Get to know Taiwan

I had the opportunity to work in Taiwan for three years. And within that period of time, I have discovered fascinating things about the people, the culture, and the country as a whole. For the past years it has opened its doors for tourists and expats from all over the world.

Taiwan is a beautiful island in Southeast Asia which was known historicaly as "Formosa". It comprises more than 90% of the Republic of China territory with an area of 35,883 square kilometers. This country is a safe haven of wildlife and rich natural resources. The climate here varies from tropical to sub-tropical where I experienced my very first winter (with no snow though). Taiwan's landscape is mostly mountainous but you can also see big cities . Most of their electronics factories and industries are located within these cities. The growing manufacturing sector became a big part of the country's rapid economic growth. This is the reason why Taiwan has been a home to foreign workers from around Asia specifically from Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

What makes this country more beautiful from the others? The answer lies on its citizens. Taiwanese people are very disciplined,hardworking,law-abiding and goal-oriented. Their discipline shows everyday on how orderly their country is, from the streets,to their stores and to their workplaces.They have very high value of patriotism. For them working everyday is not just for their families but at the same time they are doing something to maintain their country's stable economy. Working with these people for years taught me how to value time and my job. And that became their tool to succeed together as one for their country.

There is also one inspiring thing about Taiwan that some don't have. It is how they balance economic growth and preserving the environment. They have big establishments and infrastractures and at the same time green sceneries surrounding their higways and train stations.Preserving their natural resources became a part of their growth which made them a leading country in Southeast Asia when it comes to expat destinations and in the manufacturing sectors' point.

When it comes to its tourist destinations.just last 2013 they recordeded an annual income which amounted to NT$366.8 million (NT$ is New Taiwan Dollar) from their tourism sector alone. Some of these spots became my favorite. And I would recommend these to anyone who wants to visit this country.

• TAIPEI 101- It once held the Guiness Book of world records of the wolrd's tallest building from March 2004 to March 2010 with a scyscraping height of 449m, 509m to tip. This buliding has 101 floors with Toshiba high-speed elevators that will take you up to their observatories which are located at the 89th to 91st floor. It has outdoor observatories where you can view the beauty of the whole Taipei city. This landmark stands tall at the Xinyin District of Taipei, Taiwan.
• CHIANG KAI-SHEK MEMORIAL HALL- This is built to honor the very first leader of China Chiang Kai-Shek. It is located at the heart of Taipe City which offers art gallery from the early Chinese leaders. Located inside this historic facility is also their national theater where you can watch international art performances. This is mostly known because of Chiang Kai-shek's monument which reminds the Taiwanese people how and where everything started.

• YEHLIU GEOPARK-Have you heard of rock formations? This is a place where you can find almost a hundred of them. It houses nature's work at its finest which will make you feel lucky and love Mother Earth more. Viewing this rock formations takes a lot of walking. This 1700 meter-long gem ha a lot tooffer you when talking about breathtaking scenerie.. Mostly photographers are the ones who loves to visit this place because everbody can get up close and personal with these gems and take as many pictures as you can. Some of the famous formations here which are also tourist- favorites are the "Queen's Head" and the "Fairy's Shoe". Yehliu is a cape located in Wanli township, New Taipei, Taiwan.

  These tourist attractions and many more became the testament of what Taiwan can offer to the world. I am glad that this country rich with socio-cultural, historical, political, environmental and economic values was once my home. And I am sure that the Taiwanese people and its government will continue to preserve these values for the next generations to foretell and to enjoy.

Visit Taiwan and its hidden gems.