In Taiwan’s history, the city of Taipei was the home for rice and vegetable farmers. Today Taipei is the epicenter of Taiwan’s business, government and culture. Taipei is also the heart of Taiwan and a place where things are constantly happening. Wandering around can sometimes be very taxing, but in the end can prove very rewarding. There are many things to see in Taipei such as culture, food, temples and architecture. Taipei is full of monuments and statues dedicated to national heroes.
Alishan
If you want a change of scenery that is both energizing and refreshing, a trip to the mountain resort of Alishan is just what the doctor ordered. The mountain air is very crisp and a few deep breaths can get your blood rushing. Every morning, the locals climb down the mountain of Chuhshan and are so full of’ joie de vivre’ that they even pull tourists in to joint them. The best time to visit is during the weekdays because on the weekends the place is flooded with as many as 5,000 visitors. Once you are finished with this excursion, you can take a relaxing train ride from Alishan to Monkey rock.
Lanyu
Lanyu is located off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. It is well known for its tropical climate and rocky, volcanic landscape. The inhabitants of Lanyu are the Yami aborigines who are more culturally close to the Philippines than with the Chinese. They have their own dialects and they live in homes that are built underground. The homes are underground because typhoons strike the area and affect their lives severely. The Yami cultivate potatoes and taro as well as also work as fishermen. Although the modern world has hardly any effect here, you will see that the locals wear jeans as often as they wear loincloths.
Tienhsiang
One of the cities to visit, if you are heading out of town, is Tienhsiang. Tienhsiang is famous for its Taroko Gorge. The gorge is about 19 kilometers (12 miles) long with sheer cliffs that drop into raging water. About 450 workers died building the highway. A waterfall is located at the entrance of the gorge between two cliffs built in memory of those who perished.
