Taiwan Island, Island in East Asia
Taiwan is an island in the western Pacific that extends roughly 394 kilometers (245 miles) from north to south. At its widest point, it measures approximately 144 kilometers (89 miles) from west to east, and its surface consists of mountains across two-thirds of its area.
The first settlers who arrived thousands of years ago developed farming methods and communities along the coasts and in the valleys. Later arrivals brought new languages and trade routes, while various maritime powers established outposts along the western shore.
In the northern port city of Keelung, vendors sell food from small stalls and restaurants throughout the night. In the south, temple communities hold ceremonies that last several days, with hundreds of participants sharing meals and organizing performances in the streets.
High-speed trains connect cities along the western coast in a few hours, while local trains and buses also reach smaller towns in the east and center. Most places to visit concentrate around the flatter areas near the coast, though trails and roads make higher areas accessible as well.
Narrow gaps between the mountain ranges channel cool air from the highlands down to the plains, creating noticeable temperature changes even during hot months. Travelers feel this shift when crossing the central passes, where the air suddenly turns cooler and the vegetation appears denser.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
