Introduction

Taiwan packs an unexpected wealth of diversity into a little space. You can drive from Keelung in the north to the Hengchun Peninsula, its southernmost tip, in a day. But during your trip you'd drive past emerald-peaked mountains, long stretches of coast, slumbering hamlets, insomniac cities, rice fields and harbors.

Slightly north of its midway point, the island of Taiwan is bisected by the Tropic of Cancer, making northern Taiwan subtropical, with hot summers and cool winters, and placing its southern reaches well within the balmy tropics.

Geologically speaking, Taiwan is a mountain range rising right out of the Pacific Ocean, formed by the slow collision of the Asian continental plate and the Philippine plate. The lofty Central Mountain Range, just under 4000 meters at its highest, dominates Taiwan, and it is this considerable range of high-altitude terrain - as much as two-thirds of the island's 14,000 square miles - that gives Taiwan its temperate montane ecosystem - a third distinct climatic zone.

Despite Taiwan's relatively small size and relatively large population, 52% of the island is covered by forest, spanning the full gamut from coniferous Alpine forests (over 3500 meters) to temperate broad-leaved forests to tropical strand forests and mangroves at sea level.

Most of the places that are great for children will be equally fun for adults. So when planning a trip around the island, don't forget to look into kid stuff.


1. Cities

(1) Kaohsiung
The largest city in southern Taiwan, Kaohsiung is the island's biggest port city, bustling with commercial energy and nightlife.

(2) Taichung
The third largest city, and the gateway to the Central Mountains, is Taichung (meaning "central Taiwan" and situated, as you might expect, in the middle of the west coast). Many people feel that it strikes the perfect balance between boisterous city life and the breezy relaxation of countryside Taiwan.

(3) Tainan
Located in between Taichung and Kaohsiung, Tainan ("south Taiwan") is the island's oldest city, and perhaps its most traditional, with a rich cultural heritage of historical sites and temples.

(4) Taoyuan
Located west of Taipei in northern Taiwan, Taoyuan is a major center of manufacturing, and home of Chiang Kai Shek International Airport.

(5) Hsinchu
Just south of Taoyuan is Hsinchu, a rustic farming area turned high-tech Mecca, with the establishment of the well-known Technology-based Industrial Park.

(6) Taitung
The major city of the southeast, Taitung has become something of a boom town in the last few years, but still keeps that sleepy, sunny feeling of the southern coast. The jumping-off point for Orchid Island, it is surrounded by pristine mountains and bright blue seas, far away from the more frantic cities.

(7) Keelung
Northern Taiwan's major port city, Keelung lies within reach of Taipei but retains a feel all its own.

(8) Hualien
Right in the middle of beautiful eastern Taiwan, Hualien is a short drive from Taroko Gorge, and very close to many different settlements of indigenous people, especially the Ami.

(9) Tamsui
The oldest port of northern Taiwan, Tamsui is now connected to Taipei by MRT. It's still got a nice harbor town aura, great seafood, and a breezy feel.

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