General Information

The Republic of China (Taiwan) was founded in 1912, making it the first democratic republic in Asia. In 1949, the government moved to Taiwan and maintained jurisdiction over an area encompassing the islands of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu, Dongsha, Zhongsha, and Nansha.
Area : 36,000 square kilometers
Population : 23 million
Language : Mandarin / Taiwanese / Hakka / Indigenous Languages
Religion : Buddhism / Taoism / Christianity / Islam
(Information revised from Tourism Bureau, Taiwan)

Location

Taiwan's total land area is about 36,000 square kilometers (14,400 square miles). It is shaped like a leaf that is narrow at both ends. It lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Strait from China - an island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. To the north is Japan; to the south is the Philippines. Many airlines fly to Taiwan, making it the perfect travel destination.

Taiwan lies on the western edge of the Pacific "rim of fire," and continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other natural landscapes. Taiwan's tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate climates provide clear differentiation between the different seasons. There are rare or endangered species of wildlife on the island. Among these are the land-locked salmon, Taiwan serow, Formosan rock monkey, Formosan black bear, blue magpie, Mikado pheasant, and Hsuehshan grass lizard.
(Information revised from Tourism Bureau, Taiwan)

Time Zone

Taiwan Standard Time is GMT plus 8 hours.

Climate

Taiwan enjoys warm weather all year round. Weather conditions fluctuate during spring and winter, while in summer and autumn the weather is relatively stable. Taiwan is extremely suitable for traveling, as the annual average temperature is a comfortable 22 degrees Celsius with the lowest temperatures on the lowlands generally ranging from 12 to 17 degrees Celsius (54-63 Fahrenheit). Therefore, with the exception of a few mountain areas where some traces of snow can be found during winter, no snow can be seen in Taiwan. During raining season (March to May), continuously drizzling rain will sometimes fall on Taiwan. When visiting Taiwan during this period, remember to carry an umbrella at all time. Although it might seem romantic to have a stroll in the rain, it is no fun to travel when you're soaking wet. During the summer time (June to August), typhoons sometimes approach or hit the country.

We suggest you keep an eye on weather reports, because weather conditions are often severe and unpredictable when typhoons hit Taiwan. In addition, the roaring waves along the coast are not to be regarded as one of Taiwan's tourist scenes. During the autumn (September to November), you can wholeheartedly enjoy the cool and comforting weather, while Taiwan's relatively warm and short winters (December to February) are the time for you to appreciate the beautifully colored maple trees. The cold fronts that reach Taiwan sporadically are greatly favored by the island's hot-spring lovers. In short, Taiwan, where it always seems to be spring, is your perfect travel destination!
(Information revised from Tourism Bureau, Taiwan)

Discovery

The Taiwan government has established 9 national parks and 13 national scenic areas to preserve Taiwan's best natural ecological environment and cultural sites. There are various ways to discover the beauty of Taiwan. For example, trekking in the magnificence of the cliffs at Taroko Gorge; taking a ride on the Alishan Forest Railway and experiencing the breathtaking sunrise and sea of clouds; hiking up to the summit of Northeast Asia's highest peak, Yu Mountain (Yushan). You can also soak up the sun in Kending (Kenting), Asia's version of Hawaii; stand at the edge of Sun Moon Lake; wander through the East Rift Valley; or visit the offshore islands of Kinmen and Penghu. It's fun in capital letters as well as an awesome journey of natural discovery!
(Information revised from Tourism Bureau, Taiwan)

More Information

For more details and information, please refer to Tourism Bureau, Republic of China (Taiwan).
http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/

Transportation

Domestic Air Lines

Taiwan's domestic airlines industry is quite active with busy routes serving major cities; flying is almost as common as taking long-distance buses, and flights are always fully booked during holidays. As a result, prior reservations are advised. Most travel agencies handle reservations and ticketing on behalf of airlines.

Personal identification is required when checking in for flights. (ID for Taiwan citizens, passports for foreigners.)

MRT

The mass rapid transit system (MRT) in Taipei and Kaohsiung, together with the metropolitan areas' dedicated bus route networks, forms a convenient transportation system.

MRT

The mass rapid transit system (MRT) in Taipei and Kaohsiung, together with the metropolitan areas' dedicated bus route networks, forms a convenient transportation system.

Taipei Metro

These lines are dotted with a variety of attractions and scenic spots, allowing visitors to take a leisurely journey through some of the most attractive parts of Taipei.

Auto ticketing machiness can be found in all MRT stations, providing ticketing services. Single-journey ticket prices range from NT$20 to NT$65 depending on travel distance. An NT$150 one-day pass purchased from A service booth allows unlimited travels on all MRT lines within one day.

Please Note:

MRT running hours: 6:00~24:00
To provide passengers a comfortable and safe ride, smoking, drinking, and gum chewing are strictly prohibited in MRT trains and stations.
Using cellular phone is prohibited in the first and the last coaches of the train.
Tickets are valid on the day of purchase.
Please place pets in hand-carry cages, except for police dogs and guide dogs.
For further information, please call the Taipei MRT customer service line：
+886-2-2181-2345 (24 hours);
+886-2-2536-3001 (8:30a.m. ~ 5:30p.m.)

Wenhu Line	Taipei Zoo - Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center
Tamsui-Xinyi Line	Tamsui - Xindian, Beitou - Xiangshan, Ximen - Taipower Building
Songshan-Xindan Line	Songshan-Xindan
Zhonghe-Xinlu Line	Nanshijiao – Huilong, Nanshijiao – Luzhou
Bannan Line	Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center - Dingpu, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center - Far Eastern Hospital

Kaohsiung Rapid Transit System

A one-way ticket costs NT$20 to NT$60 depending on travel distance. KRTC also offers a "One-day pass", "Stored-value Ticket" and "Group Ticket".

Please Note:

1. KRTC running hours: 6:00~24:00
2. To provide passengers a comfortable and safe ride, smoking, drinking, and gum chewing are strictly prohibited in MRT trains and stations.
3. KRTC customer service lines：+886-7-793-8888, 0770-2300

Red Line	Gangshan South － Xiaogang
Orange Line	Xiziwan － Daliao

Railway

The island-wide railway network, including the western line, the eastern line, the north link line, and the south link line, provides convenient travel in a number of train classes: economy, Fu-Hsing, Chu-Kuang and Tze-Chiang. Travels can choose the class of train they want according to their schedule and budget. small narrow-gauge trains operate on (mainly tourist) branch lines: Alishan, Jiji, Pingxi, and Neiwan. These trains give visitors a chance to see the caried scenery of Taiwan close-up as they travel around the island.

Taiwan High Speed Rail

With the opening of the Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR), visitors can now easily take a day trip between Kaohsiung and Taipei. Currently eight stations are operating on the THSR line down Taiwan's western corridor: Taipei, Banqiao, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan, and Zuoying (Kaohsiung).

More Information

For more details and information, please refer to Tourism Bureau, Republic of China (Taiwan).
http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/