Tourist Attractions & Monuments Taiwan

Founded by the Japanese in 1906, it constitutes a centre for the preservation of the exotic flora, comprising both native plants and species imported by the occupant. The botanical garden now contains more than 1 200 species. From the Visitor's Center to Tanzihwan, paved roads go round the area, in the forest or along the coast. More steep roads lead to a 100 m long tunnel tunnel, the Fées cave, or other deep gorges. In addition to this, the chaotic tropical forest of old trees with impressive foothills roots is added.

This small museum accounts for nearly fifty years of mining, through everyday objects of minors, but also for extraction demonstrations. Less interesting than the mining facilities of Jinguashi, but is worth a detour if you go no further than Chiufen.

Right in front of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial is the newest fashionable attraction in Taipei. Founded in 1937 by the Japanese colonial government, this former tobacco company, which is still being renovated today, has been transformed into an exhibition centre, with numerous shops, artist galleries, cafés, and a small design museum (free entrance). The place is very successful, and offers an interesting leap into the past: almost all the structures of the factory have been preserved and refurbished. Numerous events are regularly organized there.

At weekends, stands are set up in the small park for craftsmen who come to offer their products. An initiative of the Taipei Municipality to promote the talents of those who, during the rest of the week, have a diverse but talented professional activity. And we can only congratulate her. Just next door, on reaching Zhongshan Road, you will notice the impressive (and very successful) structure of the future stadium that will host the upcoming sports competitions in the capital. If it is ever completed, its construction having been marked by a multitude of irregularities and local political problems. But its structure is already there, and it's beautiful. So the whole neighbourhood is changing and becoming fashionable, with cafés and shops opening one after the other in the small streets nearby.

The hot springs of Beitou remain one of the most authentic experiences in Taipei. In the open air, they include 6 basins, kept at different temperatures. But before you can enter, you must first wash yourself with the buckets of water provided for this purpose. Given the success they are enjoying, you sometimes have to wait for the little Japanese style entrance on weekends and in the summer, but it's worth it. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit!

The Lac de la Pureté is surrounded by a 7 km marked path that allows you to walk along the city's sumptuous golf course, a few residential areas where time seems to have stood still and admire beautiful panaromas. Around the lake, the Chengching Youth Activity Centre offers accommodation and activities. An oceanographic museum is also open along the south bank. Chunghsing Pagoda is surrounded by islands and bridges. The walk is very pleasant, even if the weekend crowds can be dense.

The "New Park" was inaugurated in 1907 and renamed Peace Park in 1996, in memory of the Taiwanese who died during the February 28, 1947 demonstration against the KMT. A memorial reconciles Taiwan with its past by acknowledging acts of terror committed under martial law. Opposite the park, a neighbourhood store open on Heng Yang Road (No. 2) produces a very good plum juice, a popular drink in Taiwan, very thirst-quenching during hot weather.

On the lake float bridges, pagodas and pavilions in bright colours. The ensemble surprises by its excessiveness and takes on the appearance of legendary sets in the evening. The Temple of Confucius in the north is the largest in Taiwan. Another temple, the Spring and Autumn Pavilion, is dedicated to Guanyin. The Tiger and Dragon Pagodas are reached by crossing the Nine Corners Bridge and entering the statues representing a tiger and a dragon. It is around the lake that the Moon Festival (September/October) is in full swing, with beautiful fireworks.

The Taiwanese call it more Liyu Tan, it is one of the largest natural lakes on the island. Bordered by exotic crops and surrounded by hills, the Lac des Carpes is a place of entertainment that can easily occupy half a day. Possibility to go boating to observe the fish or to walk along the trail around the lake. In recent years, several restaurants have opened on the western shores of the lake, disfiguring the idyllic landscape in the process. On the other hand, nature is rather well preserved.

Just after the entrance to the park, this valley formed by the Zhuokou River owes its name to the countless purple butterflies that spend the winter there. But these lepidoptera are not the only attractions of this nature reserve. Hiking trails that wind through the mountains, thick forests, waterfalls at the bend of a path... This is undoubtedly one of the best preserved areas to discover the wilderness of Taiwan. Count at least two days on site.

On the right after the entrance to the park, this waterfall (one of the many in the region) is of great beauty, in a natural setting, which young couples in the area love. Continuing the road to Dona, the Snake Head and Dragon Head Mountains are curiosities that are the pride of the inhabitants of the valleys in the area (although they are more mounds than mountains), as is the Dona suspension bridge.

About 1 hour east of Pingtung, the Aboriginal Community Cultural Park offers a glimpse into the lives of Taiwan's native tribes. The sixteen tribes of the archipelago are all represented, with their customs and crafts (all with explanations in Chinese and English): a good opportunity to discover their traditional habitat and way of life. Traditional dance and music shows are regularly organized.

The island north of Baisha is north of Penghu. Baisha means white sand and the least we can say is that this island is aptly named. All along the north coast, a long and beautiful beach is the ideal place to sunbathe and enjoy the sea. A few hours will be enough to ride around the island by bike, which can be a nice ride, discovering the small traditional villages and their fishing port, where you can enjoy seafood and grilled fish.

Here is a geological curiosity of Penghu (on the island of Jishan, one kilometre from the port of Beiliao) which is not without interest, these gigantic columns which form a homogeneous whole have been carved by the wind, the rain and the sea. It is a famous place for migratory bird watching, with many species stopping here. The island of Dinggouyu also offers superb natural basalt landscapes. Most hotels can arrange a boat to take you there. It is also possible to negotiate transport with local fishermen.

By taking Highway 200 from Hengchun, you will soon arrive at Chuhuo, which marks entry into the national park. The road is then littered with wonderful landscapes, including the waterfall of Chikung, about five kilometres further, turning on the left. The particularity of Chuhuo lies in its natural gas leaks on the surface, with eternal flames that arise in the middle of sand and rocks. The effect is spectacular, except in summer, when the rain sometimes causes small mudslides that obstruct the openings temporarily.

The other two main islands, Beigan and Dongyin, also have a tourist information centre.

Provides useful information on Dongyin, as well as on the other islands of the Mazu archipelago.

You will reach these open-air springs only after climbing up and down 408 steps and crossing a movable bridge over the gorge. The path, although short, is not recommended for children and the elderly. This exceptional site, clinging to the Tasha River, consists of a small platform dug into the mountain and four basins ranging from warm to hot. Rich in carbon dioxide, these waters are very popular for the well-being they provide but also - and above all - for the view they offer of the immensity of the gorges.

Situated on the opposite side of the Swallow Cave, the bridge leading to it is the best viewpoint to observe the gorge where the Yindianren rock can be admired. Yindianren meansIndian, and it is true that this rocky outgrowth formed by erosion bears an uncanny resemblance to the profile of a great American Indian chief. You won't be alone if you visit the park on a weekend day as it is one of the most famous sites in the park.

The Hsitou Bamboo Forest is one of three experimental forests in Taiwan - the other two being in Hueisun (惠蓀) and Alishan (阿里山). It is by far the most impressive of the island, producing 40% of the national reserve. The National Taiwan University, in charge of the project, grows one million shoots there every year. It is possible to walk around the site, one of the most used paths (only 1.5 km) leads to the sacred tree, then to the university pond which can be crossed by a bridge, made of bamboo of course.

An impressive 51 ha complex with brand new facilities including a water park and a marine zoo with dolphins and sea lions, all built according to ecological principles and (supposedly) respectful of animal welfare. Dressage shows are organized every day and musical comedies are used to raise children's awareness of ocean preservation. Some hotels can arrange the tour for you.