Meal cult is an important part of country’s culture. Food and drink are the main necessities for sustaining life, and Taiwan cuisine takes a special place among the great cuisines of the world. Taiwan has a broad variety of dishes because of great ethnic diversity. The diversity of cuisines contains 8 principle types: Hoklo (or Taiwanese), Hakka, vegetarian cuisine, northern style cuisine, Hunan, Jiangzhe, Hong Kong, and Sichuan. Seafood is used in all these cuisines as a culinary culture of Taiwan that is simple and light.

In Taiwan people prefer to drink tea or coffee with some sandwiches for breakfast. They like fruits and sweets which are laid in a big plate on the table. For example, when the time for lunch comes, people eat salty dishes such as steamed and chopped chicken, steamed streaky pork with dry mustard cabbage, or dried mustard greens. Besides, they like rice with boiled eggs or fried potatoes with meat or fish. In Taiwan people have hundreds of receipts of dishes with rice and fish. Traditionally, Chinese dinner is laid at the round table in the center of which there is a flat circle on a revolving stand. It is necessary to point out that meals are served on big plates and are put in required amount on small plates by a person. At first cold snack is served, then time comes for hot dishes and only after these dishes the so called principle dishes are served.

In Taiwan people like to eat dishes with rice, meat and fish. In the end of dinner a soup or a broth is served. There is no dessert – fruits and sweets are on the table during all the dinner and they are very often used in the principle dish (Bates 2005). Consequently, Taiwan cuisine represents one face by which a country is famous for. Traditional breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Taiwan are similar to breakfast, lunch, and dinner in Europe; however, there are some details you should know about Taiwan cuisine.

Taiwanese architecture is composed of variety of styles. The old traditional architectural model of houses in Taiwan still exists here. However, traditional architectural features of Taiwanese style become unimportant when entertaining and commercial institutions, such as shops and theaters, are built. We should emphasize that modern Taiwanese architecture unites traditional Taiwanese and European architecture styles. There appear buildings in European style, such as buildings of foreign consulates, foreign concessions, banks, hotels and clubs in big cities.

A gem in the China Seas, Taiwan embodies a unique entangling of ancient and modern, East and West. From the bustling commercial center of the capital city, Taipei, to the cascading volcanic mountains of Yushan National Park, Taiwan offers the world traveler an unmatched experience. It is no coincidence that Portuguese explorers named this island ‘Ilha Formosa’, or the beautiful island.
To Travel to Taiwan is to Understand Diversity
Officially known as the Republic of China (R.O.C.), Taiwan should not be confused with the People’s Republic of China, which refers to mainland China. Within the past 200 years the island has been ruled by the Dutch, become part of Japan, has been “returned” to China and is currently striving to become an internationally recognized sovereign nation. Taiwan’s tumultuous and fascinating history of the Aboriginal, Taiwanese and Chinese people is revealed through the many cultural festivals held throughout the year. Travel to the island in February for the Taiwan Lantern Festival or in June to watch the world-famous Dragon Boat Races during the Dragon Boat Festival.

One of Taiwan’s most prominent cultural symbols is Taipei 101, the world’s tallest building, measuring 508 meters and 101 floors. Finished in 2003, the tower signifies Taiwan’s substantial economic growth from the periphery of the global economy to become one of the four Asian Tigers, as well as the government’s dedication to a democratic society separate from that of China. Tainan, the oldest and fourth largest city on the island, offers a more authentic and less commercialized window into Taiwanese culture. Temples and Memorial Arches define this city where the Ching Dynasty once prayed to the God of War.

The Taiwan Terrain: Recreation and Ecotourism
Exploration of the thriving urban centers is only one of many ways to get in touch with Taiwan. The rugged topography of Taiwan is adorned with magnificent peaks, lush valleys and dramatic waterfalls. Yushan National Park is home to the island’s tallest peak, Jade Mountain, which towers at 2,610 meters. Hike to the summit and take the more technical route down or simply enjoy the breathtaking view from the Tatachia Visitor Center, accessible directly from the new Central Cross-Island Highway. From Jade Mountain, descend deep into Taroko Gorge on Taiwan’s rocky and secluded east coast. This 12-mile-long canyon is home to the natural open-air Wenshan hot springs and the Atayal people, one of Taiwan’s remaining aboriginal tribes. The rocky cliffs at the canyon’s end are a starting point for those who wish to travel farther into Taiwan’s history. The surrounding Pacific Ocean is sprinkled with beautiful green islands that have unique native histories and are mostly accessible by plane or ferry. Most of the pristine and dramatic destinations are protected by Taiwan’s National Park Department, which offers an array of lodging and guiding services and has proven to be a well-organized resource for the outdoor sightseer.
From the island’s tallest building to its tallest peak, Taiwan has something exceptional to offer every kind traveler. Travel Taiwan’s thriving society and come face-to-face with an Asian Tiger.