Pictures of Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong

If you will click on any pictures you will be able to view much larger versions of the images.

If you have a week in Taiwan I suggest you try to see or do the following:

• See the Taroko Gorge and its national park in eastern Taiwan near Hualien.
• Go snorkeling around Green Island or in the Pescadores (Peng-Hu).
• Take a day hike in the central mountains near Ali Shan or Yu Shan (Jade Mountain also known as Mt. Morrison) or Tsaoling or Hsitou.
• Visit one of large or historic temples such as the Lungshan Temple in Taipei.
• See the Palace Museum in Taipei.

If you have more time, you should also consider:

• The Taipei-Mucha Zoo is extraordinary, and probably one of the best zoos in Asia.
• Nine Portion Village (Chiufen) near Keelung is a lovely day-trip from Taipei.
• Yangmingshan (the mountain north of Taipei) is a good place to fly a kite or take a hike.
• If you like history you should visit the village of Lukang.
• Also for historical interest, you could visit Tainan with its old temples and the Dutch forts of Providentia (Chihkan Tower) and Zeelandia (Anping Gubao).
• The Science museum in Taichung is impressive.

I advise against:

• Any river rafting.
• Kenting. Racist violence against foreigners is common, and the reefs are not comparable to those around Green Island or the Pescadores. On the other hand, my sister went there and had a great time, and she speaks no Chinese, so it is possible to have a good time there.
• Any aboriginal shows.

I love Hong Kong and Macau, and I think you can not go wrong visiting these places for a week. In Macau you can spend three days walking around the city getting to know its streets, its parks, the historic forts, temples, and churches. Hong Kong has lovely natural areas in the New Territories where you can take delightful walks. You can also walk around shopping malls and Nathan Road if you like the city atmosphere. The tourist attractions such as Ocean Park are also fine, although usually crowded.