Best Of Taiwan – One of the four Asian tigers, the island of Taiwan is divided from the Chinese mainland by the Formosa Strait, and by a yawning political divide. Officially known as the Republic of China, Taiwan has been ruled by the nationalist government found by Chiang Kai-shek since 1945, but the island is simultaneously claimed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Politics aside, this is a land where skyscrapers rub shoulders with misty mountains and mysteries. Away from the futuristic capital, Taipei, Taiwan is a tapestry of forested peaks, giant Buddhas, hot springs, basalt islands and tribal villages. No wonder the island was christened Ilha Formosa (the Beautiful Island) by the Portuguese.
Best time to visit in Taiwan
September to November, for ravishing autumn colours
Places to visit in Taiwan
Top things to do in Taiwan
Discover Taiwan
Taiwan Highlights
Territorial disputes with the PRC, the Taipei 101 tower, Chiang Kai-shek, labels saying ‘Made in Taiwan’
One word for Taiwan Tourism
Chiah pa boeh? (Have you eate yet?)