Taiwan
A Country to Touch Your Heart
By Sandra Scott
Do you dream of visiting China but it seems too daunting, too big, too forbidding? Not to worry! There is a China where you will immediately feel at home, a China you can explore on your own, a China that the tourist advertisements suggest will, "Touch your heart!"
 Taiwan, the Republic of China is a small island country that is a wonderful blend of green mountains and crescent beaches, high fashion boutiques and handicraft shops, ancient temples and modern water fun parks. The people will greet you with a warm smile, pleased you have chosen to visit their country.
Taiwan, about 100 miles across the Taiwan Straits from Mainland China, was known for centuries to the west as "Formosa," a name given to it by 16th Portuguese mariners who, on first sighting the island, named it "Ilha Formosa" - island beautiful.
Since the Nationalist Government moved from Mainland China to Taiwan in 1949, Taiwan has developed into a major economic power. Taiwan's success story continues, as it is one of Asia's most developed countries and the world's 14th largest trading nation.
 All travel starts in the capital city of Taipei, where dominating the skyline is Taipei 101, currently the world's tallest building according to Guinness World Book of Records. Much attention was taken during the design process to create a building that incorporated aspects of Chinese heritage. Auspicious symbols, so relevant to Taiwan's past, are an integral part of this engineering marvel. Stylized dragon heads adorn the corners, each side of the building has a large round disc recalling the ancient Chinese coin, and the building is built on eight pillars, all thought to bring good luck to the occupants.
Engineering marvels, other than the obvious structural components, include the world's two fastest elevators, pressurized for added comfort, which whiz visitors to the observation floor. They are even A 900-ton mass damper was installed on the 87th floor to counter earthquakes and typhoons. It is available for public viewing from the restaurant levels and observation deck.
 This blending of old and new is obvious throughout the city. A modern metro system is not far from Longshan Temple. The temple was originally built in 1738 in order to worship Kuanyin, the goddess of mercy. Incense fills the air as worshippers pray. Tourists are free to wander around enjoying the marvelous and colorful architecture.
The National Palace Museum glorifies five thousand years of Chinese history with exquisite pieces of artwork in ivory, bronze, and jade pieces. Taiwan celebrates the natural world at the Taipei Zoo with penguins, koalas, elephants and more.
 Taipei is a shopper's delight. The Howard Plaza with four shopping levels is just one venue offering buyers articles from world class merchants. Or, join the Taiwanese and shop in one of the many night markets such as the weekend jade and flower market. Don't miss a walk though the fascination night market in snake alley where snake wine and meals are still served.
Even though Taipei 101 is magnificent, what man creates can not compete with what nature has created. Located on Taiwan's east coast, Taroko Gorge is known for its sheer marble cliffs, deep gorges, winding tunnels and the Liwu River, which flows through its craggy landscape.
 One of the most impressive sections lies between Yantzkou and Tszmu Bridges where the road is carved into the cliff face and the sky is a narrow slit between sheer cliffs. At the Tunnel of Nine Turns the road has been closed to vehicular traffic so walkers can take a leisurely stroll, sometimes in the shadow, sometimes in the light, and gaze in wonder at the magnificent scenery. The Jueliu Precipice, which rises nearly 5,000 feet above the riverbed, rivals the Grand Canyon in size. Taroko is just one Taiwan's many national parks and designated national scenic areas.
 Even though Taiwan is a modern industrialized country it strives to preserve the ancient culture of the country's nine major aboriginal groups. Not far from Taipei is Wulai, home of Atayal people. Wander the colorful streets, shop for native handicrafts, and enjoy a show of traditional dances and rituals. Visitors are encouraged to join in the dancing.
Also in Wulai, see the gushing waterfall amidst the lush green landscape, take an exciting cable-car ride across the gorge, or a thrilling ride on the Wulai tramway linking Lansheng Bridge and the Wulai waterfall. The rail trams are light rail vehicles that were once manually operated and used to carry timber but now transport tourists.
 Wulai is just one of many locations renowned for its hot springs. Hot springs, called the tears of the earth, are recognized for their rejuvenating and therapeutic properties. The Sun Moon Hot Springs has multiple pools ranging from freezing cold to scalding hot, all with a beautiful view of the river and mountains. They cater to the day visitor and the overnight guest with luxuriously appointed rooms where visitors can chose from a variety of bathing areas designed for the clothed and unclothed, for males or female only, with indoor and outdoor pools, or even a pool in your own private room.
Take your time to explore Taiwan - the mountains, the seashore, the lakes, and the antiquities. Though small, Taiwan has much to offer in terms of recreational activities from snorkeling, surfing, boating, and river rafting to hiking and mountain climbing. Those looking for heart-stopping adventures can para-sailing and hang-glide.
Taiwan has hotels to fit every budget, from opulent international-quality hotels like the Howard Plaza in Taipei and the Parkview in Hualien, to staying with the monks in Fokuangshan Monastery.
Travelers looking for an Asian adventure with variety should visit Taiwan where there is much to discover. It is a place where you will instantly feel at home, a place where Americans are remembered fondly for their support and aid during the Cold War days. Bruce Liu, director of Taiwan tourism, put is so nicely when he said, "We are separated by an ocean but we are connected by the heart." Taiwan will surely touch your heart.
If you go check the following first:
Tourist information: www.tbroc.gov.tw
Air connections: China Airlines, www.china-airline.com
Recommended hotels:
Howard Hotel, 7 locations in various areas of Taiwan, http://3w.howard-hotels.com.tw
Parkview Hotel in Hualien, www.parkview-hotel.com
Images by Sandra Scott | 
