Amidst Korea and Japan to the north, and Hong Kong and the Philippines to the south, Taiwan rests like a queen with her breathtaking beauty. Mainland China is only 100 miles away from this island, otherwise known as Formosa. Taiwan has its own divided locales; northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan. The Penghu Archipelago (a cluster of sixty four islands known as the Pescadores with another twenty one islands) is enclosed within the province of Taiwan. The place is for both, gourmets (you get scrumptious sea food here) and beauty lovers; seashores, prehistoric temples, coral reefs, farms and barren fishing villages with the warm people are its charm. The Central Mountain Range cuts across the island sorting out the northern zone from the southern. You will find the enchanting locale swarming with lush foothills, terraced flatlands, coastal plains and basins. Taiwan is crammed with attractive tourist zones: wacky rocks of Yehliu, the waterfront of Keelung, the charismatic Northeast Coast National Scenic Area and one cannot forget to mention Yangmingshan National Park with hot springs and bouncing multi-colored flora beds.

When you move towards the central of Taiwan, you come closer to more amusing enticement. You will find the exotic culture of Taiwan here with folk arts and handicrafts, glorious temples and intricate sacred carnivals. You will be more than just absorbed.

If love is in the air, there are serene spots for you, and guess what, you can view 'sea of clouds'. (the sunrise in mountain Jade) from the window of your mountain resort. Hop around all the way and still you are not done with sightseeing. Yes, there are more to go: Central Cross-island Highway, the unruffled Hsitou's bamboo forests, and the soaring dignity of Yushan National Park are some of the must-see ones. Taichung is another sure spot to visit; it.s a prominent corporate zone.

Come down to the south; Kaohsiung will pull you with the power of a business magnet. Yes, it.s the heart of industrial world in Taiwan. Then there.s Kenting National Park tempting you with its welcoming sensual beaches and wildlife for the brave ones!

• Full country name: Republic of China
• Area: 35563 square kilometer
• Population: 22.5 million
• People: Taiwanese, Aboriginal and Chinese
• Language: Mandarin
• Religion: Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism