Taiwan

Taiwan is an island in East Asia. 

The main island of Taiwan, also known as Formosa (from Portugese (Ilha) Formosa, meaning "beautiful (island)"), is located in East Asia off the coast of mainland China, southwest of the main islands of Japan.

The island is 394 kilometers (245 miles) long and 144 kilometers (89 miles) wide and consists of steep mountains covered by tropical and subtropical vegetation.

Taiwan is a modern industrialised megalopolis; a string of teeming cities at the feet of a glorious mountain range. Here you'll find traditional noodles at the 7-Eleven, and a day of temple rituals followed by waterslide rides.

If you step outside chaotic Taipei you'll discover why Taiwan is known as Ilha Formosa. Mountain peaks puncture a sea of clouds, slick black volcanic rock wraps the coastlines, and waterfalls shroud themselves in mist. Taiwan is a computer-generated Chinese watercolour.

 Taiwan has many large cities and towns. Below are nine of the most notable. 

Taipei - the capital of Taiwan

• Taipei is the seat of government and its centre of commerce and culture. Taipei is home to the world's tallest skyscraper, Taipei 101.
• Hsinchu is a center of hi-tech industry, and one of the world's leading manufacturers of hi-tech components.
• Hualien is  located near Taroko Gorge, and is considered one of the most pleasant of Taiwan's cities.
• Jiufen - this former gold mining town located on the northeast coast is now a popular tourist destination.
• Kaohsiung is the second-largest city on the island. It has one of the busiest sea ports (the Port of Kaohsiung) in the world.
• Keelung is the a center of transshipment in the north, and is located about a thirty minute drive from downtown Taipei.
• Puli  is located at the geographical center of the island, and it serves as a good base for exploring the central mountains and Sun Moon Lake.
• Taichung is the third largest city in Taiwan, and has an abundance of interesting cultural amenities and activities.
• Tainan  is the oldest city in Taiwan and was the capital during imperial times. It is famous for its historic buildings and snack food