Fascinating TAIWAN

Sanxiantai, which means “platform of the three immortals,” is an offshore islet and coral reef coastline. Originally a headland, Sanxiantai became an island after erosion wore through the neck of the promontory. An eight-arch footbridge connects the islet to Taiwan’s southeastern coast. The reflection of the footbridge in the clear waters crosses the ocean’s surface.

Photo by CHUANG HSIN - YU

The Taiwan International Balloon Festival, held in the Hualien-Taitung Valley, draws large crowds each year. They come for the experience coupled with the beautiful mountain and coastal scenery. This sunrise photo was taken at Sanxiantai in Taitung.

Photo by CHUANG HSIN - YU

The Kaohsiung Music Center was designed by a team led by Spanish architect Manuel Alvarez-monteserin Lahoz and built by Taiwan’s Habitech Architects. With a unique design inspired by elements of the ocean, the center won gold at the 2021 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards and is the primary hub for popular music in southern Taiwan.

Photo by HO CHIN-HUI

Bitou Cape, which means “tip of the nose,” gets its name from how it juts into the sea in the shape of a nose. Rugged and steep, the cape rises high above the waves that crash against its cliffs. Bitou Cape is one of the “Three Capes of Taiwan,” the other two being Sandiao, the island’s easternmost cape, and Fugui, its northernmost. A lighthouse stands on each.

Photo by PAN TONG-XI

Mapatotalaw is a treasured part of the cultural heritage of Orchid Island’s Tao people. The term describes the part of the boat launch ceremony during which a new craft is thrown into the air by a crowd of Tao men. 

Photo by HUANG TING-SHENG

The black-faced spoonbill, whose primary range is East and Southeast Asia, is the most endangered of the world’s six spoonbill species. Taiwan’s southwestern coast is the most important wintering habitat for these migratory birds. As the number of black-faced spoonbills wintering in Taiwan continues to grow, the island has a critical influence on positive changes in their global population.

Photo by WANG JENG - JYI

Nankunshen Daitian Temple, located in the Beimen District of Tainan City, is the largest center of Wangye worship in Taiwan. Five Wangye, divine emissaries of the celestial Jade Emperor, are worshipped at the temple, which was founded more than three centuries ago. The temple captures the full splendor of the distinctly Taiwanese religious architecture and customs.

Photo by WANG CHEN-CHE

Schizostachyum diffusum is a species of bamboo native to Taiwan with a long, slender stem that is strong yet flexible. Its quick and unrelenting growth represents perseverance, while its stem bends without breaking, recalling the resilient quality of Taiwan’s people.

Photo by TSAI BING-KEN

Taiwan is dubbed the “Kingdom of Orchids,” enjoying international renown for both the quality and variety of its orchids. Among those grown locally, the dancing lady orchids are known for their elegant shape and vibrant color. With long-lasting, myriad blossoms, they convey a sense of festivity and prosperity.

Photo by TSAI BING-KEN