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Taiwan

In the 16th century, Taiwan was christened Ilha Formosa, the “beautiful island,” by Portuguese sailors, the first Westerners to encounter this lush gem situated about 100 miles off the coast of mainland China, roughly half way between Shanghai and Hong Kong. Subsequently it was ruled by the Spanish, the Dutch, China’s Qing Dynasty, and the Japanese before their defeat in World War II.

Today, Taiwan’s small size belies its economic strength; this island of about 23 million people is one of the world’s financial powerhouses, home to some of the most popular brands of electronics, vehicles and other consumer products. Its political status, though, remains murky – there is ongoing debate in the United Nations as to whether Taiwan should be recognized as an independent republic or a territory of the People’s Republic of China. The U.S. is a main ally, along with Israel and 22 other nations (plus the Vatican) who view it as independent.

A tropical and largely mountainous island, Taiwan offers terrific activities for outdoors enthusiasts, especially in dramatically beautiful national parks like Taroko.

Classic Taiwan starting at $4,100 per person

Taiwan Regions

MAJOR AREAS

ALISHAN NATIONAL PARK

ISLANDS OF TAIWAN

KAOHSIUNG

KENTING NATIONAL PARK

Top Taiwan Interests

PREFERRED HOTEL

Mandarin Oriental, Taipei

The utterly stunning Mandarin Oriental Taipei stands shining over Dun Hua North Road in central Taipei. Just a short distance from both Songshan Airport Station and from Nanjing East Road MRT station, this architectural marvel is within easy reach of the city and all its delights. Nearby attractions certain to interest guests include Taipei Arena, Taipei Fine Art Museum, a number of beautiful riverside parks and the city’s shopping district with Taipei 101. Within the hotel are a range of opulent rooms and suites to suit all tastes, sumptuously decorated and well equipped for comfort and luxury. Guests can choose between three formal restaurants serving a range of cuisines from around the world, while the hotel’s bar and cake shop serve delightful little treats. What’s more, the pool, spa and lounge encourage guests to relax and unwind, while the fitness center is perfect for invigorating workouts.

Villa 32

An ultra-luxurious Japanese onsen-style boutique resort in Taipei's Beitou district, Villa 32 sets new standards in luxury and comfort for Taiwan. A truly intimate resort with just 5 suites, all coming with Bang & Olufsen stereos, Hermes cutlery, Boffi bathing facilities, and skincare products by L'Occitane and Dermalogica, each suite has its own hot spring fed by underground geothermal springs. The restaurant offers superb fine dining with an exquisite Italian menu cooked up by Chef Jimmy, accompanied by one of the city's finest wine lists.

W Hotel

Fans of contemporary design will enjoy the refreshing W Taipei hotel with its unique city chic style. The hotel is set in the central Xinyi District, directly above Uni-Hanku Department Store and within walking distance from the City Hall MRT Station and the iconic Taipei 101 Building. The hotel’s signature facilities range from the stylish WET® outdoor swimming pool, indulgent treatments at AWAY® Spa, modern equipment, iPod docks, a yoga room and personal trainers at SWEAT® and the cool after hours Woobar Night Club. The individually styled rooms provide wide vistas of the vibrant capital city and the local mountain range. The colorful guestrooms feature large and comfortable beds, roomy bathrooms complete with bathtub and Bliss Spa® toiletries, state of the art BOSE audio systems and flat screen TVs. The in-house restaurant, YEN, popular with Taiwanese celebrities, plates up contemporary Chinese cuisine, there is also an international buffet and tasty cocktails, wine and beer at the pool-side bar.

Silks Place

This large, sleek, contemporary Chinese style hotel offers sweeping vistas of Taroko Gorge and its surrounding mountainside. The hotel has many five-star well-being facilities including an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa, sauna and gym with fitness classes. The hotel’s deluxe rooms are well-furnished with modern amenities and private balconies overlooking either the nearby mountains or the river below. Diners may enjoy Chinese or international dishes al-fresco amongst the rugged gorge edges, or inside in the elegant restaurant with two private rooms. In the evenings, guests can indulge in a few after dinner drinks and star gazing at the Fire Place bar -complete with stylish outdoor heaters.

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TRAVELOGUES

The Subtle Butterfly Migrations of Taiwan

Author : Juanita Pienaar

Every year in the winter and again in the early spring a few million butterflies migrate from northern and central Taiwan to the south.

Dozen Dream Destination: East Coast of Taiwan for the Road Trip

Author : Travelogues

Taiwan's East Coast is known for its temperate climate and laid-back culture – all best experienced from the open road.

Searching for the Formosan Black Bears of Taiwan’s Yushan National Park

Author : John McMahon

Along one of Yushan's most popular hiking routes, travelers will find evidence of one of Taiwan's largest mammal species: the rare Formosan black bear.

Instagram Taipei: Shooting Taiwan’s Capital

Author : Jordan Hammond

Jordan Hammond takes his camera to Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, for a look into the motorbike waterfall, low-flying planes, and the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall.

Politics Squared: A Look at Tiananmen Square and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial

Author : Jeremiah Jenne

Tiananmen Square and Chiang Kai-shek's Memorial – two very different monuments, two very different dictators, and a divergent history that maintains much in common.