<strong>Beautiful Taiwan: </strong>This 36,193-square-kilometer island has a staggeringly diverse wealth of stunning scenery, from cityscapes to natural views.
Beautiful Taiwan: This 36,193-square-kilometer island has a staggeringly diverse wealth of stunning scenery, from cityscapes to natural views.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Alishan, Chiayi: </strong>The highest peak of Taiwan's Ali Mountain Range, Datashan rises 2,663 meters high. This is one of a series of breathtaking photos taken in Taiwan by Thai photographer Theerasak Saksritawee.
Alishan, Chiayi: The highest peak of Taiwan's Ali Mountain Range, Datashan rises 2,663 meters high. This is one of a series of breathtaking photos taken in Taiwan by Thai photographer Theerasak Saksritawee.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Sun Moon Lake, Nantou: </strong>Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan and home to the Thao aboriginal tribe. Theerasak recommends visiting at sunrise.
Sun Moon Lake, Nantou: Sun Moon Lake is the largest lake in Taiwan and home to the Thao aboriginal tribe. Theerasak recommends visiting at sunrise.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Datunshan Viewpoint, Taipei City: </strong>Datunshan is the best place to take in views of Taipei City under a sea of clouds, says Theerasak.
Datunshan Viewpoint, Taipei City: Datunshan is the best place to take in views of Taipei City under a sea of clouds, says Theerasak.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Central Mountain Range: </strong>The Central Mountain Range is one of the five main mountain ranges in Taiwan. "The Central Mountain Range offers the most spectacular views, with opportunities to see the 'Sea of Clouds,' at sunrise and sunset," says Ryan Hevern, co-founder of Taiwan Adventure Outings.
Central Mountain Range: The Central Mountain Range is one of the five main mountain ranges in Taiwan. "The Central Mountain Range offers the most spectacular views, with opportunities to see the 'Sea of Clouds,' at sunrise and sunset," says Ryan Hevern, co-founder of Taiwan Adventure Outings.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Hehuanshan, Central Mountain Range: </strong>"Hehuanshan (3,416 meters high) is the most amazing nature in Taiwan, especially in May, when you will see the azalea flowers blossom on the top of mountain," says Theerasak.
Hehuanshan, Central Mountain Range: "Hehuanshan (3,416 meters high) is the most amazing nature in Taiwan, especially in May, when you will see the azalea flowers blossom on the top of mountain," says Theerasak.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Lianhua Ecological Pond Forest, Nantou: </strong>The ecological pond and forest in Yuchi Village, Nantou, has become a hotspot for firefly-sighting.
Lianhua Ecological Pond Forest, Nantou: The ecological pond and forest in Yuchi Village, Nantou, has become a hotspot for firefly-sighting.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Sihcau Green Tunnel, Tainan: </strong>Sihcau is part of the Taijiang Lagoon. The 750-meter-long scenic waterway is a well-preserved wetland. Visitors can take a 30-minute raft ride along the river.
Sihcau Green Tunnel, Tainan: Sihcau is part of the Taijiang Lagoon. The 750-meter-long scenic waterway is a well-preserved wetland. Visitors can take a 30-minute raft ride along the river.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei City: </strong>Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a historical monument to commemorate the former president of the Republic of China. Opened in the 1980s, a museum is housed beneath the memorial hall dedicated to Chiang's life.
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei City: Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is a historical monument to commemorate the former president of the Republic of China. Opened in the 1980s, a museum is housed beneath the memorial hall dedicated to Chiang's life.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei City: </strong>"Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is the most beautiful place," says Theerasak. "I recommend taking a photo on New Year's Day in January because the sun's position will go up at the center of the door. Wait for an interesting subject to move through your lens and just click your shutter."
Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei City: "Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall is the most beautiful place," says Theerasak. "I recommend taking a photo on New Year's Day in January because the sun's position will go up at the center of the door. Wait for an interesting subject to move through your lens and just click your shutter."
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Golden Waterfall, Ruifang: </strong>Located in Ruifeng, Golden Waterfall is named for the golden-colored hillside underneath its cascade of water.
Golden Waterfall, Ruifang: Located in Ruifeng, Golden Waterfall is named for the golden-colored hillside underneath its cascade of water.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Rainbow Village, Taichung: </strong>The village, one of more than 800 settlements built for retired Chinese soldiers after World War II, has become a distinctive tourist attraction after a retired soldier, Huang Yung-fu, painted hundreds of brightly colored murals on its walls.
Rainbow Village, Taichung: The village, one of more than 800 settlements built for retired Chinese soldiers after World War II, has become a distinctive tourist attraction after a retired soldier, Huang Yung-fu, painted hundreds of brightly colored murals on its walls.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Mastu Islands: </strong>With a coastline lit up by luminescent sea algae, commonly called "blue tears," Taiwan's Mastu Islands have been witnessing a tourism boom in recent years.
Mastu Islands: With a coastline lit up by luminescent sea algae, commonly called "blue tears," Taiwan's Mastu Islands have been witnessing a tourism boom in recent years.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Taipei 101, Taipei City: </strong>Taipei 101, the 509-meter-tall skyscraper, might be the most iconic building in Taiwan. Comprised of 101 floors, it was the world's tallest building between 2004 and 2010.
Taipei 101, Taipei City: Taipei 101, the 509-meter-tall skyscraper, might be the most iconic building in Taiwan. Comprised of 101 floors, it was the world's tallest building between 2004 and 2010.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Chimei Museum, Tainan: </strong>A private museum funded by Chi Mei Corporation, a petrochemical company, Chimei Museum houses collections of paintings, armor and musical instruments (it has one of the world's largest collections of violins).
Chimei Museum, Tainan: A private museum funded by Chi Mei Corporation, a petrochemical company, Chimei Museum houses collections of paintings, armor and musical instruments (it has one of the world's largest collections of violins).
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Shifen Waterfall, New Taipei City: </strong>Spanning 40 meters wide and 20 meters high, Shifen Waterfall is the widest waterfall in Taiwan.
Shifen Waterfall, New Taipei City: Spanning 40 meters wide and 20 meters high, Shifen Waterfall is the widest waterfall in Taiwan.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Laomei Green Reef, New Taipei City: </strong>Laomei is a volcanic reef formed during an eruption centuries ago. Its eclectic shapes are the result of years of erosion. Photographers flock to the seashore every April and May, when green algae blankets the volcanic reef.
Laomei Green Reef, New Taipei City: Laomei is a volcanic reef formed during an eruption centuries ago. Its eclectic shapes are the result of years of erosion. Photographers flock to the seashore every April and May, when green algae blankets the volcanic reef.
courtesy Tourism and Travel Department, New Taipei City Government
<strong>Old England, Nantou: </strong>This storybook castle may look like it belongs in a quaint European town, but The Old England Manor is actually located in Nantou, Taiwan. Built in the Tudor-style, it's a luxury bed and breakfast atop the CingJing Farm.
Old England, Nantou: This storybook castle may look like it belongs in a quaint European town, but The Old England Manor is actually located in Nantou, Taiwan. Built in the Tudor-style, it's a luxury bed and breakfast atop the CingJing Farm.
Theerasak Saksritawee/www.popumon.com
<strong>Jiufen, New Taipei City: </strong>Once a quiet hillside gold-mining town<strong>,</strong> Jiufen and its meandering alleys and narrow staircases have surged in popularity among international tourists for its resemblance to Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away."
Jiufen, New Taipei City: Once a quiet hillside gold-mining town, Jiufen and its meandering alleys and narrow staircases have surged in popularity among international tourists for its resemblance to Studio Ghibli's "Spirited Away."
courtesy Tourism and Travel Department, New Taipei City Government
<strong>Nenggao Historic Trail, Nantou and Hualien: </strong>Built in 1914 during the years of Japanese occupation in Taiwan, the 27-kilometer Nenggao Trail has great cultural and historical significance. Connecting Nantou and Hualien, the trail takes trekkers up to Qilai South Peak, 3,300 meters above sea level. Hiking the Nenggao Historic Trail takes at least two days and requires a entry permit.
Nenggao Historic Trail, Nantou and Hualien: Built in 1914 during the years of Japanese occupation in Taiwan, the 27-kilometer Nenggao Trail has great cultural and historical significance. Connecting Nantou and Hualien, the trail takes trekkers up to Qilai South Peak, 3,300 meters above sea level. Hiking the Nenggao Historic Trail takes at least two days and requires a entry permit.
Courtesy of Ryan Hevern
<strong>Shuiyang Lake, Zhushan: </strong>This little gem is the result of the devastating Jiji earthquake in 1999. Coniferous trees collapsed, damming the river to create a small lake. The sun-bleached dead trees stick straight out of the water to paint an incredible scene.
Shuiyang Lake, Zhushan: This little gem is the result of the devastating Jiji earthquake in 1999. Coniferous trees collapsed, damming the river to create a small lake. The sun-bleached dead trees stick straight out of the water to paint an incredible scene.
Courtesy of Ryan Hevern
<strong>Yushan National Park, Central Mountain Range: </strong>Yushan is another notable mountain in the Central Mountain Range. At 3,952 meters above sea level, it's the highest mountain in Taiwan.
Yushan National Park, Central Mountain Range: Yushan is another notable mountain in the Central Mountain Range. At 3,952 meters above sea level, it's the highest mountain in Taiwan.
Courtesy of Ryan Hevern
<strong>Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei City: </strong>Just a short trip from Taipei, Yehliu Geopark is home to whimsical rock formations and landforms. Pictured here is the iconic "Queen's Head" formation.
Yehliu Geopark, New Taipei City: Just a short trip from Taipei, Yehliu Geopark is home to whimsical rock formations and landforms. Pictured here is the iconic "Queen's Head" formation.
seng chye teo/Moment Open/Getty Images
<strong>Teapot Mountain, Ruifang, New Taipei City: </strong>Teapot Mountain offers gorgeous coastal views of Taiwan's northeastern shoreline. "Exciting hikes, and world-famous ocean-adjacent rock climbing" are also some of its attractions, according to Taiwan Adventure Outings.
Teapot Mountain, Ruifang, New Taipei City: Teapot Mountain offers gorgeous coastal views of Taiwan's northeastern shoreline. "Exciting hikes, and world-famous ocean-adjacent rock climbing" are also some of its attractions, according to Taiwan Adventure Outings.
Courtesy of Ryan Hevern
<strong>Stegosaurus Ridge, New Taipei City: </strong>The steep Stegosaurus Ridge is one of the most challenging rock-climbing routes on Teapot Mountain.
Stegosaurus Ridge, New Taipei City: The steep Stegosaurus Ridge is one of the most challenging rock-climbing routes on Teapot Mountain.
Courtesy of Ryan Hevern
<strong>Xiaoliuqiu, Pingtung: </strong>An islet off the western coast of Taiwan, Xiaoliuqiu (or Lamay Island) is famous for its abundance of sea turtles, making it a prime snorkeling location.
Xiaoliuqiu, Pingtung: An islet off the western coast of Taiwan, Xiaoliuqiu (or Lamay Island) is famous for its abundance of sea turtles, making it a prime snorkeling location.
Courtesy of Ryan Hevern
<strong>Formosa Boulevard Station, Kaohsiung: </strong>The three-story Formosa Boulevard Station in Kaohsiung may be the most beautiful metro station in Taiwan, if not the world. The 2,180-square-meter Dome of Light, a glass mural built into the ceiling of the station by American-Italian artist Narcissus Quagliatam, is the largest such glass installation in the world.
Formosa Boulevard Station, Kaohsiung: The three-story Formosa Boulevard Station in Kaohsiung may be the most beautiful metro station in Taiwan, if not the world. The 2,180-square-meter Dome of Light, a glass mural built into the ceiling of the station by American-Italian artist Narcissus Quagliatam, is the largest such glass installation in the world.
Maggie Wong/CNN
<strong>Taroko Gorge, Hualien: </strong>Famous for its gigantic marble boulders, Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist attractions. Since being declared a national park in 1986, the 920-square-kilometer area has been a protected reserve in the northern section of the surging Central Mountain Range and the eastern coast of the island.
Taroko Gorge, Hualien: Famous for its gigantic marble boulders, Taroko Gorge is one of Taiwan's most popular tourist attractions. Since being declared a national park in 1986, the 920-square-kilometer area has been a protected reserve in the northern section of the surging Central Mountain Range and the eastern coast of the island.
Anisha Shah/CNN
<strong>Gaomei wetlands, Taichung:</strong> About an hour from the city center, the Gaomei wetlands lie south of the mouth of the Dajia River. Featuring giant wind-power generators, it's an ideal spot for bird-watching or enjoying the sunset.
Gaomei wetlands, Taichung: About an hour from the city center, the Gaomei wetlands lie south of the mouth of the Dajia River. Featuring giant wind-power generators, it's an ideal spot for bird-watching or enjoying the sunset.
Mao-Kun Liao/Moment Editorial/Flickr Vision
<strong>Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung: </strong>Officially opened in 1951 (some temples in the park are more than two centuries old), the Lotus Pond consists of a man-made lake with more than a dozen temples, pavilions and pagodas.
Lotus Pond, Kaohsiung: Officially opened in 1951 (some temples in the park are more than two centuries old), the Lotus Pond consists of a man-made lake with more than a dozen temples, pavilions and pagodas.
Maggie Wong/CNN