The Vibrant Significance of Red in Taiwan
December 26th, 2019
In Taiwan, the colour red transcends mere aesthetics; it is an emblem of festivity, good fortune, and tradition. While Western countries often associate red with Christmas due to Santa’s iconic outfit, Taiwan’s cultural roots trace back to China, where red symbolises happiness and prosperity. Traditional Taiwanese weddings used to feature striking red bridal garments, embodying […]
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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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New Guidebook: Taiwan: The Bradt Travel Guide (3rd edition)
October 26th, 2019
In the third edition of Bradt’s guide to Taiwan, the beguiling island’s ever-evolving nature is meticulously unveiled. Written by the author, this comprehensive guide is now available for travelers in the UK, the US, and numerous other countries. Taiwan’s rapid transformations, coupled with significant government investments in tourism infrastructure, have necessitated a thorough refresh of […]
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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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Interview with Mark Pemberton: Boosting Taiwan’s Tourism
September 18th, 2019
Taiwan’s growing popularity among Western travellers is evident from the increasing number of visitors from the US, Europe, and Australia. In an interview with Mark Pemberton, the founder and managing director of Life of Taiwan, we gain insights into the surge of interest in Taiwan and the opportunities it presents for tourism professionals. Mark Pemberton […]
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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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Came for the Movies, Returned for the Cuisine: An Interview with Food Writer Matt Gross
May 30th, 2019
Acclaimed Taiwanese directors like Hou Hsiao-hsien and Edward Yang can take credit for more than award-winning movies like as The Puppetmaster and Yi Yi: A One and a Two. Back in the early 1990s, their films inspired in one American a profound curiosity about Taiwan which has turned into an ongoing love affair with the […]
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New Taiwan Photo Book: Ilha Formosa Taiwan in 100 HDR Panoramic Images & Scripts
May 8th, 2019
If you think the photos accompanying this blog post are stunning, you’re not alone. They’re just a few of the hundred pictures Sherman Cheng selected for inclusion in his stunning new book, Ilha Formosa Taiwan in 100 HDR Panoramic Images & Scripts. Cheng, who retired a few years ago after a career in a multinational […]
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The Rich Tapestry of Taiwan’s Place Names, Part 2
April 25th, 2019
Many places in southern Taiwan, like those in the north, have names that trace their origins to the island’s Austronesian indigenous languages. For instance, the historic port town of Lukang, often referred to as ‘Deer Harbour,’ may have derived its name from the herds of sika deer that once roamed the nearby lowlands. However, modern […]
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The Rich Tapestry of Taiwan’s Place Names, Part 1
April 20th, 2019
Tour guides in Taiwan must be well-prepared to answer all kinds of intriguing questions, including “Why does this place have that particular name?” Many Taiwanese place names hold captivating stories of their origins. Some are very straightforward. Taipei, meaning ‘North Taiwan,’ and Tainan, translating to ‘South Taiwan,’ are geographical references. Roughly halfway between the current […]
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