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 Taiwan is an island awash vibrant natural colours, back-dropped against scenic surrounds and dotted with natural marvels.
For tens of millions of years, the constant movement of tectonic plates have given Taiwan a hugely varied terrain. Thanks to this topography, Taiwan supports an enormous variety of flora and fauna. In order to conserve such rich natural resources, six national parks have been established. Each of them has magnificent scenery, unique wildlife and authentic local cultures rarely seen elsewhere in the world.
High mountains, softly rising hills, open plains, lush river basins, offshore islands, rift valleys and marble canyons, rocky and sandy coastlines, and undersea coral reefs are only are only some features of Taiwan’s geological variety. Taiwan has more than 293 mountains over 3,000 metres high. Mountain ranges sprawl across the island and make up 65% of the terrain, a concentration of mountainous areas which is rarely seen in other parts of the world. Mount Jade (Yushan) is the highest peak in Northeast Asia. Mountaineering is very popular in Taiwan – you can test your limits on the island’s precipitous peaks, go hiking in the winding gordes or simply go for a relaxing stroll in the hills near the city.
  
There are six national parks in Taiwan and they all boast wonderful world-class scenery and unique ecologies. Among the six national parks, Taroko, in Eastern Taiwan, is the most famous and the most highly praised. Taroko Gorge is carved by the Liwu River through marble mountains, forming spectacular canyons whose precipitous cliffs are draped with waterfalls and overhung with lush jungle vegetation. With a new view around every corner, the gorge is a source of constant amazement to visitors. Yushan and Shei-Pa National Parks are also famous for their high mountains. Among them, Dabajian Peak is especially notable for its unique and awe-inspiring shape. Yangmingshan National Park just outside Taipei City is renowned for its topography and its wealth of unusual volcanic features. Kenting National Park at the southern tip of Taiwan boasts tropical blue seas, dazzling bright sunshine and clean sandy beaches. Kinmen is Taiwan’s sixth national park and is best known for its recent history as the battle ground between Taiwan and mainland China.
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