Sun Moon Lake

Sent by: TW-373098, Taiwan

Sun Moon Lake, situated in Nantou County’s Yuchih Township, in the center of Taiwan, and is the island’s largest lake. It is a beautiful alpine lake, divided by the tiny Lalu Island; the eastern part of the lake is round like the sun and the western side is shaped like a crescent moon, hence the name “Sun Moon Lake”.

Its crystalline, emerald green waters reflect the hills and mountains which rise on all sides. Natural beauty is enhanced by numerous cultural and historical sites. Well-known both at home and abroad, the Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area has exceptional potential for further growth and recognition as a prime tourism destination.

Taiwan’s Sept. 21 earthquake, which struck the area in 1999, caused severe damage to the Sun Moon Lake Scenic Area, at the time under the administration of Taiwan’s provincial government. The park has since been reorganized as a National Scenic Area. Significant increases in human and capital investment inflows and the promotion of various special programs and events centered on the Scenic Area have been instrumental in attracting tourists, helping the area emerge from the shadow of the earthquake and setting Sun Moon Lake firmly back on the path to becoming an international tourist destination.

Taipei 101 Skycraper

Taipei 101

Taipei 101 (台北101/臺北101), formerly known as the Taipei World Financial Center, is a landmark skyscraper located in Xinyi District, Taipei, Taiwan. The building ranked officially as the world's tallest from 2004 until the opening of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai in 2010. In July 2011, the building was awarded LEED Platinum certification, the highest award in the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system and became the tallest LEED building in the world.[3] Taipei 101 was designed by C.Y. Lee & partners and constructed primarily by KTRT Joint Venture. The tower has served as an icon of modern Taiwan ever since its opening, and received the 2004 Emporis Skyscraper Award.[4] Fireworks launched from Taipei 101 feature prominently in international New Year's Eve broadcasts and the structure appears frequently in travel literature and international media.

Taipei 101 comprises 101 floors above ground and 5 floors underground. The building was architecturally created as a symbol of the evolution of technology and Asian tradition (see Symbolism). Its postmodernist approach to style incorporates traditional design elements and gives them modern treatments. The tower is designed to withstand typhoons and earthquakes. A multi-level shopping mall adjoining the tower houses hundreds of fashionable stores, restaurants and clubs.

Taipei 101 is owned by the Taipei Financial Center Corporation (TFCC) and managed by the International division of Urban Retail Properties Corporation based in Chicago. The name originally planned for the building, Taipei World Financial Center, until 2003, was derived from the name of the owner. The original name in Chinese was literally, Taipei International Financial Center (臺北國際金融中心).


Tallest in the world from 2004 to 2010

Preceded by: Petronas Towers
Surpassed by: Burj Khalifa

Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park

Taroko National Park (太魯閣國家公園) is one of the seven national parks in Taiwan and was named after the Taroko Gorge, the landmark gorge of the park. The park spans Taichung City, Nantou County, and Hualien County.

The park was originally established as the Tsugitaka-Taroko National Park (次高タロコ国立公園) by the Governor-General of Taiwan on December 12, 1937 when Taiwan was part of the Empire of Japan. After the Empire of Japan's defeat in World War II, the Republic of China assumed control of Taiwan. The ROC government subsequently abolished the park on August 15, 1945. It was not until November 28, 1986 that the park was reestablished.

Sights include:

Tunnel of Nine Turns (九曲洞)
Eternal Spring Shrine (長春祠)
Swallow Grotto (燕子口)
Jinheng Park (靳珩公園)
The Bridge of the Kind Mother (慈母橋)
Tiansiang (天祥)
Jhueilu Precipice (錐麓斷崖)
Lioufang Bridge (流芳橋)
Hill of Yu the Great (大禹嶺)
Buluowan (布洛灣)