the popular city in asia,taiwan

Taiwan Travel Guide
Situated off the coast of mainland China, the mountainous island of Taiwan teems with people in massive urban developments, but at the same time hides some picture-perfect breathtaking vistas behind the scenes. Jet into the airport at the capital, Taipei, and the island below greets you with majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins and inlets, tropical beaches and green forests.
At the foot of the mountains cluster the crowded industrial cities and towns. Modern, high-rise buildings play backdrop to numerous traditional folk festivals, and ancient temples sit alongside glass-fronted boutiques in the bustling streets. Old and new live in harmony in Taiwan, and visitors will be enthralled as much by the bustling metropolis of Taipei as with the array of natural attractions throughout this relatively small island.
In the six national parks there are thousands of species of wildlife, 20 percent of which are rare or endangered species, including the Mikado pheasant, the Hsuehshan grass lizard and the Formosan rock monkey. Unique experiences include taking a ride on the Alishan train, one of only three mountain railways in the world, and hiking up northeast Asia's highest mountain, Jade Mountain, and taking in the spectacular sunsets above a sea of clouds. With its volcanic origins, tropical climate and Polynesian flavour Taiwan has often deservedly been dubbed the 'Hawaii of Asia'.
Taiwan has long had an uneasy relationship with its larger neighbour, China. In 1684 the island became the refuge for the remnants of the deposed Ming Dynasty and when Mao's Communists forces took control of China in 1949 the nationalist leaders, and over one million supporters, fled to Taiwan. Economically the island quickly became an Asian success story but its independence from China was never recognised by many governments - primarily due to the Republic's greater political and military firepower. Many Taiwanese would like an eventual reuniting with Mainland China, but not on the terms suggested by their communist cousins and major trading partner. In the meantime China continues sabre rattling with regular military exercises off the coast of Taiwan

Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence
The Chiang Kai-Shek Shilin Residence has long been shrouded in an aura of mystery. This veil was finally lifted in 1996, when the estate was opened to the public.On the tree-lined path leading to the residence the first thing, what one sees is Madame Chiang’s former Cadillac. A bit further is her beloved rose garden, which comes into fragrant bloom every March to May. The white plum trees that Chiang Kai-Shek was fond of keep company with Madame Chiang’s roses.Xinlanting (“New Orchid Pavilion”) offers a good vantage of the many different orchid species grown on the estate. Because the former president visited this chapel every year during his lifetime, it is called the “Chapel of Life.” To have a place to pray, Chiang Kai-Shek and his wife built “Victory Chapel.” The interior is quite simple and dignified; thus this site has been used in the past for weddings of descendants of the Chiang family. And today, its picturesque setting has made the residence one of Taipei’s most popular sites for taking wedding photographs.
At the Youth Caf?, you can enjoy “Madame’s Breakfast.” Madame Chiang Kai-Shek believed in eating a light breakfast: just toast, coffee and celery salad. The menu explains the history of this breakfast and Madame Chiang Kai-shek’s views on nutrition.
Then Across the main building, there are one Chinese style garden and the other Western garden, plotting a variety of flowers. It is too beautiful for words when blossoming. The nonscheduled flowers exhibitions are also attractive to the thousands of people to drop on the horticulture exhibition hall.

Chiang Kei-Shek Memorial Hall
Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was built in memory of late President Chiang Kai-shek. Its octagonal roof is modeled after Tiantan in Beijing and is covered with blue glazed glass tiles. The gleaming white marble walls and red flowerbeds in front of the memorial make an exquisite combination, symbolizing the values of independence, equality and universal love.
The majestic central arch is inscribed with the words “Dazhong Zhizheng” and flanked by two arches, Dazhong Gate and Daxiao Gate, one on each side. The President Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Room has been preserved in the state in which it existed when the late President used it as an office. The articles in the Display Room include Chiang Kai-shek’s clothing, historical documents and photographs.
A stately and life-like bronze statue of President Chiang commands the central place of honor in the memorial hall. The last will and testament of CKS are engraved on the base of its bronze statue. Every day from morning until evening, a military honor guard watches over the memorial. The hourly change of guard has become a popular draw for visitors.
The Huaien and Zhongzheng art galleries provide venues for public art and cultural exhibitions and seminars, adding an artistic and academic dimension to the memorial.

Taipei Zoo
Taipei City Zoo is in the Wenshan District near National Chengchi University. Opened to the public in 1986, it is considered to be the largest zoo in Asia. It is 30 times bigger than the old Taipei zoo and has a total area of 182 hectares, with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The size and design of the zoo adhere closely to the topography of the area, emphasizing its natural setting. Near by is the Zoo Mall, which offers exhibitions, shops and restaurants

Beitou Hot Spring Park
Walking toward the direction of the Geothermal Valley about 10 minutes from the MRT Xinbeitou Station, then you will see the Beitou Hot Spring Park. The park is centered around the Beitou brook, which covering approximately sixty thousands square meters from Xinbeitou Park to the Geothermal Valley and unfolding the belt-shaped green lands of Beitou park and its surroundings. The most characteristic section of the park is the outdoor hot spring, and there totally are six pools, respectively three warm pools, one cool pool, two hot pools (the temperature of the springs is between 50 and 60 Celsius, and one of them is SPA pool). In addition, there are the foot SPA areas setting by the side of big banyans under the Yinxing Bridge. In the garden, besides the hot springs pools, there are also the newly-built pathways along the brook, the coffee seats and the outdoor theater. If you want to explore Beitou's cultural heritages, history along with the landscape and hot spring, surely don't miss this place.

Taiwan Attractions
Taipei
Taipei is nearly unrivaled among big cities in the extent to which the pulse of urban excitement fuses with the beauty of nature. Where else in the world can you hop on the subway in the center of town and 30 minutes later find yourself in the embrace of a volcanic national park? Taipei is just that kind of place.
With so much to see and do in Taipei, you will want to do a bit of advance planning to get the most out of your trip. Looking for a taste of old Cathay? Millennia of cultural treasures and historic temples will take you back to the Orient of old. Something a bit more modern? You can take a trip up the world's fastest elevator to the heights of the world's tallest building. Taipei is also a haven for hikers, cyclists and golfers, with plenty of trails, bike paths and golf courses to choose from. And if you just want to get in touch with your inner consumer, the shopping and eating options in Taipei are nearly endless.
To help you navigate the many tour possibilities in Taipei and get the most out of your trip, this section provides a categorized introduction to some of the top attractions in the city. Once you narrow down the places you want to see, make sure to check out the "Tour" page of the website to help you organize your itinerary. You may find that one trip is not enough!

Taipei Story House
If you are visiting the Taipei Fine Arts Museum, make sure to leave some time to enjoy the Taipei Story House next door.

True to its name, this Tudor mansion has a storied history beginning with its construction in 1913 by a local tea magnate named Chen Chao-chun. For a decade, the house served as a reception hall and social club for the local tea merchant association. The high-society functions came to an end with Chen’s death in 1923, and later the family sold off the residence as the Great Depression took its toll on the tea trade. The mansion subsequently served as a Japanese military police station, at which time the building was expanded with the addition of a cellar on the north side. After World War II, it was rented out as an art gallery, and in 1979 it came under the administration of the Taipei City Government.
Following restorations, the building was reopened to the public in 2002 as a center of historical preservation and venue for art, cultural and educational exhibitions and activities. There is also an outdoor patio where visitors can dine, drink and relax in a yesteryear amb

Beitou Hot Spring Museum
Beitou Hot Spring Museum This place was a public hot spring. Now, it has become a historic national spot as well as a museum. The museum introduces the history of Beitou, the development of hot spring culture and a special mine rock, Beitou Rock. Moreover, the museum maintains the practice of having visitors remove their shoes and change into slippers. Currently, Beitou Rock can only be found in Beitou, Taiwan; Tamagawa, Japan; and Chile. Beitou Rock is famous because of its radioactive rays. These years mark the 100th anniversary of it’s discovery. In order to celebrate the occasion, the museum has renovated the rock’s exhibition area. This is also the hundredth year that Guanyin has been protecting the hot springs. A series of celebrations will be held.
There is an outdoor hot spring next to the museum. Visitors who would like to relax in the hot spring should remember to bring their swimming suits and caps.
*Guanyin Protection of the Hot Spring is supported by Puji Temple in Beitou. This Guanyin was installed during the Japanese Colonial Period to enable visitors to grow spiritually as they enjoyed the hot spring. The address of Puji Temple is No. 112, Wenzhou Road, Taipei.
*Beitou means witch in the tribal language of Ketagalan

Yangming Residence
Yangming Residence used to be the camp and training venue for the General Association of the Scouts of China. It was built in 1969 to serve as a guesthouse for international visitors and a summer residence for the late president. After Chiang Kai-Shek passed away, it was given its current name in memory of Wang Yangming, who the president paid respect to in his life.
From the front gate, visitors cross a flower-scented path across a wooded area to the main building. The interior and furniture of Yangming Residence is composed of both Chinese and Western elements, and has been preserved as it was in Chiang’s time.
On the east and west sides of the first floor, there are two living rooms that were used to receive foreign dignitaries. According to the late President’s, the desk was placed diagonally in his corner of the office so that he would be able to see all arriving guests. Aside from the consideration of politeness, the placement of the desk was a precaution against intruders.
The study on the second floor was the place where Chiang Kai-Shek read and wrote. The interior was furnished with articles brought over from the headquarters of the Kuomintang in Mainland China.