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.
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.
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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
Remote Lands
Choose somewhere you’d like to visit, something you’re interested in, and when you’re planning to travel and we’ll suggest sample itineraries to inspire your bespoke journey.
Multi-Country Specialists
Chang Dai-chien was one of Asia's greatest artists, and his peculiar life is on display in the outskirts of Taipei.
Read MoreEvery year in the winter and again in the early spring a few million butterflies migrate from northern and central Taiwan to the south.
Read MoreTaiwan's East Coast is known for its temperate climate and laid-back culture – all best experienced from the open road.
Read MoreAlong 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.
Read MoreJordan 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.
Read MoreTiananmen Square and Chiang Kai-shek's Memorial – two very different monuments, two very different dictators, and a divergent history that maintains much in common.
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