International Mountain Day and the Glories of Taiwan’s Uplands
December 9th, 2021
Exploring Taiwan’s Majestic Mountains on International Mountain Day Taiwan’s Towering Peaks When it comes to celebrating International Mountain Day, few places are as relevant as Taiwan, a land often described as two-thirds mountains. These rugged hills embrace Taipei, and on clear days, the Central Mountain Range is visible from Taichung. Nearly one-third of the island […]
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Taiwan in 100 Books
November 2nd, 2020
If you’re considering a visit to Taiwan and want to dive into its rich tapestry of culture and history beforehand, there’s an array of English-language books to guide your exploration. However, with such a vast selection, you might find yourself wondering where to begin. Navigating the World of Taiwan Literature Having relocated from New Zealand […]
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Embracing Yellow and Its Cultural Significance
September 22nd, 2020
In Taiwan, the sweltering heat of the year’s peak is finally giving way to the refreshing embrace of autumn. As the season transitions, the colour yellow takes centre stage, both as a symbol and a vibrant presence in the island’s temples and shrines. This hue, deeply rooted in tradition, particularly shines in the Buddhist facets […]
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Exploring Taiwan’s Rich Variety of Local Vegetables
April 8th, 2020
Official statistics fail to capture the full extent of vegetable cultivation in Taiwan. Beyond the rice paddies and orchards, many farmers also tend to seasonal greens, often sharing their harvest with family rather than selling it. Even city-dwellers get in on the action, cultivating scallions or cilantro in balcony boxes. In Taiwan, few opt for […]
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Nature in a Nutshell: Taiwan’s Botanical Gardens
February 28th, 2020
An Oasis of Nature in the Heart of Taipei: Taipei Botanical Garden For nature enthusiasts with limited time or a preference for curated ecosystems, Taiwan’s botanical gardens offer a unique opportunity to explore the island’s biodiversity. The well-known Taipei Botanical Garden, located just a short metro ride from central Taipei, has served as a research […]
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Sustainable Mountain Tourism
January 6th, 2020
This year’s International Mountain Day theme is sustainable mountain tourism, a matter close to our hearts at Life of Taiwan and cherished by Taiwan’s hiking community. Due to Taiwan’s high population density and growing interest in outdoor activities, authorities diligently manage tourism’s ecological impact in sensitive regions. Scaling Peaks: Yushan and Xueshan To reach the […]
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Birdwatching in Taiwan: A Natural Haven for Avian Enthusiasts
December 15th, 2019
Taiwan’s Winter Bird Migration Spectacle Taiwan’s cooler months, spanning from October to April, offer a comfortable respite not just for humans but also for millions of migrating birds. These feathered visitors flock to the island via the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, enticed by the abundant food sources and lowland temperatures rarely dropping below 12 degrees Celsius. […]
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The Purple Butterfly Valley: Taiwan’s Unique Natural Wonders, Part 2
November 16th, 2019
Between now and next March, a mountainous district in Greater Kaohsiung will justify its alternative name. Maolin is also known as ‘the Purple Butterfly Valley’ because late each autumn hundreds of thousands of lepidopterans migrate from the colder northern half of Taiwan to this perennially sunny corner of the island. For some of the butterflies, […]
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The Formosan Landlocked Salmon: Taiwan’s Unique Natural Wonders, Part 1
November 5th, 2019
In the heart of Taiwan’s mountainous interior, an extraordinary creature has captivated the world for over a century: the Formosan landlocked salmon, known to scientists as Oncorhynchus formosanus. Residing in a pristine corner of the highlands, this species is not only the southernmost salmon globally but also the sole salmon found at altitudes exceeding 1,700 […]
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Taiwan’s Lush Green Landscape
October 5th, 2019
Taiwan’s natural beauty comes alive as you venture beyond its bustling cities. This island nation, straddling the Tropic of Cancer, enjoys abundant sunshine and rainfall, fostering a vibrant, green landscape. Lands left untouched by urbanisation or agriculture quickly transform, with grasses, weeds, bushes, and fast-growing trees reclaiming their space. A Rice Legacy in […]
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The Captivating Spectrum of Blues in Taiwan’s Natural Beauty
July 4th, 2019
Taiwan, a treasure trove of natural wonders, graces its landscapes with a captivating array of blues. Taroko Gorge, a natural masterpiece, showcases a remarkable range of colours in its layered marble, schist, and gneiss formations. From pristine whites to velvety greys, and even hints of golden hues, it’s a vivid canvas. The serene blue of […]
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Island of Trees: Taiwan’s Magnificent Woodlands
June 20th, 2019
Here’s a statistic that astounds many who’ve never visited Taiwan: About 58 percent of the main island is covered by trees or bamboo, with stands of hardwoods accounting for over half that area. That’s a higher percentage than in the US, Canada, or Brazil. The figure for the UK is a mere 12 percent. This […]
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