■ TAIWAN: A NATURAL PROGRESSION
A NATURAL PROGRESSION
From the busy city blocks that play hosts to lively night markets, to the mountains—inviting both the young and old—Taiwan shows just how God (or the gods) intended it to be like on this side of the world.
First of all, Cebuanos can now visit Taiwan visa-free. The announcement came earlier this year but should be effective this month onward until further notice.
A visitor in a foreign land seeks out many things. Among them, backdrops for social media profile photos, the sweeping taste of street food or the cheapest bargains unimaginable. In Taipei, Taiwan adventures are in front one’s very eyes. From the busy city blocks that play hosts to lively night markets, to the mountains—inviting both the young and old, to trek their paths and learn more about the Earth—just how God (or the gods) intended it to be like on this side of the world.
Taipei City shows how man’s progress and the flourishing of nature—at least from an outsider’s point-of-view—can go hand-in-hand without one completely annihilating the other. This is not to say that Taipei is immaculate. The fact remains that man-made is not without its man-made ills. However, it’s pleasant seeing numerous trees neatly lined up along the metropolis’ streets and pocket parks situated at several spots in the city.
Taiwan makes one think twice if Mother Nature did in fact raise sons or daughters without playing favorites. Its natural sights are breathtaking. Forget whatever one’s favorite Instagram filters are—your eyes aren’t fooling you. Peaks
“Seventy-eight percent of Taiwan is made up of mountains,” Jane, our trusty tour guide said. She goes on sharing more numbers: Taiwan has 286 mountain summits over 9,800 feet above sea level. These are easy to believe, as one makes his way from the Tao Yuan National Airport to Taipei City. One passes through highways over hills and rivers. And the sight of temples along the way— the first batch of 17,000 around the republic—are fascinating.
Once in Taipei, a mustvisit would be the Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall Park, a national monument located in Zhongzheng District, Taipei, Taiwan. It is named after Chiang Kai-shek, its former president.
This huge landmark is obviously a good spot for some OOTD photos. However, the stories behind the monument run deeper than selfies. Chiang Kai-shek is seen as a figure who steered Taiwan into what it is today, however, through the declaration and execution of martial law. The period of martial law in Taiwan lasted from May 19, 1949 to July 15, 1987, carried even 12 years after Chiang Kai-shek’s demise. This bit alone is worth the time to study about and learn from.
Chiang Kai-shek’s towering statue was erected facing west. And right below it is the Liberty Square. As the name suggests, this 240,000-square-meter public plaza played an important role in Taiwan’s transition toward democracy in the ‘90s.
Speaking of the ‘90s, it was in 1999 when Taipei 101 started construction. A progression to a more modern era, the skyscraper was finished in 2004, and was the world’s
tallest building for five years until another skyscraper was built in Dubai. This skyscraper has the numbers to wow as well, thus making it one of the must-consider places to visit in Taipei. It houses one of the world’s fastest elevators, and is also one of the world’s tallest “green” buildings. Make sure to visit Taipei 101 with the weather as close to sunny as possible. One will appreciate the clear skies, enjoying the whole 360view of Taipei.
Another daytime spot would be Ximending, a shopping district in Taipei. What does one expect to see at Ximending? Lots of shopping and potential food trips. According to a 2008 article in the Taipei Times, Ximending attracts “three million shoppers every month.” When nighttime comes around, expect a more festive atmosphere delighting locals and tourists alike. However, Raohe Night Market is another option when it comes to must-visit night spots. It is one of the oldest night markets in Taipei and is filled with food and clothes along a 600-meter path.
Another shopping spot worth mentioning is Jiufen. However, this one is more than just a market. Jiufen used to be a gold mining mountain town. Now at present, the village is an adventure for the senses, filled with food and souvenir items. Walking through this maze especially on a summer day in the midst of hundreds of tourists might prove challenging. Plan well. Face
If the city life serves as Taiwan’s feet, then the mountains make up for its face. After some time having fun eating and discovering the city, nature’s beauty just beckons one to experience her. True to form, Taiwan’s strength comes with its ability to blend nature and progression.
Check out the rock formations at Yehliu, a cape, that stretches about 5,577 feet into the ocean. These rock formations have earned their names based on their appearances.
As mentioned, mining was an active industry then; this made way for the Golden Waterfall. The Golden Waterfall is popular among tourists as a place to take some photos, as the backdrop features a waterfall giving off a golden glow due to the rain water and the deposit of metal elements.
These are just a few of spots that are in close proximity to Taipei, therefore the easiest to visit. There are even more spectacular and breathtaking hiking trails ready for the adventurous spirits. Indeed, with the help of some careful planning and research, Taiwan holds a key in attracting the barest human spirit in all of us—a core that yearns to be in touch with nature, in the midst of all this modernworld progression.
Taiwan will celebrate its 30th anniversary of the lifting of martial law this July 15. “Culture Minister Cheng Li-chiun announced plans to transform the National Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall for transitional justice,” stated the Taiwan Ministry of Culture website. “The Minister believes that in the pursuit of historical accuracy, the National Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall has to be transformed on the basis of ‘facing history, recognizing agony, and respecting human rights.’” Winter in Taiwan is November to February. Summer in Taiwan is from July to August.