Taiwan lies like a spindle in the southeast of Asia. It is a rare tropical mountain-island in the
world,two thirds of which is covered with high mountain ranges. The most famous of the mountains, Ali Mountain, is the symbol of charming Taiwan .Located in the subtropical ocean, Taiwan offers tourists comfortable weather and has no winter all the year round.
Tourism
Ali Mountain Located in the northeast part of the Jiayi County in Taiwan Province, Ali Mountain is in fact the general name of the eighteen hills including Zhu Hill and Tower Hill. The highest peak of Ali Mountain is Tower
Hill with the height of 2,663 meters (about 8,736 feet). Ali Mountain is world famous for its 'five rare sites' including the Sunrise, the Ali Mountain Forest Railway, the famous Alishan Sacred Tree, the Grand Sea of Clouds, and the Flamboyant Cherry Blossom. It is said that one who has not been to Ali Mountain will never know its wonderful beauty.
The sunrise is a must for everyone who travels the Ali Mountain.The best place to view the sunrise is on the top of Zhu Hill. The place and time of the sunrise are different due to the changes of the four seasons. If you plan to view the sunrise it is best to ask the local people the time of sunrise, so you don't miss this magnificent opportunity.
There is a Chinese Juniper within the Ali Mountain forest area, with some 53 meters (about 174 feet) high, and 23 meters (about 75 feet) wide. This Juniper is so huge that more than ten people can surround the circumference. It has a history of more than 3,000 years, thus is called Alishan Sacred Tree.
Sun Moon Lake Sun Moon Lake is located in Nantou County, Taipei City. It is surrounded by Mount Shuishe and Mount Dajian. Th
e lake covers an area of 7.7 square kilometers and has an average water depth of 40 meters. The lake is divided into northern and southern sections by an island called Guanghua. The lake gets its name because the northern section resembles a rhombus-shaped sun while the southern section looks like a crescent-shaped moon.
Originally called Shui Shalian and Long Lake, the Sun Moon is the largest natural lake in Taiwan. The climate in this area is quite temperate with the highest summer temperature being less than 22C (71.6F) and the lowest winter temperature bottoming out at 15C (59F). With such a pleasant climate, it is a top choice as a summer resort. Besides the cool weather, visitors are drawn by the magnificent scenery. The beauty of the lake lies in its tranquil crystal water that clearly reflects the surrounding mountains. Rain or shine, winter or summer, the lake offers visitors a plethora of picturesque sights.
Culture
The cultures of Taiwan are a hybrid blend of Confucianist Han Chinese cultures, Japanese, European, American, global, local and indigenous influences which are both interlocked and divided between perceptions of tradition and modernity
The status of Taiwanese culture is debated. It is disputed whether Taiwanese culture is part of Chinese culture or a distinct culture. Speaking Taiwanese as a symbol of the localization movement has become an emblem of Taiwanese identity.
Dining
Three- Cup Chicken (San Bei Ji)
It is a typical homely dish in Taiwan style. One cup of soy, one cup of oil and one cup of rice wine are the basic condiments for the palatable dish. Put the chicken pieces with salt together into a stone pot and then
mix them round. Pour the three cups of flavorings into the pot and scatter some pieces of ginger and garlic. Then the pot should be put on roaring fire until the liquids are boiling. At this time, the fire can be slowed until the meat cooked and the flavoring juice dry. At last, basil (also called Jiu Ceng Ta in Chinese, is a very popular flavoring in Taiwan) is a kind of necessary seasoning. And then the dish can be served. Three-Cup Chicken tastes tough and chewy, and it goes very well with rice and alcohol.
Tan Shui - Fish Ball (Yu Wan)
Referring to fish ball, you can taste the authentic Taiwan-style balls in Tan Shui. There are hundreds of snack bars and stalls operate fish balls. The popular snack is made of shark flesh stuffed with ground meat. The first time you try it, you can bite a small hole in the ball and suck the palatable juice and stuffing from it before chewing the meat to enjoy the rough and chewy texture. A very famous snack bar for fish ball is located at 228, Chung Cheng Road, Tan Shui.
Shopping
Oil-paper Umbrella
The whole process of making an oil-paper umbrella is a handicraft. After the kraft paper is covered by tung oil, it will be rainproof, durable, and nice-looking. It is not only a necessity when it is raining, but also an artistic decoration for your room or a fine present for your friend.
Dong Ding Oolong Tea
Produced in the Dong Ding Mountain, Nanton County, Taiwan, Dong Ding Oolong Tea is a treasure in locals' eyes and very popular among tea connoisseurs. Owning to its natural flavor and a complex and elaborate processing technique, this oolong tea tastes sweet and mellow.
Seaweed Carpet
Seaweed carpet from Taiwan is not as durable as woolen carpet, but it can be purchased by ordinary families at a reasonable price. Besides functioning as a dust catcher and sound insulator, it exhibits an artistic appearance as well.
Transportation
Air
There are approximately 18 civilian airports in Taiwan, 2 of which are international airports. The other 16 are domestic airports, offering flights throughout Taiwan. Serving about 97 international air routes, it is convenient for passengers reach America, Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia and Hong Kong from Taiwan.
Subway
The subway is the most convenient mode of transportation in Taiwan. It offers passengers comfortable and safe surroundings from 06:00 to 24:00 daily. The cost ranges from NT$ 20 to NT$ 65, depending on the distance traveled.
Taxi
Taxis in Taiwan are well-marked yellow vehicles easily recognized by the traveler. Most taxis in Taiwan are equipped with a mileometer and passengers are charged an initial fee plus a surcharge for each 300 meters traveled. The initial flat rate fee is about NT$ 70 for the first 1.5 km (about 0.9 miles), then a distance surcharge of NT$ 5 per 300 meters (about 328 yards) is applied. An extra fee, equivalent to 20 percent of the total price, is applied for overnight service (from 23:00 to 06:00).