A beautiful island (Taiwan) located off the coast of southeastern mainland has many very beautiful scenic spots, and also own the title of Chinese pop culture with a huge entertainment industry. If you want to know deeper inside Taiwan, you should take a look at the following information I mentioned - people, cuisine, lodging, transportation and culture.
People
Here the people are industrious and courageous. Their personal touch make the society agreeable. Most of them are the descendants of immigrants from the mainland China, but few are original inhabitants. From history, the nation which are combined together from different ethnic groups could make social conflict; however, here they all get along quite well and have a same characteristic in common: the friendly. Ready to help for others is the inherent qualities of Taiwan's nation. Don't be hesitate to ask for help if get problem. I know it will be a little difficult if the helper might not speak English. The expression of smiling & body language is always the best way to communicate.
Cuisine
Taiwan's cuisine is also highly regarded and may traces the lineage back to the southern provinces of ancient China in the early 1900s. From Guangdong, Jiangxi, Chaoshan, Shanghai, Hunan, Sichuan, and Beijing, the different influences of each provinces in China create a new Chinese cuisine style in Taiwan. Another notable influences from Japanese, and Southeast Asia countries can easily be found.
It is said that there is a snack shop every three steps and a restaurant every five steps. In fact, one of the quickest ways to experience the local flavor of Taiwan is to visit one of the island's many night markets. Each night market also has its own famous. Surrounded by the sea, seafood become the major ingredient in Taiwan night market where street vendors sell many different foods, from finger foods, drinks, sweets, to sit-down dishes. Most of night markets also have vendors selling clothes, accessories and offer all kinds of entertainment.
lodging
Divided into seven metropolitan ares, Taiwan cuts a figure as one of this planet's most diverse journey, with wooded mountains, National park, modern capital, hot-springs villages and so on. Each ares has it's own sublime combination of the East & the West.
You can lodge in the boutique hotel, enjoy the flourishing modern city and experience the convenient of the urban. However, stepping away form the city jungle, living in the log cabin, soaking in a hot spring after hiking, you also realize how beautiful the life is.
Transportation
It is very convenient for passengers to visit Taiwan from around the world; USA, Japan, Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Hong-Kong, and Europe. Taiwan have 3 International ariports, Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), Taichung Ching-Chuan-Kang Airport (RMQ), and Kaohsiung International Airport (KHH). Flighting throughout the island, Taipei Songshan Airport (TPE) and Hualien Airport are domestic airports.
The followings are the transportation you need while getting around.
- Metro
Currently, the Taipei Metro in Taipei and the Kaohsiung MRT in Kaohsiung are the only two operational rapid transit systems in Taiwan. In addition, the Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) is planning on introducing commuter services that run similar to rapid transit systems, including moving its lines underground in central Kaohsiung.
Included both the subway and light rail, Taipei Metro (MRT) is the most convenient way of transportation. With 6 lines, from 06:00 to 24:00 daily, MRT is a inexpensive way to travel through the Taipei, costed depending on the distance traveled (NT$20 to 65). RFID IC Tokens and EasyCard are usedto collect fares for day-to-day use, with the exception of group tickets and bicycle access tickets. Fares range from NT$20 to NT$65 , I strongly recommend any visitors to buy a EasyCard for the day trip.
The Kaohsiung MRT (KMRT) is made up of 2 lines with 36 stations in Kaohsiung city. The two stations, Formosa Boulevard Station and Central Park Station are ranked as the 2nd among the top 15 most beautiful subway stops in the world by BootsnALL. The fare on the KMRT system is distance-based with a starting fare of NT$20, which is good for trips within 10 km. The maximum fare on Red Line is NT$60, from Siaogang Station to Ciaotou Station. One way fare is ticketed with the RFID IC token. A RFID stored value card, the I Pass is also available. - Public Bus
The public bus offers a convenient way for passengers to visit the sights in the interior parts of the island. With tidy and clean carriages, visitors are surely impressed the quiet atmosphere and comfortable. EasyCard is also available on the bus. - Train
West line, East line and South circle line are three main railway lines in Taiwan. Book here! For detailed timetable, you can pick up the information at train station info centers, kiosks or 7-Eleven.
the Eastern : Includes both the Taitung and Beihui raiway, the line starts in Hualien and runs to Taitung when Beihui railway originates at the South Shenghu Station (Ilan Line).
the Western: Originated in Keelung and make stops in Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Changhua, Chiayi and Tainan before reaching Kaaohsiung, it is an traditional electric line (Taiwan Trunk Line). - High speed railway
From the national capital Taipei to the southern city of Kaohsiung, the high speed rail runs along the west coast of Taiwan. The system starts from 06:30 to 24:00 every day. Each train consists of 1 Business Level Car and 11 Standard Level Car. Passenger can call THSR Customer Service Hot Line at (Taiwan) 4066-3000 or contact any THSR station ticket windows to reserve seat. Book here! - Taxi
With well-marked yellow easily recognized by visitors, a large number of taxis are available in most major cities and are equipped with a milometer and passengers are charged in initial fee plus a surcharge for each 300 meters. There are few variations. The meter may not be used for out-of-town or long-distance travel; travelers are advised to confirm the charging method before getting in a taxi. Many taxi drivers can't speak English. It's a best way to write down your destination and hotel's name or address in Chinese to show the driver where you wanna go. - Car rental
It is recommended to rent a car with a driver, for those who are not familiar with the road conditions.
With international driving licenses, Cars can be rented at service counters in major airports, train stations and downtown locations. Some international hotels also provide car rental services which are convenient to visitors who need just airport pick-up or a journey of a few hours. In Taiwan, cars are driven on the right; drivers and passengers in both front and rear seats must wear seatbelts. Visitors who rent cars are advised to familiarize themselves with Taiwan's driving regulations and sometimes chaotic driving habits. - Long-distance Buses
Offering convenient service to and from the cities and outlying areas, many private transportation companies provide long-distant highway transportation services. It is also a cheap way to get to/ from Taipei. Several bus companies run the route (average fare NT125, 60 minutes) every 15 minutes from the airport to the main train station in Taipei from 4am to midnight. You can buy bus tickets in the arrival ares of both T2 T1 terminals.
When visiting Taiwan, you will be able to come in touch with all aspects of this beautiful country's multifaceted cultures. It is blend of Confucianist Han Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Spanish, and indigenous tribes, creating a varied culture and developing different local customs and traditions along the way.
Nevertheless, the most important culture in Taiwan's history is the Han Chinese who brought with the traditional customs from China and created new Chinese custom in Taiwan.
Taiwan is highly diversified in terms of religious belief, with the practiced of Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions, including ancestor worship. Confucius is a important philosophical thinking in Taiwan, advocating the practice of rituals and worship of ancestors. Taoism also made important contributions to society.