TAIWAN
Taiwan's total land area is only about 36,000 square kilometers (14,400 square miles). It is shaped like a leaf that is narrow at both ends. It lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Strait from China-- an island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. To the north lies Japan; to the south is the Philippines. Many airlines fly to Taiwan, helpfing make it the perfect travel destination.
Taiwan lies on the western edge of the Pacific "rim of fire," and continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other natural wonders. Taiwan's tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate climates provide clear differentiation between the different seasons. There are about 18,400 species of wildlife on the island, with more than 20% being to rare or endangered species. Among these are the land-locked salmon, Taiwan mountain goat, Formosan rock monkey, Formosan black bear, blue magpie, Mikado pheasant, Xueshan grass lizard, and many more.
The government has established 8 national parks and 13 national scenic areas to preserve Taiwan's best natural ecological environment and cultural sites. Take a hike in the splendor and sheer heights of the cliffs at Taroko Gorge; take a ride on the Ali Mountain (Alishan) Forest Railway and experience the breathtaking sunrise and sea of clouds; hike up to the summit of Northeast Asia's highest peak, Yu Mountain (Yushan) . You can also soak up the sun in Kending (Kenting), Asia's version of Hawaii; stand at the edge of Sun Moon Lake; traipse through the East Rift Valley; or visit the offshore islands of Kinmen and Penghu. It's fun in capital letters as well as an awesome journey of natural discovery!
TAIPEI
The cultural kaleidoscope of Taiwan's capital city pulses wherever you go. Incense-veiled temples dating back to dynastic times blend seamlessly with a neon street life of a decidedly more modern era. Taipei has dozens of world-class restaurants where gourmets can sample the best regional Chinese cuisines; and for the gourmand, there are plenty of night markets serving up scrumptious evening snacks in an environment of chaotic excitement and fun.
The polarities of Taipei are vividly present with the joining of the urban and natural worlds. Just a few minutes away from the heart of the city you can soak away the cares of the world in mineral-rich hot springs nestled in the lush mountain foothills ringing the Taipei Basin. And throughout the city there are plenty of trails, parks, and other oases of tranquility to lift and invigorate your spirits.
Whether you are just stopping over en route to another Asian destination, or planning a longer stay, Taipei is a multi-faceted treasure that will call you back again and again.
Discover the heart of Asia in beautiful Taipei!
Source: http://www.taipeitravel.net/
For further information please go to Taipei travel.net.
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General Information
Climate
Taiwan has a humid subtropical climate, with long hot summers and moderate winters. In March, the temperature is around 18-22℃ in Taipei. The climate is turning hot and has afternoon showers. Delegates are recommended to bring umbrella.
Time zone
Taipei and all Taiwan is +8 hours from Greenwich Mean Tim (GMT). It is + 13 from Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the eastern US and Canada, +12 during EST daylight saving time.
Language
Standard Chinese (Mandarin) is the only official language in Taiwan. However, Taiwanese is spoken by about 70% of the population of Taiwan. Taiwanese, a variant of Hokkien spoken in Taiwan, is often seen as a dialect within a larger Chinese language. In addition, members of the Hakka Chinese subgroup often speak the Hakka language. The Formosan languages are the ethnic languages of the aboriginal tribes of Taiwan, comprising about 2% of the island's population. English is a common foreign language of Taiwan. English is compulsory in students' curriculum once they enter elementary school.
Religion
Taiwan is highly diversified in terms of religious faith, with the practices of Buddhism, Taoism, Christianity, Mormonism, the Unification Church, Islam, and Hinduism, as well as native sects such as Yiguandao and others. The country not only respects traditional faiths but also opens its arms to other types of religious thought from the outside.For the most part, the traditional religions practiced in Taiwan are Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions; except for a small number of purely Buddhist temples, however, most of the island's traditional places of worship combine all three traditions.
Electricity
Taiwan uses electric current of 110 volts at 60 cycles, appliances from Europe, Australia or South-East Asia will need an adaptor or transformer. Many buildings have sockets with 220 volts especially for the use of air conditioners.
Money
The Taiwanese currency is the New Taiwan Dollar, written as NT$. Now the exchange rate is about NT$30 to US$1. Major foreign currencies can be easily exchanged for NT$ at major local and foreign banks, international tourist hotels and the international airports. Traveler’s checks are widely accepted at most hotels, foreign tourist-oriented restaurants and souvenir shops, major department stores, and local branches of the issuing banks. Major credit cards such as American Express, Visa, MasterCard are accepted at almost all urban establishment.
Tipping
Except for bellhops and service personnel in International Hotels, tipping in Taiwan is generally not expected. For restaurants, if there is a tip to be taken, they will just add 10-15% “service fee” to your check. It is not necessary to tip Cabbies. But it is appreciated if the balance is not too much and you tell them to keep the change.
Helpful Phone Numbers
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English Speaking Police
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+886-2-2555-4275 or
+886-2-2556-6007
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Emergencies/Fire Department
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119
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Police
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110
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English Speaking Directory Assistance
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106
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English Speaking Telephone Operator (local)
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+886-2-2311-6796
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International Operator Assistance
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100
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Taxi Service
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+886-2-2301-4567 or
+886-2-2746-9988
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