| Taiwan was called Ilha Formosa which means | | | | been controversy over the renaming. This great |
| Beautiful Island by the Portuguese when they landed | | | | monument to China's former president Chiang |
| there in 1544. Taiwan may be small in geographical | | | | Kai-Shek is located near the Gate of Great Centrality |
| size but there is a wide range of things to do and | | | | and Perfect Uprightness. The main structure has |
| see while vacationing there. In this article you will | | | | white walls with an octagonal roof of blue tiles that |
| discover some of the top places to visit in Taiwan. | | | | rises up to 70 meters above the ground. The |
| Taipei: The Cosmopolitan Capital of Taiwan | | | | Memorial Hall contains a library and museum. It is |
| Taiwan's capital, Taipei, is a "must stop" destination | | | | surrounded by a park where a beautiful pond is |
| for all who travel there. Long ago, the "Taipei Basin" | | | | located.. |
| was inhabited by an Aboriginal tribe called the | | | | Sun Moon Lake |
| Ketagelan. Later, Taipei became an important port for | | | | Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan's largest lake with a |
| the trading of tea under the occupation of the Han | | | | surface area of nearly 8 km squared. It is the home |
| Chinese. Finally, the city became the island's capital. | | | | of the Aboriginal tribe called the Thao. In the middle |
| No one can visit the Taiwan's capital without a visit | | | | of the lake is an island that is considered to be |
| to Taipei 101. According to the Council on Tall | | | | sacred by the tribe. Because of this, the Aboriginal |
| Buildings and Urban Habitat, Taipei 101 is the world's | | | | Cultural Village has been constructed near the lake. At |
| tallest skyscraper. The building has a total of 106 | | | | the cultural village, visitors can learn about the history |
| floors, five being underground and 101 above ground. | | | | and development of the Thao tribe as well as enjoy |
| Thus, the name Taipei 101. Since Taiwan is located in | | | | the scenic beauty. |
| an area that is subject to typhoons and earthquakes, | | | | Taipei and Sun Moon Lake are just a couple of the |
| the skyscraper was designed to withstand both of | | | | wonderful tourist destinations that vacationers can |
| them. | | | | find in Taiwan. Whether you visit the big city or head |
| The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall is another popular | | | | out to the countryside, you are sure to exclaim as |
| attraction in Taipei. It is also known as the National | | | | the Portuguese did so many years ago that Taiwan |
| Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall although there has | | | | is, in fact, the Beautiful Island. |