Taiwan Vacations

As part of the expanding outreach efforts to China, the government of Taiwan (Republic of China) is in talks with the Chinese government regarding a bridge that would link Kinmen Island. Currently, the Island is considered part of Taiwan but is located just off the shore from Xiamen, a Chinese City with links to the Island. Chinese President Ma expressed support for the idea and it appears to be moving forward through the government.

While informal and diplomatic ties have grown stronger between the two nations, this would mark one of the most direct linkages yet between their geography. The increasing number of flights and cultural exchanges has yet to be marked with direct geographical exchange, although the Kinmen Bridge may represent a watershed in Chinese geopolitical progress. Kinmen Island represents a flash point in regional millitary history, as it remained one of the closest remnants of the Chinese Islands that remained under control of the KMT.

As part of thawing relations between the two countries, Taiwan and China have increased travel across the Straights. A growing number of flights have taken mainland passengers to the Island, including daily flights from a growing number of provinces. This year’s Chinese New Year brought over 10,000 visitors to the Island, and marked a new high in exchange travel in recent years.

During the celebrations an official delegation from China’s Travel Bureau visited the island. The diplomatic interactions mark a new high point in cultural exchange in recent years. The Bureau also opened up travel across the Straights for 17 additional provinces, drawing thousands of tourists and travelers eager to visit friends, family and sites on the Island.

Additional signs of warming relations include the exchange of Chinese Imperial art between museums across the Straits. According to reports, the head of Taiwan’s National Museum will visit Beijing for talks about lending pieces to mainland Museums. Many of China’s most ancient art pieces are held in Taiwan and the exchange would allow the highest level of art exchange since the 1949 Civil War that cut off formal ties between the two arts communities. At the same time, commerce is continuing to flow between the countries, with postal service and communications now flowing freely across the Straits.

Celebrating cultural and national events is a core part of the rhythms of life in Taiwan. With a culture that borrows native as well as Chinese elements, Holidays in Taiwan begin with Founding Day, which marks the origin of the Republic of China (Taiwan’s foundation name) on the 1st of January in 1912. The revolution that created the Island’s national identity plays a crucial role in its cultural and political life, although recent liberalizations have opened up Taiwan to a larger world of influences.

In February, the citizens of the Island remember the 228 incident when the KMT (Kuomintang) government suppressed riots against the government. After joint governance with Japan, the United Nations accorded control to the KMT. Years later, the government recognized the incident with several memorials and a Peace Memorial Day which aims to remember the series of events that shaped early governance in Taiwan. Every February 28, Memorials are held throughout the island.

On March 12, the Island remembers the passing of Sun Yat-sen, one of the political founders of the Republic of China and the Kuomintang. A primary figure in Taiwanese political history, he developed a national sovereign philosophy known as the Principles of the People, which influences domestic and foreign policies to this day. On November 12, Cultural Renaissance day celebrates his birthday as a turning point in cultural history.

Owing to the military history, the Island commemorates its military with Armed Forces day on September 3, and then honors the cultural influences on Confucius on Teacher’s Day on September 28. On October 25, the Island celebrates its independence from Japan on Taiwan Retrocession Day, which is a time to celebrate independence and celebrate its democratic freedoms. The December 25 Constitution Day marks the birth of the modern democracy.

This week, locals and foreign dignitaries celebrated the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival with a pledge to world peace. Various gatherings throughout the country were meant to foster cultural exchange at all levels. A major gathering at Tai Ji Men Qigong, a leading University, hosted regional ambassadors and scholars in an exchange. With guests from throughout Europe, Africa and Asia, the event showed the global reach of Taiwan’s community.

As part of the celebration, the tradition of floating lanterns came to bear as thousands of lanterns lit up the sky. According to local legend, the lanterns would deliver wishes to heaven, which would help foster luck and well wishes to those who participate in the festival. A byproduct of the Fujian Province in Japan, the event has become a core part of Taipei identity, drawing nearly every member of the community into its celebration. One of the largest festivals in the world, the event is followed on a global basis, from China to Europe.

Each of the lanterns represents a different personal aspiration, ranging from good health to success in various parts of life. The festival has also come to be a family tradition, representing the kindling of new generations and success to young families in their quest. With a theme of world enlightenment this year, the Festival comes at a crucial juncture for international policy, on both economic and cultural fronts.

The close ties between the US and Taiwan are shifting on an indirect linkage to China. While the US was once seen as a protector of Taiwan against an increasingly aggressive foreign policy of China, the island nation is re-assessing its relationship with the mainland. The shift in diplomacy is related to the recognition that China is rapidly becoming the dominant economic and military power in Asia, along with India, and has expanded its capabilities beyond that of the democratic Island off its shores. While the potential for conflict still remains, travelers will find a much more open, liberalized China policy in Taiwan, where mainland travelers now come and go with relative ease.

Secretary of State Clinton has begun to open up relations with China to evaluate economic, military and cultural interactions between the two countries. While military leaders stress that the US must be able to protect Taiwan, the threat of conflict is much lower than it has been in recent years. With the growing economic ties between the countries, talks have largely focused on establishing a cultural and economic equilibrium in trade that will be mutually beneficial. In this context, Taiwan represents a political more than a military question, and travelers should feel safe on the Island.

While the US still supports the island with military technology, Defense Secretary Gates has opened up a strategic dialogue with China to ward off any potential conflicts. The US still maintains an active presence in the region, including the USS Washington, a nuclear-capable carrier with over 60 aircraft, as well as strong ties to neighboring Japan and India.

Visitors to Taipei will see a vibrant business and arts culture which celebrates both ancient and modern Taiwan. At the heart of the city, the International Financial District anchors modern Taiwan, with an appearance mirroring the bamboo which symbolizes traditional culture. Rising over 100 floors and 500 meters, the building speaks of the growth of capitalism and finance on the Island and speaks to the unique relationship with mainland China.

Among the cultural landmarks in the city are the Sun Yat-Sen and Chiang Kai-Shek Memorials which honors the National Democracy movement and reflect the history of the Island at a crossroads. These Halls provide an important communal gathering center and traditional community center for residents. Other National landmarks including Taiwan University which provides a complete campus for interaction between scholars and students, as well as some of the finest culinary and arts exhibits of traditional Taiwanese culture. The National Theater and Concert Halls also reflect this culture, with modern neoclassical Chinese designs and year round performances by local groups.

Fans of the arts can find a wealth of modern and ancient art at institutions such as the National Palace and the Hua Shan Cultural Center, which provides first class exhibits and facilities. The Taipei Fine Arts museum showcases local talent as well as rotating international exhibits. The local Contemporary Arts center showcases interpretive designs and arts from many of the areas Artist Villas where, local artists collaborate on visual works. A variety of Botanical Gardens, parks and heritage temples round out a vibrant cultural life that makes Taipei second to none among international arts.

A mountainous area near Taipei, the National Park features Mount Qixing, which extends over 1100 meters above the city. As a natural park, the area can make for difficult hiking, with its steep climbs and rock layers. Many locals are known for climb the mountains regularly to experience their native country in a new way, seeing the natural vegetation, rain forest and wild life up close.

To get to the National Park, most travelers take the bus line from Taipei Railway Station, which travels to the park every ten minutes via Route 260. From Jiantan Station, you can take the Red 5 Bus every 15 minutes and every half hour from the Beitou 230 Bus. If you travel directly from downtown Main Station in Taipei, the bus ride will take over a half hour and has a fare, although admission into the park is free.

Within the park, you can take a variety of official hoking trails which will show the blossoming Azaleas in the spring, as well as natural grasslands and panoramic views from the peaks, which provide spectacular views of the city in the evening. Several hiking trails run through the park including Tianmu trail, which features a historic setting and several steep stairways, as well as Lengshuikeng, Jinbaoli and Erzhiping Trails, which feature recreational areas and accessible walkways. For adventurous travelers, you can try a direct climb on Mount Qixing or enjoy the hot spring resorts throughout the park. A number of local resorts and restaurants cater to travelers who want an authentic Taiwanese experience.

As the largest lake on the Island, Sun Moon Lake is located in the city of Yuchih in Nantou province. Covering just over 3 square miles and measuring nearly 90 feet deep, the area is one of the most scenic, and most visited, tourist destinations in all of Taiwan. As home to the indigenous Thao people, Sun Moon remains a beautiful natural destination that is much revered by environmentalists.

Identified in early European literature by missionaries, the Lake has played an important role in the history of the Island. Referred to as Jade Island by the Japanese, the Lake has undergone a number of name changes, including a shift to the “Glorious China Lake” by Chiang Kai-Shek’s Nationalists.

The lake has also played a functional role by powering hydroelectric plans and providing energy to the nearby community. Largely undisturbed, visitors enjoy an Autumn Festival, complete with shows, concerts and fireworks each year. Throughout the varied history of the Island, the Lake has remained a core area for natural enjoyment by visitors and locals alike.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of official tours and cultural celebrations on the Island, as well as learning about the history and natural beauty of the area. A center for scientific research as well, Sun Moon is well protected by the local and federal government and kept in pristine shape. Official tours include Yachting, Fishing, Cycling, Hiking and Ecological Tours. Local restaurants celebrate the best of Taiwanese cuisine, combining ancient traditions with modern culinary trends. Several area hotels provide excellent service and are known for their hospitality.

As the largest airport on the island, Taiwan Taoyuan International serves flights from the Chinese mainland, as well as regional flights.

With two complete terminal, the airport serves thousands of international visitors each day, and provides hubs to major regional airlines including China Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mandarin Airlines, Vietnam Air and Thai Airways International. In 2000, the airport opened a second termainl which provides additional flights in the region, serving airlines such as EVA Air, Japan Airlines and Northwest. The second terminal is known for providing direct international flights as well as its modern design, which is based on the terminal at Dulles International.

With the growth of International trade, the airport has become a major cargo hub, drawing imports and exports from Europe, the Middle East, the United States and the Chinese Mainline. Major carriers include China Air, FedeEx and DHL, which facilitate the growth of the export business in Taiwan.

For global travelers, access to the city is available through bus transport and through high speed rail, as well as car rentals. Business travelers can find shuttles to major hotels, as well as personal drivers to take them directly to business meetings. Some travelers may opt for secondary airports such as Kaohsiung International or Taipei Songshan, although Taoyuan remains the largest terminal in terms of volume.

Located in the heart of Taipei, the Grand Formsa Regent Hotel is operated with worth class hospitality by the Four Seasons. While most of the modern Taipei business district is fully developed and offers complete modern amenities, the hotel is known for its seamless combination of modern design and traditional decor. Within walking distance of the major arts and business district in the city, guests enjoy full services and amenities of a world class hotel room.

The technology in each of the rooms is top notch, featuring Wellspring luxury beds, marble floored private bathrooms, 24 hour room service and state of the art TV, Internet and phone access. The rooms, therefore, offer complete services for vacationers and business travelers alike, with all of the features one needs to get the most out of their trip to Taiwan.

Outside of the rooms, the Hotel is known for its world class service and amenities, including an in-resort spa and fitness center. The hotel also includes its own series of fusion restaurants and catering facilities, allowing you to host parties, events and business meetings for large groups. Situated in proximity to the city’s main airport and commercial districts, visitors can easily navigate Taiwan for all of their travel needs.