Introduction to Taipei
Taiwan ranks among the top ten trading countries in the world today. It also enjoys one of the highest living standards in Eastern Hemisphere. Taiwan is also an heir to five thousand years of Chinese civilization, with traditional Chinese arts and crafts still flourishing today. The island of Taiwan is located about 120 miles off the eastern shores of Mainland China, about midway between Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and the Philippines. Taiwan's location between East Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as between mainland Asia and America, allows and encourages visits by scholars in the Pacific Rim. The island stretches about 240 miles from north to south and about 85 miles across the widest points from east to west, with the total area slightly bigger than the Netherlands. About two-thirds of the island is covered with lush forested mountains, including Jade Mountain, the highest peak in northeast Asia. With a population of over 21 million people, Taiwan is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Taiwan has one of the most stable and free economies in East Asia. All major foreign currencies can be exchanged upon arrival in Taiwan. Exchange rate stands at NT$34.50 per U.S. dollar currently. The monetary and banking systems in Taiwan are very similar to those in the U. S. Taipei is the capital of the Republic of China, and a modern metropolis of many skyscrapers with about four million people in her metropolitan area. The CKS international airport is around 40 minutes south of the capital. Modern highways, railroads, and domestic flights can take people to any place in Taiwan within hours. Taipei is the world's capital of Chinese food with hundreds of excellent restaurants serving a wide range of Asian and Western cuisines. Many impressive sightseeing attractions are located in or around Taipei, including the majestic C.K.S. Memorial with the National Concert Hall and Theatre on the same compound, the National Palace Museum (which houses the richest collection of treasures spanning 5,000 years of Chinese civilization), and the Taroko Gorge National Park in Hualian (a 40 minute plane ride away). Taiwan enjoys an oceanic and subtropical monsoon climate, with long, humid summers and short, mild winters. Its average monthly temperature ranges from 25C to 28C (77-82F) in the summer (with daily highs typically in the low 30C). The highest temperature usually occurs in July. It is relatively cool near the end of August. August is also the month for the Ghost Festival. There will have a month-long party in the mortal world for spirits. Lavish feasts, temple parades and Taiwanese operas are commonplace during this period.