Description
Book SynopsisThis new edition of Bradt's Taiwan continues to offer some of the most comprehensive coverage available and has been fully updated to reflect all the most recent developments on the ground. Author and long-term resident of Taiwan Steven Crook has been to every corner of the main island and every one of the outlying archipelagos. He has written about Taiwan's cultural and scenic attractions for international newspapers and inflight magazines and he has a keen understanding of what international visitors are likely to enjoy and what they need help with to appreciate. This new edition includes an even greater emphasis on the Taiwanese favourite pastime of local food, as well as increased coverage of increasingly popular east Taiwan and expanded information about the National Palace Museum Southern Branch. Place names and other useful words and phrases (for ordering food and arranging transport) are presented in Chinese script for convenient communication. Detailed coverage of the capital city Taipei is complemented by a chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the rest of the country, from Hakka Country to Kaohsiung and Pingtung and the minor islands. More than 58% of Taiwan is covered by forest, making the country as interesting for its wildlife and outdoor activities as for its cities and towns. Taroko Gorge, Mount Jade, national parks, beaches and birdwatching, temples and monasteries, peaks and mountains are all covered, along with beguiling islands such as coral Little Liuqiu, saltwater hot springs, the East Rift Valley and popular Lukang. Taiwan is often described as 'more Chinese than China', but in reality it's a complex blend of 18th-century China, ancient Austronesia and 20th-century Japan, with dabs of post-war Americana and an abiding passion for anything that tastes good, wherever it comes from. Bradt's Taiwan is the perfect companion for discovering all of this, written by an expert who knows the country inside out and is well versed in delivering exactly what you need for a successful trip.
Trade Review'[Bradt travel guides are] attractive and clearly targeted books, combining professionalism and focus while keeping a personal flavour.' The Sunday Times 'Recommended reading' Wanderlust
Table of ContentsIntroduction PART ONE GENERAL INFORMATION Chapter 1 Background Information Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy, People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture Chapter 2 Practical Information When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators and tourist information, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, What to take, Electricity, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Architecture, Sports and activities, Photography, Media and communications, Maps, Business, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively PART TWO THE GUIDE Chapter 3 Taipei History, Getting there and away, Getting around, Tourist information, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do, Taipei suburbs, Yangmingshan National Park Chapter 4 North Taiwan Taoyuan, Sanxia and Yingge, Wulai, North Cross-Island Highway, Yilan County, The northeast, Keelung, The north coast, Tamsui Chapter 5 Hakka Country Hsinchu City, East of Hsinchu, The aboriginal interior, Nanzhuang, Sanyi Chapter 6 Central Taiwan Taichung, Changhua City, Lukang, Jiji and around, Sun Moon Lake, Puli to Lishan, Shei-Pa National Park, Yushan National Park Chapter 7 Southwest Taiwan Tainan, Around Tainan, Chiayi City, From Chiayi City to Shizhuo by Road 159A, Alishan National Scenic Area Chapter 8 Kaohsiung and Pingtung Kaohsiung, North to Neimen, Meinong, Maolin, Northern Kaohsiung, Northern Pingtung County, Southern Pingtung County, Kenting National Park Chapter 9 East Taiwan Hualien City, Taroko Gorge, The East Rift Valley, Highway 11: the coast road, Taitung City, South from Taitung Chapter 10 Minor Islands Penghu County, Kinmen County, Matsu National Scenic Area, Little Liuqiu, Green Island, Orchid Island Appendix 1 Language Appendix 2 Road and Street Names Appendix 3 Further Information Index
