The island of Taiwan is very friendly and surprisingly beautiful. For centuries it has been a sequense and exchange of cultures and traditions. Many think it is similar to cities such as Singapore or Hong Kong, and even if there are shopping centers and factories in Taiwan, it also contains many natural beauties. In this island the Chinese culture is much more present than it is in any other city in East Asia. This is one of the reasons why the culture of this beautiful island is unique and varied.
One of the most beautiful and interesting things to see for those who love culture is the National Palace Museum, which is located in Taipei. Here you can discover the history of ancient China from the Neolithic Age up to the Qing Dynasty as this museum is full of artifacts and many fine works of Chinese art. Once in Taipei, you can not miss a visit to the Long Shan Temple, which is a fantastic example of Taiwanese art. Upon entering you will be surrounded by the smell of incense, the colors and the unimaginable serenity. To relax you can reach Beitou, a small town of the city surrounded by greenery with hot sulphurous waters where you will find a relaxing bath.
Another beautiful place to see is Kaohsiung and the Buddha Memorial Centre. It is a very elegant place of worship, something that you would not expect to find in an industrial city like this. From here you can visit the night market, very characteristic, where you will find people who roast grilled shrimp. On the outskirts of Kaohsiung, a little more displaced from the center, you can take a relaxing stroll in Lian Lake. Near the lake you can visit many temples, both modern and old.
The last recommendation is Tainan. There you will find the Anping Fort, a beautiful fort surrounded by nature. Here you can learn a lot about the history of Taiwan. Although it is not very old, Anping Fort is very unique because it has been rebuilt many times. A short walk from the fort you will find the Anping Tree House, so named because it is a building covered with trees. In fact, the roots of giant banyan figs wrapped and invaded the structure of a former warehouse, which is why it has taken such a curious but apt name.
Taiwan photos by: guowen wang, swaminathan, hua lin, jerry
