Taiwan Tourism

Though planning and lobbying for national parks began during the Japanese colonial era, subsequent military, political, and economic distractions delayed the establishment of Taiwan's first national park until 1984, when Kenting was designated as such. There 0are now seven national parks in Taiwan (listed below), which account for almost 10 percent of the nation's total land area and cover a diverse range of terrain. While the parks are prime tourist destinations, their principal role lies in the protection of natural and cultural resources deemed to be of significant value at the national or global level.

Dongsha Marine National Park is Taiwan's newly-designated national park. Established in January 2007, the park aims to protect the coral reef ecosystem of the Dongsha (Pratas) Islands (see chapter 1, "Geography"), located 240 nautical miles south of Kaohsiung. Historical records suggest that a number of sunken ships lie beneath the area's waters and so the park also has archaeological significance. However, due to reasons of conservation, tourists will not be allowed into the area for at least five years.

Kenting National Park wraps around Taiwan's southernmost tip, encompassing a dramatic and tropical coastline primed by millions of years of rock activity. Migratory birds, whales, and dolphins gather in the area during the winter months. Safe, clean waters and white beaches mean that water sports are popular and the park's coral reefs and exotic marine life are favorites among divers.

Kinmen National Park covers roughly one quarter of the Kinmen Islands, which are located just kilometers from the Chinese coast. The park acts as a war memorial in addition to its role as a nature reserve, as the main island of Kinmen (Quemoy) was subject to fierce attacks by China's forces during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Kinmen boasts well-preserved architecture in the traditional Fuchienese style and hybrid Western and Chinese styles. The island's renowned pottery and fiery sorghum liquor gaoliang are popular souvenirs.

Mountainous Shei-pa National Park forms the main watershed for north and central Taiwan and is frequented by both local and foreign mountaineers. Taiwan's largest wildlife refuge, which was established to protect the endangered Formosan landlocked salmon, is situated in the park at the Cijiawan River. The area's indigenous cultural heritage is still visible in mountain trails and place names, and roughly 18,000 members of the indigenous Atayal and Saisiyat groups continue to live along the boundaries of the park today.

Taroko Gorge, a spectacular marble-walled canyon that runs for 19 kilometers through mountains near Taiwan's east coast, lies as a gem at the center of Taroko National Park. The park is traversed by the Central Cross-Island Highway, which winds through green and rugged mountains from the west and then along the rim of the gorge, offering magnificent bird's-eye views of the park's natural beauty. The park is also home to waterfalls, hot springs, and indigenous culture.

Yangmingshan National Park to the north of Taipei is noted for its unusual volcanic terrain, and live volcanic activity can still be seen in the form of sulfur fumaroles and hot springs. Lush grass plains, mountain peaks, crater lakes, and waterfalls are connected by roads, walkways, and hiking trails. Located nearer to a metropolitan center than any other national park in the world, Yangmingshan is a perfect weekend getaway or day trip from Taipei.

Located at the heart of Taiwan's central mountain range, Yushan National Park includes 30 of the highest 100 mountain peaks in Taiwan and centers on Yushan (Jade Mountain), Northeast Asia's highest peak at 3,952 meters. Ascending the mountain's massive slopes from its base 300 meters above sea level to its summit, the huge variation in altitude is reflected by changes in plant and animal life from subtropical, through temperate, to alpine.