Travel to Taiwan

Peitou Hot Spring Museum

In 1913, the Taipei State Government (Japanese era name for Taipei) built the Peitou Hot Spring Public Baths to honor what was claimed to be the largest hot spring baths in all of East Asia. In 1997, the Public Baths became the Peitou Hot Spring Museum. Eleven large exhibition rooms are full of documents, pictures, and items describing the history and culture of Peitou. Volcanic smells from the hot spring encompass this Peitou stone structure, and the British influence on style is strong. You can virtually see, touch, smell, hear and feel the history. Admission is free.

Lovers' Day

Ironically, the Chinese equivalent of St. Valentine's Day falls during Ghost Month. The tradition for Lovers' Day, or 'Ching Ren Jie' in Mandarin, has been to go out for the evening with your lover and recently, to give small gifts of flowers, or candies. Almost all decent restaurants, pubs, discos, and theatres are packed on this night, so reservations for are definitely required. Also, many places have 'special' menu prices, and they are not any cheaper than usual! Later in the evening, the parks are totally packed with young lovers trying to find a little peace and quiet among the hundreds of other couples. Lovers' Day always falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month.

Farmer's Day

According to ancient tradition, the first day of spring falls in the first month of the lunar calendar. Wise lawmakers in the Chungking government recognized how important the change in seasons is to a largely agrarian society, and they issued a decree in 1941 creating an official commemorative holiday recognizing the efforts of farmers. Nowadays, spring rites are celebrated on February 4, largely outside Taipei, with government ceremonies, including the whipping of paper oxen stuffed with grain, symbolic of good harvests to come. Prayers are also said for good health, fertile land, fair weather and pest-free crops.

Armed Forces Day

In 1955, the Ministry of National Defense felt that there should be an "Armed Forces Day" to honor all divisions of the military. Celebrated on September 3, Armed Forces Day memorializes the valor and sacrifices of all branches of the military during the eight-year war that ended in victory for China on that day. There are performances and activities, which all can observe and there are educational activities as well. Some of the activities include a troop-cheering activity, and armed forces performances and parades. Perhaps most important to Taiwan's men in uniform is the rare day off granted by the Ministry of National Defense to military personnel on this occasion!

National Concert Hall Performances

The National Concert Hall is situated directly across from The National Theater on the grounds of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. The art of music is celebrated within this hall, where both Chinese and international symphony orchestras and choirs perform. The Recital Hall, which holds small-scale performances, chamber music, recitals, workshops, demonstrations and lectures, is located on the basement level. A gallery, also on the basement level, celebrates Taiwanese artistic and musical talent through pictures and other exhibits.

Changing of the Guard

  Every two-hours or so (the times never seem to be exact) visitors are treated to the changing of the guards at the Martyr's Shrine. Two rifle-carrying military police stand rigid at attention and then end their shift with a robotic march. Half of the fun of this daily event is watching some of the more daring, or depending on your point of view, the more annoying, tourists try to taunt the guards into flinching while they stand at attention, or join them when it comes time to march. Admission is free.

Kaohsiung

It is the largest city located in southern Taiwan, Kahosiung it is also the biggest por city on the Island.
It  is bustling with commercial energy and you can enjoy a great nightlife over there.

Tamsui

Tamsui it's the oldest port of northern Taiwan. You are going to feel that fresh breeze the moment you put a foot in it. It is now conected to Taipei by MRT so access it's easier now. It's still preserve a nice harbour townseafood, everything fresh and yummy! aura, and of course you will be delightfull with it's magnificent

             

Taiwan (Formosa)

If I ask you to tell me what do you think when I say Taiwan, you will probably tell me that the little labels that said Made in Taiwan comes to your mind.

Exactly for that everybody thinks that Taiwan is nothing more than an industrial city, full of fabrics, with cheap hand work and a lot of smog,  that is true, but... it is a great tourist place.

Historical treasures are in the spotlight since 2004 for the goverment in an attempt to promote Taiwan like a tourism location and attract more tourists.

Taiwan certainly has a lot to offer you, from an unique landscape to exciting sporting activities (most of them Xtreme) and truly colourfull festivals, not to mention the most varied Chinese food on earth, I hope you know how to eat with sticks ;).

I am looking forward to go study there =)  I am wondering what the destiny has to say about it. I will say good bye now and Xie Xie for reading my little space :)

Seven Stars Mountain

Looming some 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) over northern Taipei, Seven Stars Mountain is the highest peak in the Yangmingshan National Park and a favorite of local and tourist hikers. Yangming Park, about halfway up the mountain, can be reached by bus 260 from Taipei Main Train Station. From here it is a tough two-hour hike to the top, but well worth it. If the weather cooperates, it is possible to see the ocean, downtown Taipei and several other peaks in the National Park. Hikers are advised to carry water and rain gear.