About Taiwan

Taiwan is a modern industrialized megalopolis with the heritance of an ancient culture; a number of beautiful cities at the feet of a glorious mountain range. It has traditional noodles, aboriginal tribes and a day of temple rituals followed by waterslide rides.

If you step outside chaotic Taipei you'll discover why Taiwan is known as Ilha Formosa, 'the beautiful island'. Mountain peaks puncture a sea of clouds, slick black volcanic rock wraps the coastlines and waterfalls hide themselves in mist.

It is Taiwan's history with China that has caused the most friction and heartache for the Taiwanese. The continuing fights between the People's Republic of China on the mainland and the Democratic Progressive Party in Taiwan often seem like a civil war. However one that has not developed yet into a war. Mainland China insists on the truth of 'one China' while Taiwan has managed to agree, in principle, to one China, but acting in practice, like an independent republic.