Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis clinging to the fringes of an ancient culture; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious mountain range. It has traditional noodles from a 7-Eleven, aboriginal tribes in mini-skirts and a day of temple rituals followed... Read the overview

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Getting there and away

Taiwan has international airports at Taoyuan (near Taipei) and Kaohsiung. You can fly to Taiwan from just about anywhere in the world except, ironically enough, mainland China. Ferries run between Okinawa in Japan and Keelung and Kaohsiung in Taiwan.

Getting around

Flights go between all the major cities. With buses you can choose between government or private (cheaper, faster but more dangerous). A train line circumnavigates the island and the service is good. There are four classes - the first three are more expensive than buses, the fourth is cheap but slow. Long-distance share taxis are expensive, but there are several tourist trains with better facilities and service.