Each month, National Geographic magazine asks an editor from one of its international editions to answer the question, “What are the best places to visit in your area of the world?” Yung Shih Lee, the editor of National Geographic Taiwan, thinks the sights below are some of the best places to visit. Would you like to visit these places?
“This market is the center of Taiwanese nightlife on the north side of Taipei. It’s very different from the morning markets where people shop for food to cook at home. At the Shih-lin Night Market, people show up¹ to have a snack or drink, buy a few things, and just hang around. Life really begins around 6 p.m. and can go on until three in the morning. On weekends the market is open even later.”
“The word taroko means ‘beautiful in the language of the Atayal people, and 20 thať’s exactly what the Taroko Gorge is. Visitors can take a train or a 30-minute flight from Taipei to visit this natural wonder. A 12-mile (19-kilometer) bus tour takes passengers through the gorge, making stops for riders to walk through man-made tunnels5 or enjoy the scenic views.”
“This small island about 40 miles (60 kilometers) southeast of Taiwan is home to the native Yami people. It is one of the few places in Taiwan where the traditions of native people are still well preserved. Tourists can stay in island hotels or arrange to stay in a Yami family’s home. Lan Yu is also home to many species found nowhere else in the world. Its beautiful coral reefs are also great for scuba diving.”
“Taiwan is not just a traditional place-it’s very modern, too. In 2004, work was completed on Taipei 101, now the second tallest building in the world. This massive skyscraper was the first building ever built over half a kilometer tall-it is 509 meters. Taipei 101 is also a symbol of Chinese culture, and its design features Chinese plants and pagodas. Even though Taiwan sometimes experiences earthquakes, Taipei 101 is safe because of the way it was built. Taipei 101 houses offices and shops, and even has parking for cars. It is an impressive and exciting sight.”