Taiwan
Taiwan has a fascinating, if, on occasions, somewhat troubled history. It sits off the coast of mainland China and has not enjoyed the best of relations with its much larger neighbour. In 2008 there are signs of China and Taiwan adopting more friendly approaches to each other. Irrespective of this, Taiwan is another of the Asian success stories, having grown and developed into a modern, successful economy.
Travellers to Taiwan will fly into Taipei in the north of the Island (pictured). From there you can head south into some luscious countryside with beautiful rolling hills and forestation that is waiting to be explored.
Taiwan has several national parks, which are home a a wide selection of fauna and animals, some of which have been declared endangered species. When you visit Taiwan, you have the option of a modern city break in Taipei, an outdoors holiday in the national parks, or just relaxing in one of the many top class hotels that Taipei has to offer to the weary traveller.
Taipei is a bustling city that has managed to blend together the old style buildings and architecture with some of the best and most modern buildings in the region.
There is lots to see and do in Taiwan, with plenty of architecture to see, culture to absorb and shopping to do.
With regards to gay and lesbians, Taiwan is probably one of the most liberal Asian countries. The Taiwanese government produces its own literature giving information on the gay community. Taiwanese schools also include lessons on homosexuality in the curriculum, helping to ensure that there is tolerance and understanding of gay and lesbian issues. There are plenty of gay venues in Taiwan, but you may find that some of the most popular are karaoke bars.
English is quite widely spoken in Taipei though not so common in other parts of Taiwan. Take a guide book with you and make extensive use of business cards and flyers to let taxi drivers know where you would like to go.
Things to do in Taiwan
- Take a stroll around Zhong Shan, the red light district of Taipei that is probably as famous as Patpong in Bangkok.
- Book yourself into one of Taiwan's many spas and take a dip in the hot springs. What better way to escape from the chaos and crowds of a cosmopolitan city like Taipei?
- Check out the Grand Hotel, an iconic building shaped like a palace. Stroll around the gardens before enjoying the public areas within the interior. Afterwards you can visit the Yuan Shan Club next door.
- Go to a temple. Lung-Shan is the most famous temple in Taiwan as well as being the oldest.
- Spend an evening at the Shilin Night Market. Night markets are an essential part of life for Taiwanese people. Going to the night market is as much a social occasion as it is about eating, drinking and shopping.
- Track down a glove puppetry show. Then you can say that you have seen an integral part of Taiwanese culture.