Taiwan, or officially The Republic of Taiwan, is in addition recognized historically as Formosa, from your Portuguese words “Ilha Formosa” – Pleasurable Tropical isle, the very first words that said to have come out on the otherwise speechless Portuguese navigators upon laying their thinking about sights within the isle. And appropriately so, for the name stuck for centuries to come and until now, quite a few sentimental souls still insist on addressing this gorgeous tropical isle as Formosa.

Having a acreage of 35,980 sq. km., geographical eccentricities awash the terrain of this sweet potato-shaped isle gem. Through the lush and flourishing verdant mountains of Wulai, the scenic ruggedness of Taroko Gorge, the dramatic basalt cliffs of Penghu, for the Taian Hot Springs, Taiwan is fast gaining a reputation as one of the most diverse nature travelling destinations in Asia. The Taiwanese culture can be a sweet brew of Asian mainland and archipelagic ethnic mores and traditions, being at a strategic economic and cultural crossroads between the two. It contains the Chinese culture at its core, attributable to the Taiwanese ethnical origins from the Chinese mainland, with a nourishing spicing of Japanese, Malayan Austronesian and Western cultural influences.

It has been seen that the surging economic increase of Taiwan for the last thirty years or so is nothing else short of a miracle, and indeed it truly is amicably dubbed as “The Taiwan Miracle”, an enduring testament with the Taiwanese patriotic resilience and tenacity. But seeing them up close, the Taiwanese people are affable, warm and cheerful. As a matter of fact, they’re a few of the nicest persons internationally. They’re so packed with renqing wei, translated roughly as “personal affection,” that a first-time visitor would never really feel any bit someone unfamiliar upon arrival, during his stay and definitely upon leaving this beautiful isle state.

As a gem in the China Seas, Taiwan is famous for an unique beauty merging ancient and modern, East and West. From the bustling commercial center of Taipei to the cascading volcanic mountains of Yushan National Park, all offer the world travelers wonderful experiences. That is also the reason why Portuguese explorers named this island ‘Ilha Formosa’, or the beautiful island.

Officially known as the Republic of China (R.O.C.), Taiwan should not be confused with the People’s Republic of China, which refers to mainland China. Within the past 200 years the island has been ruled by the Dutch, become part of Japan, has been “returned” to China and is currently striving to become an internationally recognized sovereign nation. Taiwan’s tumultuous and fascinating history of the Aboriginal, Taiwanese and Chinese people is revealed through the many cultural festivals held throughout the year. Travel to the island in February for the Taiwan Lantern Festival or in June to watch the world-famous Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat Festival.

One of Taiwan’s most prominent cultural symbols is Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building, measuring 508 meters and 101 floors. Finished in 2003, the tower signifies Taiwan’s substantial economic growth from the periphery of the global economy to become one of the four Asian Tigers, as well as the government’s dedication to a democratic society separate from that of China. Tainan, the oldest and fourth largest city on the island, offers a more authentic and less commercialized window into Taiwanese culture. Temples and Memorial Arches define this city where the Ching Dynasty once prayed to the God of War.

Exploration of the thriving urban centers is only one of many ways to get in touch with Taiwan. The rugged topography of Taiwan is adorned with magnificent peaks, lush valleys and dramatic waterfalls. Yushan National Park is home to the island’s tallest peak, Jade Mountain, which towers at 2,610 meters. Hike to the summit and take the more technical route down or simply enjoy the breathtaking view from the Tatachia Visitor Center, accessible directly from the new Central Cross-Island Highway. From Jade Mountain, descend deep into Taroko Gorge on Taiwan’s rocky and secluded east coast. This 12-mile-long canyon is home to the natural open-air Wenshan hot springs and the Atayal people, one of Taiwan’s remaining aboriginal tribes. The rocky cliffs at the canyon’s end are a starting point for those who wish to travel farther into Taiwan’s history.

The surrounding Pacific Ocean is sprinkled with beautiful green islands that have unique native histories and are mostly accessible by plane or ferry. Most of the pristine and dramatic destinations are protected by Taiwan’s National Park Department, which offers an array of lodging and guiding services and has proven to be a well-organized resource for the outdoor sightseer.Travelling to Taiwan is a wonderful experience. There always are interesting and strange things for every traveler. Moreover, Taiwan’s thriving society is surely to bring travelers more facilities so that they can enjoy their trip in the best way.