Special Interests

As introduced by the Taiwan Yearbook 2006:

Outdoor Life

Following the introduction of the two-day weekend in 2001, people in Taiwan have had more free time to spend outdoors.

Adventure sports such as surfing, scuba diving, and sailboarding are gaining popularity around the island as a result of interest generated by classes, rental shops, and clubs. Even gutsier activities such as paragliding and bungee jumping are also attracting people despite their greater danger and expense. A less thrilling but similarly trendy sport that interests children and adults alike is rollerblading. A variety of fishing activities have also gained in popularity, both in the wild and at private ponds.

Following the success of Taitung County's 12-kilometer Guanshan bike trail, which attracted 700,000 tourists in 2001, local governments have recognized the potential of this type of travel market and initiated plans to construct bike trails. Since Taiwan's spectacular mountain scenery attracts more and more hikers, the Forestry Bureau has integrated hiking trails into 14 regional systems, each of which has unique characteristics on natural, cultural and ecological features.

Railway Tours

In an age of high-speed transportation, many people still prefer slower-paced, more nostalgic means to get around during their leisure time. Hsinchu County's Neiwan Line takes tourists to experience Hakka culture and cuisine. The line is particularly busy when the tung trees bloom, which is dubbed "snow in May," and during the firefly season in summer. Along the Jiji Line in Nantou County, the most popular spot is the "green tunnel" formed by camphor trees that flank the route. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Alishan railway was one of only three mountain railways in the world. Built by the Japanese for transporting timber down the mountain, the railway has been converted for use by tourists. While buses offer faster access to Alishan, the scenery along the 72-kilometer railway ride makes the three-hour trip worthwhile.

The Art of Tea

Although chain coffee houses have proliferated in Taiwan's cities, many people still prefer the serenity and elegance of the "art of tea". The moist weather and craggy terrain of northern and central Taiwan are suited to growing tea. Lugu in Nantou, Wenshan in Taipei, and Alishan in Chiayi are all famous for high quality leaves. Hakka people living in parts of Hsinchu County developed a culture of drinking leicha (pounded tea) with peanuts and other ingredients. As locals increasingly prioritize leisure activities, open-air teahouses set in elegant surroundings and mountainside "tea-art" shops offering high quality teas and breathtaking views are becoming favored weekend destinations.

Hot Springs

Taiwan has one of the highest concentrations and greatest variety of hot springs in the world. Hot spring tourism first developed under Japanese influence. The public bath hall at Beitou, built during the period of Japanese occupation to serve the upper classes, has recently been reopened as the Beitou Hot Spring Museum. Other famous hot springs include Wulai south of Taipei, Jiaosi in Yilan, Guguan and Lushan in central Taiwan, and the muddy spring Guanzihling in Tainan. Jhaori Hot Spring on Green Island is one of only three seawater hot springs in the world.

Night Markets and Shopping Malls

For those tourists who desire to gain an understanding of ordinary life in Taiwan, night markets offer fun, food, and a lot of local sounds and color. Items on sale include clothes, fruit, snacks, and novelty items. Almost every city and town around the island has a night market, often selling products unique to the area. Famous night markets include Shihlin, Raohe Street, and Snake Alley in Taipei; Miaokou (Temple Entrance) in Keelung; City God Temple in Hsinchu; Fengjia in Taichung; Wenhua Road in Chiayi; Liouhe Road in Kaohsiung; and Luodong in Yilan.

Taiwan boasts a wide variety of convenient and accessible shops, supermarkets, and department stores. Architecturally inspiring malls are also gaining a reputation: Living Mall with a total floor area of 205,000 square meters, for example, is the world's largest ball-shaped mall, and, at 508 meters, Taipei 101, adjacent to which is one of the country's newest malls, is the world's tallest building. Resembling a flexible but strong stalk of bamboo rising out of the ground, this 101-floor skyscraper combines modern technology with local Taiwanese cultural features. Taiwan's largest Ferris wheel opened in November 2004 at the Miramar Entertainment Park in Taipei. Measuring 70 meters in diameter and with 48 six-person compartments that lift riders to 100 meters above the ground, the Ferris wheel attracted 50,000 riders in its first week.

Amusement Parks

At the Window on China amusement park, one hour's drive south of Taipei, visitors can tour miniature displays of Taiwan's well-known sights as well as famous buildings from all over the world. The nearby Leofoo Village Theme Park combines the excitement of roller coasters and tower drop rides with entertaining themes from different regions of the world. Members of Taiwan's major indigenous groups welcome visitors to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village with traditional songs and dances to the accompaniment of ancient musical instruments. They also demonstrate handicrafts using traditional techniques and tools. The Farglory Ocean Park in Hualien is the largest theme park on the eastern coast, and combines elements of a theme park, scenic park, and resort.

Aquariums and Zoos

The National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium at the southern tip of Taiwan has the longest glass viewing tunnel in Asia. The museum's exhibition halls opened in 2000, and the Waters of the World exhibition opened in April 2006.

Taipei Zoo is among the country's most popular destinations. In addition to conducting research, the zoo organizes various educational and conservation programs to teach the younger generation about animals facing extinction. It also imports certain species, such as king penguins from Japan and koalas from Australia, so as to introduce animals from around the world to the people of Taiwan.