Taiwan

Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, Taiwan lies roughly 180 km off the southeastern coast of mainland China, with the Philippines to its south and Japan's Ryukyu Islands to its northeast. Taipei serves as the capital and commercial centre. Mandarin Chinese is the official language, though Taiwanese Hokkien and Hakka are widely spoken. The currency is the New Taiwan dollar. The island is known for its fusion of traditional Chinese culture, Japanese colonial influence, and a distinct democratic identity.

Many nationalities — including citizens of the United States, European Union countries, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and Canada — may enter Taiwan visa-free for stays typically ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on the agreement in place. Travellers who require a visa in advance can apply through Taiwan's official eVisa system. Always verify current conditions with the Bureau of Consular Affairs before travel.

Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, dominates the Xinyi skyline and houses an indoor and outdoor observation deck. Taroko Gorge in Hualien County cuts through marble cliffs in one of Asia's most dramatic gorge landscapes. The National Palace Museum in Taipei holds one of the world's largest collections of Chinese imperial artefacts. Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County is a high-altitude reservoir ringed by forested hills. Jiufen, a historic mountain village, clings to a steep hillside above the northeastern coast.

Taiwan has a subtropical climate in the north and tropical in the south, with hot, humid summers typically reaching 32–35 °C and mild winters around 12–18 °C in the north and warmer in the south. Typhoon season runs from June through October, bringing heavy rainfall. Spring and autumn — particularly October and November — offer the most comfortable conditions for visiting. Packing light, breathable clothing and a compact rain jacket is advisable year-round.

• Home to over 100 peaks exceeding 3,000 metres.
• Night markets remain a central institution of daily life.
• Taiwan produces some of the world's finest oolong teas.
• First Asian territory to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019.
• The island was known as Formosa to Portuguese sailors.

• taiwan.net.tw — Taiwan Tourism Administration, official visitor information
• boca.gov.tw — Bureau of Consular Affairs, visa and entry requirements
• cwb.gov.tw — Central Weather Bureau, forecasts and typhoon updates
• thsrc.com.tw — Taiwan High Speed Rail, intercity rail booking and schedules