Taiwan: A Natural Choice
Because of its awe-inspiring economic dynamism, Taiwan is usually associated with work, but not play. As a matter of fact, outside of its city centers, the natural beauty of this island is stunning—it’s home to Jade Mountain (Northeast Asia’s tallest peak, at 13,000 feet), covered with forested mountains and rolling hills, and is popular with bird watchers from around the world because of the vast number of species found only here.
Below is a list, with links, for some of the natural treasures of Taiwan, courtesy of the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan.
Areas of note on the eastern shore of the island include the East Coast National Scenic Area and the tropical Tapeng Bay National Scenic Area.
To see the mountainous area that houses the reservation for aboriginal people still on the island, visit the Maoling National Scenic Area, which is also a great place for butterfly viewing.
For a taste of the many small islands off the shores of Taiwan, go to the Penghu National Scenic Area. The area boasts 64 small islands and is known as a hot spot for whale watching and scuba diving.
On the southwestern shore is the Southwest Coast National Scenic Area, home of fantastic rock formations and the Tungyin branch of the Matsu Distillery.
Yamingshan National Park in the suburbs of Taipei is famous for its volcanic landscape, Taroko National Park is known for its lofty canyon landscape, and on the southern tip of the island is Kenting National Park, which locals say is where Taiwan gets a taste of Southeast Asia.
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