Top Places to Visit in Taiwan

Taiwan was called Ilha Formosa which means Beautiful Island by the Portuguese when they landed there in 1544. Taiwan may be small in geographical size but there is a wide range of things to do and see while vacationing there. In this article you will discover some of the top places to visit in Taiwan.

Taipei: The Cosmopolitan Capital of Taiwan

Taiwan's capital, Taipei, is a "must stop" destination for all who travel there. Long ago, the "Taipei Basin" was inhabited by an Aboriginal tribe called the Ketagelan. Later, Taipei became an important port for the trading of tea under the occupation of the Han Chinese. Finally, the city became the island's capital.

No one can visit the Taiwan's capital without a visit to Taipei 101. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, Taipei 101 is the world's tallest skyscraper. The building has a total of 106 floors, five being underground and 101 above ground. Thus, the name Taipei 101. Since Taiwan is located in an area that is subject to typhoons and earthquakes, the skyscraper was designed to withstand both of them.

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is another popular attraction in Taipei. It is also known as the National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall although there has been controversy over the renaming. This great monument to China's former president Chiang Kai-Shek is located near the Gate of Great Centrality and Perfect Uprightness. The main structure has white walls with an octagonal roof of blue tiles that rises up to 70 meters above the ground. The Memorial Hall contains a library and museum. It is surrounded by a park where a beautiful pond is located..

Sun Moon Lake

Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's largest lake with a surface area of nearly 8 km squared. It is the home of the Aboriginal tribe called the Thao. In the middle of the lake is an island that is considered to be sacred by the tribe. Because of this, the Aboriginal Cultural Village has been constructed near the lake. At the cultural village, visitors can learn about the history and development of the Thao tribe as well as enjoy the scenic beauty.

Taipei and Sun Moon Lake are just a couple of the wonderful tourist destinations that vacationers can find in Taiwan. Whether you visit the big city or head out to the countryside, you are sure to exclaim as the Portuguese did so many years ago that Taiwan is, in fact, the Beautiful Island.

Visit U.S. Passport Service Guide for information on how to get a Taiwan visa and to watch Taipei Taiwan vacation videos.