National Geographic Traveler: Taiwan »

Visitor arrivals in Taiwan grew by an impressive 14.5% in 2005, reaching 3.4 million travelers and continuing to rise. With surveys showing that readers specifically trust National Geographic to provide expert advice on exotic destinations, we've fully updated our popular guide to the tiny island nation.

An island of diverse attractions, Taiwan charms visitors with its little-known surprises: misty peaks famous for sunrises and high-mountain tea, the world's finest Chinese art museum, coral reefs that thrive in tropical waters, and some of the best Chinese cuisine in the world. Arranged in regional chapters, this comprehensive guide covers Taiwan in fascinating detail—from Taipei, where traditional night markets and Taoist temples contrast a 21st-century skyline (the world's tallest building is here)... to stunning Taroko Gorge, a marble canyon etched with hiking trails... to gorgeous beaches lapped by turquoise waters... and aboard the alpine railway to the top of 10,000-foot Alishan, a mystical realm above the clouds offering fabulous scenery and sublime relaxation.

National Geographic Traveler: Taiwan (2nd Edition) includes full-spread, mapped driving and walking tours; three-dimensional illustrations; and an extensive visitor information section describing how to get around, what to see and do, and where to stay and eat—with an insider's handpicked list of exceptional hotels and restaurants in all price ranges.

Veteran travel author and longtime Southeast Asia resident Phil Macdonald brings his authoritative guidance to this in-depth tour, ably acquainting visitors with an alluring, varied, and increasingly popular destination.

How to use this guide     6
About the author     8
The regions     49
Travelwise     235
Index     265
Credits     270