand 4ears in China, and its effecti#eness is widel4 recogniAed Taiwan has a high6/ualit4 en#ironment for this kind of treatment *eedles are inserted at acupoints to stimulate the ner#es; sometimes, moBa is also burned on the acupoints to regulate ph4siological functions The Gorld 2ealth 9rganiAation of the Knited *ations has determined that acupuncture is effecti#e for a

wide #ariet4 of ailments, including headache and stomachache 8ince acupuncture is a medical procedure, be sure to choose a legal clinic for 4our needle treatment ?oot 'assage ?oot massage uses stimulation of the feet to impro#e blood circulation and to remo#e wastes and toBins from the bod4 The human feet can directl4 affect the organs, and so massaging the feet makes the whole bod4 feel comfortable and completel4 relaBed The M?ather Gu ?oot 'assageN is especiall4 popular in Taiwan, and massage ser#ices are also pro#ided b4 a foundation for the blind Concentrations of foot6massage parlors offer their ser#ices in the area of @ingtian Temple, 8ection 2 of )hongshan * Rd , and :iu/uan 8t in Taipei A number of health clubs also pro#ide the considerable pleasures of foot massage *aprapath4 *aprapath4, or manipulation massage, is a passi#e eBercise t4pe of treatment that in#ol#es the use of the practitionerLs hands and arms to appl4 pressure to acupoints throughout the bod4 with a #ariet4 of motions !t is used for treating ailments such as headache, neck pain, and algomenorrhea, and can aid the circulation of energ4, enli#en the $oints, ad$ust cardiopulmonar4 function, and strengthen resistanceOall making 4ou feel relaBed and comfortable *ffs%ore Islands Are 4ou looking for a place where the waters are clear, the skies are blue, and countless stars stud the sk4 at nightP 9r, would 4ou like to wander through remote and pictures/ue fishing #illagesP Then pack 4our bags and #isit the offshore islands of TaiwanF Taiwan is located along the southeast coast of the Asian continent, on the fault line where the Duro6Asian and %hilippine continental plates meet This uni/ue geographic location and fre/uent seismic acti#it4 not onl4 created an eBtremel4 di#ersified topograph4 and natural en#ironment on Taiwan, but also resulted in the di#erse characters of its off6shore islands 'ain offshore islands include %enghu, 0udao (Creen !sland), 0an4u (9rchid !sland), &inmen, 'atAu, Turtle !sland, and 0ittle 0iu/iu As their locations, topographical characteristics, and human acti#ities differ; each has its own uni/ue scener4 and culture Therefore, each island offers something different to satisf4 the #arious needs of #isitors, such as sightseeing, snorkeling, or sport fishing

%enghu The %enghu archipelago is Taiwan7s offshore island group, situated in the straits that separate Taiwan from China %enghu is made up of 9. small islands with a combined coastline that stretches more than ,2. kilometers Dach season brings its own particular scener4, and rich natural and cultural resources can be found here The landscape here is characteriAed b4 basaltic rocks, coral reefs, sea6eroded formations, and beaches, while the fishing culture and migrator4 birds add eBtra dimensions to the picture 0udao 0udao0udao, also known as Creen !sland, is located some ,, kilometers off the coast of Taitung in eastern Taiwan !t is a #olcanic island where winds blow and waters eat awa4 at the rocks all 4ear round, creating a beautiful and di#erse coast 0an4u 0an4u, or 9rchid !sland, is situated off the southeastern coast of Taiwan; like 0udao, its neighbor to the north, it was raised from the sea b4 the accumulation of #olcanic la#a !t has a moist and rain4 climate, and its mountain areas (which occup4 most of the island) are co#ered with dense rain forests that are filled with a great #ariet4 of plant and animal life Coral reefs decorate the surrounding seas, and the :apan Current which flows past brings in large numbers of fish This makes 0an4u a paradise for fishermen and skin di#ers The island is inhabited mainl4 b4 people of the 5ami tribe, the most primiti#e of Taiwan7s indigenous peoples, who still keep much of their traditional culture and lifest4le Their traditional stone houses were built mostl4 underground to a#oid eBtremes of temperature as well as the ra#ages of t4phoons The ?l4ing ?ish and 3oat 0aunching festi#als are seen nowhere else on earth !n addition to sa#oring the beautiful island scener4, 4ou can also en$o4 a glimpse into the fascinating 5ami culture during 4our trip to 0an4u &inmen

04ing $ust 2,1.. meters off the coast of China at the nearest point, this hill4 island is composed mostl4 of granite and has a histor4 that deri#es largel4 from war !t can, therefore, be termed a <battlefield island,< and it possesses uni/ue battlefield scener4 &inmen also contains numerous traces of histor4, and the go#ernment has designated 21 historic sites within its small area !t also has large numbers of houses built in the traditional southern ?u$ianese three6sided court4ard st4le, gi#ing it a rich ancient atmosphere 'atsu 8ituated in the northeast corner of the Taiwan 8traits and separated from China b4 onl4 a narrow strip of water, 'atsu, like &inmen to the south, is also made up largel4 of granite !ts scener4 consists of sea6eroded terrain, natural sand and pebble beaches, sand dunes, precipitous cliffs, and other scenic features !n addition to its beautiful $agged coastline and the migrator4 birds that pass through 'atsu also offers traditional eastern ?u$ian #illages built on mountainsides as well as defensi#e fortifications built b4 the militar4 Cuishan !sland (Turtle !sland) This small, solitar4 island located about 1. kilometers off the coast of Toucheng in 5ilan Count4 has a #olcanic terrain that, from certain angles, looks like a turtle floating in the sea Among the features of the island are high cliffs, steaming fumaroles, welling underwater hot springs, mountain peaks, sea6eroded ca#es, a lake, and uni/ue cliff #egetation, as well as rich marine ecological resources !t is a perfect place to stud4 #olcanic terrain and the natural ecolog4 0ittle 0iu/iu 04ing in the sea about 1" kilometers to the southwest of (onggang in %ingtung Count4, 0ittle 0iu/iu is the onl4 one of Taiwan7s numerous offshore islands that is composed of coral Three special features make this island uni/ue+ the finest location for #iewing the sunset, the most species of coral, and a terrain made up of coral 8trange coral rock formations stand throughout the island, and its ocean scener4 is entrancing This is a fishing island whose inhabitants are intensel4 religious; there are man4 temples here, each with its own uni/ue features and special attractions !f 4ou are longing for a peaceful holida4 on an island, 0ittle 0iu/iu should be at the top of 4our list of choices 0et the clear transparent sea water, blue skies, and interesting local folk customs and cultures entertain 4our e4es and enrich 4our mindF

Nig%t &ar)ets *eBt to these Chinese delicacies, the enormous #ariet4 of t4pical Taiwanese snacks is uni/ue in the world and most perfectl4 illustrates the important place that the food culture takes into the li#es of the Taiwanese people ?amous and uni/ue Taiwanese

snacks range from o4ster omelets to fried rice noodles, tempura, Tainan (anAai noodles, Taiwanese spring rolls, rice tube pudding, and braised pork rice ?ood is cheap and delicious, and b4 no means inferior, while each specialt4 gi#es 4ou an insight in the people of the area it originates from T4pical Taiwanese snacks are found e#er4where, but Taiwan7s night markets in particular, each night market ha#ing its own traditions and characteristics, are the places where these snacks can be found in abundance Tr4ing out these snacks, tourists will be able to learn about different specialties, cultures and people from different areas, adding a whole new perspecti#e to tra#eling ?amous night markets in Taiwan +

Rail Tour Taiwan7s railwa4s offer an endless #ariet4 of eBperience, and the scener4 lining their routes pro#ides an infinite range of fascinating scener4 !f 4ou want to get a close look at the island7s beauties without ha#ing to suffer the troubles of unfamiliar roads and the frustrations of traffic congestion, then 4ou could do no better than choose a railroad tour and immerse 4ourself in the delights of enchanting coastlines, awesome mountains, placid farmlands, and engrossing countr4side The histor4 of railroads in Taiwan dates back to 1==H, in the declining 4ears of the Jing (4nast4, when court official 0iu 'ing6chuan started to work on a section of track in the

northern part of the island The :apanese eBpanded on that beginning when the4 occupied Taiwan from 1=9I to 19"I, and the round6the6island network was completed after the island was restored to Chinese rule Toda4, more than a centur4 after its small beginning, Taiwan7s con#enient railwa4 network consists of the Gest Coast Trunk Railwa4, Dast Coast Trunk Railwa4, *orth60ink Railwa4, and 8outh60ink Railwa4 %assenger ser#ice is di#ided into four classes, offering tra#elers a choice depending on their destination, the urgenc4 of their trip, and the siAe of their pocketbooks The scener4 along the railroad glides b4 in a ne#er6ending se/uence of change, and each line has its own uni/ue characteristics The long, narrow, mountainous nature of the island7s terrain lines the length of the railwa4s with eB/uisite scenes of mountains and ri#ers, and the rail passenger gains access to scenes that are out of reach of the highwa4 Taiwan7s railroads are far more than $ust a tool of transportation; the4 embod4 a deep affinit4 with the de#elopment of local culture and societ4, and ha#e left behind large numbers of historical relics, including old stations and track sections that hark back to the past and re#eal uni/ue facets of local histor4 ?ollowing is a brief introduction to the characteristics of Taiwan7s trunk railwa4 lines +

Taiwan7s Trunk Railwa4 0inesGest Coast Trunk 0ine s4stem + This includes the &eelung to &aohsiung north6south line, the Taichung 0ine ()hunan to Changhua), %ingtung 0ine (&aohsiung to ?angliao), and 8outh60ink Railwa4 (?angliao to Taitung *ew 8tation)

Christian missionary work Taiwan A little a,out Tai.an C%ristian missionary .or) in Tai.an faces a num,er of c%allenges1 Taiwan is trul4 a uni/ue place 0ocated off the coast of China, the island is the home of o#er 23 million people The ma$orit4 of those people follow a blend of 3uddhism, Taoism and Confucianism 3uddhism is growing, due to #er4 successful outreach There is also a small but growing 'uslim communit4 in Taiwan !n spite of the small area of land, there are man4 groups with little Cospel witness There is a great need for discipleship, leadership training, and missionar4 training http+11taiwantoda4 tw1ct aspPBitemQ99=H=RctnodeQ1,"9RmpQ9