Must See

Lanyu

South of Taiwan lies Lanyu (Orchid Island), an island of volcanic beauty, inhabited by the aboriginal Yami tribe - some of the world's last hunter-gatherers.

Tainan

Tainan is the oldest city on Taiwan Island, and is home to 220 temples, some of them displaying the best examples of Confucian temple architecture in Taiwan. It is a city bursting with traditional Taiwanese culture and was the island's provincial capital from 1663 to 1885. Take time to discover some of the best temples, hidden by new buildings.

Taipei

Located at the far north of the island, Taipei is Taiwan's provincial capital, and its centre of politics, commerce, mass media, education, and pop culture. It is a rapidly expanding city, full of hustle and bustle, local and foreign residents.

The National Palace Museum is home to the world's largest collection of exquisite Chinese artefacts, while the Lungshan (Dragon Mountain) Temple built in 1740 is the island's finest piece of temple architecture. Visit the Fu Hsing Dramatic Arts Academy to watch traditional Chinese Opera and acrobatic stage shows. The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is an imposing tomb and shrine to Taipei's most famous leader, and also houses Taipei's main venues for the performing arts, the National Opera House and National Theatre, in its large grounds.

You can admire the view from the top of Taipei 101 (named after its 101 floors), the world's tallest building. Take the lift (the fastest of its kind in the world) up to indoor observation deck on the 89th floor, or to the world's highest outdoor observation deck at 91st floor for the ultimate city vista.

Taroko Gorge

Taroko Gorge is regarded as the premier tourist attraction and the jewel of Taiwan's national parks. It is a sumptuous park (indeed, its name means magnificent and splendid), with towering sheer cliffs of marble and limestone guarding a jade green river. It is popular among hikers, who enjoy winding down in its soothing hot springs.

The Coastal Drive

Travelling around Taiwan, it is highly recommended that you take northeast coastal road on your journey, as it will give you some spectacular views as you pass through the foothills of the Central Mountain Range, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea. You will travel through many small villages, the lifestyles of whose inhabitants have changed little with the advent of high technology.