Why Taiwan
Climate
Taiwan’s annual rainfall averages around 2,600 millimeters. The northern part of the island generally receives about 60% of its total annual rainfall from May to September. In contrast, southern Taiwan gets more than 90% of its precipitation during the same period, with the driest months being from November to February. The island’s weather patterns are influenced by the East Asian monsoon systems. The winter monsoon, which dominates from October to March, brings moderate and steady rainfall, primarily driven by northeast winds blowing toward the southwest, affecting the east and northern parts of Taiwan.
On the other hand, central and southern regions of western Taiwan tend to enjoy mostly sunny weather with minimal rainfall during autumn and winter. The arrival of the East Asian summer monsoon coincides with Taiwan’s rainy season, often referred to as the plum rain (梅雨) season, in May and June. During this time, southwestern Taiwan is particularly prone to heavy rainfall, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and tropical disturbances. Typhoons, which occur most often in July, August, and September, can strike Taiwan three to four times a year. While some of these storms cause significant damage, including torrential rainfall that leads to flooding, mudslides, and loss of life, the precipitation from typhoons plays a crucial role in replenishing the island’s water resources.
Geography
Taiwan is situated off the southeastern coast of the Asian continent, between Japan and the Philippines, and lies at the heart of the East-Asian island chain in the western Pacific. It serves as a crucial communication link within the Asia-Pacific region. About two-thirds of Taiwan is covered by forested mountains, while the remaining land includes hills, plateaus, coastal plains, and basins. The Central Mountain Range runs the length of the island, from north to south, acting as a natural divide for the rivers flowing on the eastern and western sides. On the western side of this range is the Yushan (Yu Mountain) Range, home to the highest peak in Northeast Asia, towering at 3,952 meters.
The Mountains
Taiwan is renowned for its mountainous terrain, with over 200 peaks soaring above 3,000 meters, making it geographically distinct. Given the prevalence of mountains across the island, hiking is a popular pastime for locals and visitors alike. Whether you prefer a casual stroll on the outskirts of a city or the challenge of scaling one of the island’s towering peaks, there are various trails that lead through streams and valleys, tracing rivers to their sources, or even crossing entire mountain ranges. As you explore, you’ll be treated to stunning natural landscapes that showcase the undeniable beauty of Taiwan’s mountains.
In addition to its majestic peaks, Taiwan is home to nine national parks, each offering unique landscapes. For example, Taroko National Park is known for its dramatic gorge carved by a river through the mountains, while Yushan National Park is home to Taiwan’s tallest peak, the highest in Northeast Asia. Shei-pa National Park features rugged, steep terrain, and Yangmingshan National Park is famous for its volcanic craters and serene lakes. Kenting National Park, the only tropical area in Taiwan, exudes a distinctly Southeast Asian atmosphere. Kinmen National Park is celebrated for its coral and shell beaches, along with other geological marvels. Lastly, Taijiang National Park offers a blend of cultural and natural attractions waiting to be explored.
Sea World
Taiwan is home to a rich and diverse marine ecosystem. Along its eastern coastline, you can spot pods of bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and pantropical spotted dolphins leaping out of the Pacific Ocean. The azure waters and stunning coral reefs in places like Kenting at the southern tip of the island, Green Island, and the Penghu Archipelago offer breathtaking natural beauty, making these areas perfect for exploration and wonder.
Eco-Landscape
Taiwan experiences a warm and humid climate, with a diverse range of landscapes including sandbars, plains, basins, hills, plateaus, and mountains. This variety of terrain supports a rich array of plant and animal life, including many species that are endemic to the island, making Taiwan a vast natural sanctuary. The formation of mudflats and mangroves along the coastline attracts numerous migratory birds from around the world, who use these coastal areas as temporary refuges during their long journeys. In the spring and summer, birds such as the striking fairy pitta, known as the “eight-color bird” in Chinese, leave the tropics to spend the season in Taiwan. During the autumn, birds from colder northern regions, like the black-faced spoonbill, migrate to Taiwan to overwinter. The gray-faced buzzard also arrives on cue to join the Double Ten celebrations (Taiwan’s National Day) each October. Taiwan serves as either a stopover or a final destination for many migratory birds, adding vibrant life to the island’s diverse wildlife.
Culture and Language
Taiwan is a key hub within the Sinosphere, where Buddhism, Taoism, Zen, literature, architecture, arts and crafts, and traditional customs are actively promoted and preserved. Additionally, Taiwan is the birthplace of the Austronesian people’s expansion, maintaining a rich variety of Austronesian languages and cultures. With its open and free society, where diverse ethnic groups coexist harmoniously, and its steady economic growth, Taiwan has cultivated a unique culture that blends various aspects of Chinese heritage.
One of the most notable ways Chinese culture has been preserved in Taiwan is through the continued use of Traditional Chinese characters, which have been in use for over 2,400 years since the Qin Dynasty. Taiwan plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting the use of these characters. Moreover, nearly 90% of the subgroups of Austronesian languages are still spoken by Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, greatly enriching the cultural diversity of the island.
Economic Strength
Taiwan plays a significant role in the global economy. According to data from the World Trade Organization, in 2018, Taiwan ranked as the 18th-largest exporter and 17th-largest importer of goods, while placing 27th in the export and import of commercial services. As a leading force in thtTTte global information and communications technology (ICT) sector, Taiwan also serves as a major supplier of various products across different industries. A key element driving this success is the government’s commitment to policies that promote development and maintain national economic competitiveness, focusing on continuous investments in human resources, research, innovation, and industrial advancement. These efforts, along with Taiwan’s robust entrepreneurial culture, have fostered a business environment that consistently ranks among the most competitive globally. For instance, in 2019, the Business Environment Risk Intelligence (BERI) organization, based in the United States, ranked Taiwan 4th globally and 2nd in Asia for investment safety.
Science and Technology
Taiwan introduced its first comprehensive science and technology (S&T) policies in 1959, which have played a crucial role in transforming the island of 23 million people into one of the leading technology hubs globally. During the 1990s, a series of national science and technology initiatives were launched to address various needs, from telecommunications to disaster management. The enactment of the Basic Science and Technology Act in 1999 provided a solid legal foundation for the government to actively support S&T growth.
The private sector has also been instrumental in driving Taiwan’s technological progress. Companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TSMC) and the Foxconn Technology Group dominate the global market for custom-designed integrated circuit (IC) chips and a broad range of high-tech products. Taiwan is a key supplier of advanced components used by leading global tech companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Intel, and Sony.
Additionally, Taiwan is home to globally recognized electronics brands, including Acer, ASUS, and HTC. Both public and private sectors continue to encourage technological advancements, with Taiwan’s research and development (R&D) spending exceeding US$20 billion in 2018, 77% of which came from private investment. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2018, Taiwan ranked 5th in R&D expenditures, 2nd for patent applications, and 4th in innovation capability among 140 economies surveyed.
Cuisine
In Taiwan, food is a major part of daily life, and the love for it is evident everywhere. Street vendors, snack bars, and restaurants can be found in every town and city. While you can enjoy international cuisines, Taiwan’s own traditional dishes are unforgettable and have gained global recognition. Once you try them, they’ll stay with you. Popular local foods include pearl milk tea, Danzai noodles, shrimp and pork soup, coffin sandwiches, veggie and meat wraps, oyster vermicelli, steamed sandwiches, and refreshing crushed ice desserts.
Transportation
Taiwan boasts an efficient and reliable transportation system, making it easy and convenient to get around. Whether you’re using public transit or other modes of transport, everything is well-connected to ensure a smooth experience. Both Taipei and Kaohsiung feature modern metro systems that are fully integrated with the local bus networks, allowing easy access to all parts of the cities. Taiwan’s high-speed rail system offers rapid intercity travel, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h along the western corridor, with express trains linking Taipei and Kaohsiung in just 105 minutes.
A new light-rail line offers a comfortable, 35-minute ride connecting Taoyuan International Airport to Taipei Main Station. Additionally, Taiwan’s uBike bicycle rental service provides affordable and accessible options for getting around. With thousands of high-quality bikes available in cities like Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Changhua, you can easily rent a bike using a mobile app, unlock it with a stored-value card, and return it to any nearby station. Taiwan’s integrated public transport system prioritizes convenience, comfort, and sustainability, contributing to the island’s green living initiatives.
