Introducing Western Taiwan
If you want contrasts, head to western Taiwan and start at the coastline, continue through rich farmland and end in the high mountains of the central range. In fact, for a study in contrasts, just head to the Alishan National Scenic Area. Here you can travel through three biogeographical zones – tropical, subtropical and temperate – in just three hours (a rare old single-track alpine railway is your carriage).
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But unless you have unlimited time, the west’s contrasts will demand you choose from among them. Should you explore Taiwan’s southern Chinese heritage (which includes a great collection of temples) or its aboriginal culture? Should you join a pilgrimage for the goddess of the sea or learn to meditate at a Buddhist temple? Should you climb one of the highest mountains in East Asia or cycle easy bike lanes through the countryside?
Of all the regions in Taiwan, this is one we suggest you follow our advice for most carefully (which includes letting you know those areas you don’t need to follow our advice). While there are some real treasures out there, there’s also a lot of dismal wasteland. In general, the cities can be given a miss except as jumping-off points. For smaller towns, don’t miss Lukang, Puli and, to a lesser extent, Changhua, even if your time is tight. Forget the miles of coastline unless you like Styrofoam, cables, plastic and – you get the picture. Look to the rice fields, the mountains and Sun Moon Lake, the largest body of water in Taiwan, for your scenic fix.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
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From Lishan to Alishan
by poorjar 03 October 2007
The only bus line connects Lishan and western Taiwan is the Taichung-Lishan line we were talking about.
So you must change bus at either…
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Western Taiwan
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Western Taiwan Overview
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Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Western Taiwan
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1 Yushan National Park
Climb Yushan, one of East Asia’s highest mountains, in Yushan National Park
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2 Chung Tai Chan Temple
Get a primer in Buddhism at the Chung Tai Chan Temple in Puli
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3 Rueili
See mountainsides light up with fireflies in Rueili
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4 Alishan
Ride a rare alpine railway to Alishan
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5 Fengshan
Swim the rivers in remote Fengshan
Our favourite Western Taiwan Blogs (beta)
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The Butterflies of Sun Moon Lake
Blog: The Saturation Point of Bells - 9 November 2009
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The Path of Enlightenment
Blog: The Saturation Point of Bells - 3 November 2009
"Master, when can I call myself 'Traveller'?""When Grasshopper, you have found The Other Way""To where?""To the Path. To Nirvana.""As in, 'Teen Spirit'?""No, Grasshopper. Not that Nirvana."I was take The Green Bus. So it was written. From Exit 4, Zhongxiao Fuxing MRT. And yet, there I went and Green Bus found I none. Waiting for me in the mountains was respite from all wordly cares, bliss and comfort. Not to mention a 60 metre infinity pool. But how to reach it?
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Taichung: Re-NOON-iun!
Blog: 12FOOT3 - 22 May 2009
For 2 years prior to leaving on this trip, I worked at an awesome design studio called NOON in San Francisco. A few years back, a guy named Allen joined our little family as a freelancer for a few months before returning to Taiwan to do his required military service (he is a Taiwan citizen). [...]
