Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Unique Wildlife
Taiwan has a rate of endemism far higher than the world average, which means there are
lots of critters and plants you won't find anywhere else. Birds and butterflies are easiest to
spot, but with conservation efforts, even larger mammals such as deer are making a
comeback. See
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for more.
Birds
Taiwan's range of habitats supports over 600 species, of which at least 24 are en-
demic and 59 are endemic subspecies.
Butterflies
Taiwan isn't known as the 'Kingdom of Butterflies' for nothing. Over 400 spe-
cies (56 endemic), numerous reproductive valleys and yearly mass migrations are a few
highlights.
Fish
Check out the Formosan salmon; it never leaves the rivers of its birth.
Mammals
Seventeen endemic species are here, including the Formosan rock monkey
and the giant flying squirrel - one of the world's largest.
Mountain Retreats
With the land over two-thirds mountainous, there's lots of space to get away from the
crowds and the heat in summer. Small villages dot the foothills of major mountain ranges,
forest reserves and national parks. A few even offer splashy hot-spring facilities.
Taipingshan
This mist-shrouded, high-mountain reserve features a small village with out-
standing views over the Snow Mountains, and hot springs are nearby. (
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)
Nanzhuang Village
In the stunning foothills of the Snow Mountains, the villages here are
a mix of Hakka, Taiwanese and aboriginal people. (
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)
Dasyueshan
In the heart of Taiwan's pine-and-hemlock belt, this high-mountain reserve
is a prime birding venue. (
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)
Mingchih
On the remote North Cross-Island Highway, Mingchih lies near wild hot springs
and two forests of ancient cedars. (
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)
Alishan National Scenic Area
Lures travellers with its aboriginal culture, rare alpine rail-
way, ancient cedars and phenomenal sea of clouds. (
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)
Tea
Taiwan has ideal conditions for growing tea, and not surprisingly, it has the goods to satis-
fy the novice looking for a flavourful brew as well as the connoisseur willing to pay thou-
sands of dollars for a few ounces of dry leaves -
if
they are of high-enough quality.
