If you want contrasts, head to western Taiwan and start at the coastline, continue through rich farmland and end in the high mountains of the central range. In fact, for a study in contrasts, just head to the Alishan National Scenic Area. Here you can travel through three biogeographical zones – tropical, subtropical and temperate [...]
Taichung (TáizhÅng), the third-largest city in Taiwan, is hardly a must-see for the short-term visitor, though many long-term expats do enjoy it as a weekend getaway. The city has several pleasant tea and restaurant streets, an excellent science museum and a very good art museum, which includes a top-of-the-line storybook fantasyland library for children. Taichung [...]
Sun Moon Lake (Rìyuè Tán) is the largest body of freshwater in Taiwan and has one of the island’s loveliest natural landscapes. In his blue period, Picasso would have had no end of inspiration. At an altitude of 762m, the lake is backed by high-forested mountains and boasts good weather year-round. Boating is popular, both [...]
Rueili (RuìlÇ) is a small, quiet, temperate-mountain community that thrives on tourism and tea growing. It’s always been one of our favourite places in the Alishan region and the fact that we can now walk there from the Fenchihu train station makes it all that more special. Rueili excels in eye candy for the nature-lover. [...]
Most people in Taiwan know Puli (PÇ”lÇ) as being the town hardest hit by the 921 earthquake. Puli has rebuilt itself since then, though perhaps not to the satisfaction of Japanese retirees, and today there is little evidence that it was once the epicentre of a massive 6.9 magnitude quake.
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This 200-year-old high mountain trail (NénggÄo YuèlÇng GuójiÄ Bùdà o; trail.forest.gov.tw/NationalTrailSystem_En/TR_H_02.htm) was first used by the Taiya to help them ply the trade between Puli and Hualien. During the Japanese occupation it was expanded and used, ironically, to police aboriginal tribes. During the latter half of the 20th century, the path was expanded further by Taipower, [...]
Ninety percent of Lukang (Lùgǎng) is as nondescript as most small towns in Taiwan. But then there is that other 10%. Comprising some of the oldest and most gorgeous temples in the country, and featuring curiously curved streets, art museums in heritage buildings, and dusty old shops where equally dusty old masters create colourful fans, [...]
Like the Pingxi, Alishan and Neiwan lines (the latter closed at the time of writing), the 19km narrow-gauge Jiji Small Rail Line (JÃjà XiÇŽo HuÇ’chÄ“) once served an important industrial purpose. In the Jiji line’s case it was assisting in the construction of power plants. But these days the line remains open to boost local [...]
Though it starts just south of Taichung in the bland town of Caotun, Hwy 14 makes up for a poor start in no time. After Puli, which is worth stopping in to visit the marvellous Chung Tai Chan Temple, the elevation rises and one turn after another brings stunning mountain views. Along the way you [...]
The last interesting stop on Hwy 14 before the descent into Taroko Gorge is Hehuanshan (HéhuÄnshÄn SÄ“nlÃn Yóulè QÅ«; dongshih.forest.gov.tw; 049-280 2732). At over 3000m, the recreation area sits mostly above the tree line, and the bright, grassy green hills of the Mt Hehuan Range roll on and on, often disappearing into the fog or [...]