| Taiwan was first known to the West as Ilha Formosa, or Beautiful Island. We have more than 200 mountains, our unique geology and topography have created countless arresting landscapes and alluring coastal scenes. Geographically, Taiwan is situated at the point where the Asian continental shelf meets the vast Pacific Ocean, providing it with an unparalleled ecological diversity and a huge number of plant and animal species concentrated in a relatively small place—perfect for ecotourism. Taiwan has world-class natural landscapes such as the awesome Taroko Gorge; its National Palace Museum is listed as one of the five top museums in the world; it has the world’s tallest certified building in Taipei 101; and it has the highest mountain in Northeast Asia, Yushan or Jade Mountain. We also have 24-hour bookstores and convenience shops, and bustling night markets—all of which imprint indelible memories in the minds of visitors. |
