Taiwan - Useful information for your trip

Taiwan, also known as the Republic of China, is a state de facto formed by a group of islands, Formosa, Pescadores, Quemoy and Matsu, but which, in its constitution, also claims China's mainland and Outer Mongolia. The official capital is Nanjing, located in the continent, however, the provisional capital is Taipei.

The Taiwanese territory can be divided into two parts: the West Plains where most of the population lives, and the mountains to the east, almost entirely covered by tropical forests. The highest mountain is the Yushan, or Jade Mountain, about 3951.798 m. The rivers are short and torrential, while as regards the environment, the forests of the Western Mountains are rich in biodiversity. The flora here is composed of several endemic species, including the Formosan cypress and Taiwan fir.

Before the economic development, Taiwan was also rich in endemic fauna, which included the swinhoii pheasant, the Taiwan blue magpie, the Formosan black bear, the Formosan sika deer and the Formosan salmon. Some of these species have become extinct, others are highly endangered.

The climate in Taiwan is generally defined Oceanic and varies widely in the north and in mountainous areas; the southern belt, however, has a tropical climate, hot and humid all year round. The rainy season lasts from May to June with almost daily precipitation. From July to October typhoons and hurricanes can occur. In the north weather is heavily cloudy almost throughout the year.

Most of the land is devoted to rice cultivation, but also corn, soybeans, sweet potatoes are grown.  Ducks and pigs are mainly bred. Fishing supplies the export market. Coal is the main mineral resource, and production of hydrocarbons is rather poor. Gold, silver, sulfur, marble, asbestos, talc and dolomite are extracted. In the Kaohsiung area there are metallurgical and steel plants, cement factories, industries of rubber and paper, while the electronics industry, IT and  telecommunications are growing.

During a stay or a holiday in Taiwan it is definitely interesting to visit the capital Taipei, with breathtaking skyscrapers but nevertheless rich in aspects related also to the tradition. Here you can visit the National Palace Museum and trace the history of China to its most remote origins, or the Long Shan Temple, wonderful example of Taiwanese architecture. Not to be missed is also Kaohsiung, where you can visit the Buddha Memorial Center, new and elegant place of worship. Finally, Tainan is also worth a visit, here are the ancient Anping Fort and Anping Tree House (so called because it is covered in vegetation) are important sightseeing attractions.