In the Sinhua Hills (新化丘陵) of Tainan, farms, temples, narrow roads and stands of bamboo dot the landscape, making them virtually indistinguishable from other rural areas in southern Taiwan. There is one important difference, however: over the years, the environment here has alternated between ocean, brackish lagoon, freshwater, and dry land, leaving behind a rich variety and concentration of fossils. As the Cailiao River (菜寮溪) erodes the hills, these fossils are continuously being exposed.
These fossils were first excavated for academic study during the Japanese colonial period, eventually culminating in the opening of a museum dedicated to their display. Over the
Keelung often conjures up images of narrow streets, rainy skies, damp concrete buildings and a busy shipping port. Just outside the main harbor, however, lie recreational opportunities that highlight the beautiful coastal scenery and rich history that Keelung has to offer. Relax on the beach, climb up to a remote lighthouse, observe the myriad shapes created by sandstone erosion along the coast or learn about the various groups that have made their homes here over the centuries, all within minutes of downtown.
<strong>KEELUNG ISLET</strong>
Looking out from Keelung’s coast, a small island is visible about 5km out to sea, the result of
It takes a special kind of person to willingly suspend yourself 20 meters above the ground with only one carabiner and the grip strength in your left hand for safety. You must have either a high level of trust in your equipment, supreme confidence in your own skill, or reckless disregard for your own life perhaps a little of each.
This is the adrenaline-fueled thrill of rock climbing, and for those looking to get their feet wet in the sport, Longdong (龍洞, literally “Dragon Cave”) in New Taipei City is the place to do it. For those looking to literally
A weekend getaway where you can escape the summer heat, commune with nature among trees that sprouted before the time of Christ or enjoy landscaped gardens and comfortable accommodations is within easy reach of northern Taiwan. Experience a traditional garden with Chinese and Japanese influences, birdwatching, ecological tours of old-growth cypress forest and one of Chiang Kai-shek’s (蔣介石) namesake villas set among orchards with a beautiful view of the Lanyang River (蘭陽溪) valley, all in the Makauy Ecological Park (馬告生態園區).
The Northern Cross-Island Highway connects Taoyuan and Yilan counties, passing through misty conifer forests as it climbs over the Snow Mountain