TAIWAN

TAIPEI KEELUNGThe heart and soul of

the Republic of China, the island of Taiwan, is the bustling and vibrant city of

Taipei. With a population over two and a half mil-lion, the city is an intellectual, industrial and cul-tural magnet for the island.

The Pacific Ocean is to the east and the Taiwan Strait, looking toward mainland China, is to the west. The island is in the subtropical zone, with abundant rain and moderate temperatures year round. Heavily forested, it has many beautiful mountain ranges, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and hot springs.

Taiwan is blessed with natural wealth. From coal to copper, silver and gold, the island has abun-dant resources. But Taiwan’s greatest asset is not to be found in her inherent riches. The treasure of Taiwan is to be found … in her people.

With the communist takeover of China in the 1940’s, many of the best and brightest in aca-demia, business and industry fled to Taiwan. This was the foundation of the stunning economic growth, over the next few decades, that would later become known as the “Taiwan Miracle”.

The so called “Taiwan Miracle” was really no mir-acle at all. It was rather the direct result of the drive, endurance, innovation and incredible work of the people of Taiwan in building the infrastruc-ture of banking, industry, transportation, com-munication and education that turned this island into a diversified international manufacturing and exporting powerhouse.

HIsTory

Anthropologists have uncovered evidence that suggests that the island of Taiwan has been inhabited for the past 30,000 years. The aboriginal people that populate the is-land today are the decedents of the Austronesian group that spread across the Pacific as far as Hawaii in the east and Madagascar in the west. It is believed that they arrived on the island approximately 4,000 years ago. In the early days they were known for their facial tattoos and headhunting. Those days are past and the aboriginal people are now in a struggle to retain what remains of their cultural identity.

The island first came to light in Western history when Portuguese sailors discovered it in 1544 and named it Ilha Formosa … Beautiful Island. This contrasts sharply with the feelings of the Chinese Emperor Kangxi, a century later, who wanted nothing to do with the island and referred to it as “a worthless ball of mud”.

Traders from the Dutch East India Company arrived in the 1620’s to establish a port that would handle commerce between Japan and China. Holland would control the island until 1662.

It was in this year that Koxinga, a powerful ally of China’s Ming Dynasty and son of wealthy Chinese pirate, was able to defeat and drive out the Dutch. The forces of China’s Qing Dynasty soon conquered the Ming, gained an island they didn’t want and ruled it from afar for the next two hundred years.

In 1895 Japan defeated the Chinese navy in the First Sino-Japanese War. A part of the spoils of victory was Taiwan. Japan would rule the island till the end of World War II. By that time, led by Dr, Sun Yat-sen and General Chiang Kai-shek, China had thrown off two thousand years of dynastic rule and established a Republic.

When the Republic lost a civil war to the Communists in 1949 there was no option for Chiang Kai-shek and the Nationalists but to flee. As they fled, over one million soldiers, business leaders, intellectuals and refugees brought not only their talent and ambition, but also the China’s entire gold reserve and much of the nation’s priceless ancient art treasures. They fled … to Taiwan.

For the next 40 years Chiang Kai-shek’s authoritarian KMT (Kuomintang) political party ruled Taiwan single handedly. It was during this time that the island nation slowly grew into an international economic powerhouse and combined with Hong Kong (still under British rule at the time), Singapore and South Korea, became one of the “Asian Tigers”.

Beginning in 1996 Taiwan instituted and has maintained free and democratic elec-tions.

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TAIpeI plAces of INTeresT

1 sun yat-sen Memorial Hall is dedicated to the life of the Fa-ther of the Republic of China, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Dr. Sun was

known as a man of great character and vision. He is credited with showing the way for China to develop and grow into a modern na-tion. The hall is a renowned site for academic research housing over 300,000 volumes in its library. But to the people of Taiwan the Me-morial Hall, together with the grounds and gardens that surround it, is a wonderful setting for the many cultural and artistic events that are regularly held.

2 yang Ming shan and peitou Hot springs are the most popu-lar examples of the dozens of hot springs to be found in Taiwan.

A long soak in the warm water is invigorating and refreshing. There is no charge to enjoy the public springs at Yang Ming Shan. Heated by volcanic activity from deep underground the waters are rich in healing minerals. The mountain scenery and Japanese architecture at each location is as beautiful as it is distinctive. There are many nice tea houses and beer gardens in the area.

3 Taipei 101 is a proud symbol of modern Taiwan. Climbing near-ly 1,500 feet into the clouds this skyscraper was, until recently,

the tallest in the world. There are two observation areas open to the public; inside on the 89th floor and outside on the 101st floor. The view from such a height is nothing short of spectacular.

4 The presidential Building is in the Zhongzheng District of Tai-pei. Completed in 1919, it is the former seat of the Japanese

Governor General, the Taiwan Provincial Government and the office of the President.

5 National Taiwan Democracy Memorial Hall (Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall) is located in the heart of the city and surrounded

by beautiful parks. The building is dedicated to the memory of the former leader of the Republic of China, General Chiang Kai-shek. The National Concert Hall and the National Theatre look out upon Memorial Square.

6 The Keelung Miaokou Market is a wonderful place to get the flavor of Taiwan … literally. A short 10 minute walk from the

ship to Jen 3rd Road between Ai 3rd Road and Ai 4th Road takes you to a place filled with sights, sounds and aromas that will de-light the senses. On both sides of the street stall after stall features authentic local foods such as tempura, chicken rolls, butter crabs, bean cakes, fresh seafood, stewed eel soup, sweet cakes and pick-led guavas. A stroll around this market will be an experience to remember.

7 National palace Museum is the home of the largest collec-tion of ancient Chinese artifacts, painting and calligraphy in the

world. Most of the pieces in the museum were once the property of the last Emperor of China, Pu-yi. After the Communist’s victory on the mainland and the destruction incurred during the Cultural Revolution, many on Taiwan saw their museum as the protector and

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from one of the many vendors. What is unique about the place is that the restaurants at the port will cook what ever catch-of-the-day you bring in with you. We have all heard of “bring your own bottle” … well, this is “bring your own fish”. If you don’t wish to “bring your own”, the restaurants have a wide selection from which you can choose.

sHore excursIoNs

To make the most of your visit to Taipei and surrounding areas we suggest you take one of our organized Shore Excursions. For in-formation concerning tour content and pricing, consult your Shore Excursion Brochure or contact the Shore Excursion Desk. When going ashore, be advised to take only necessary items and secure any valuables onboard. If you are planning to visit a temple or shrine remember to dress modestly.

locAl cusToMs

Even though Taiwan is a highly developed country, many of the peo-ple still hold strong to the ancient Chinese traditions. You might be greeted with a hand shake, a small nod or a polite bow. Westerners, especially Americans are a lot more direct than the Chinese. Do not be surprised if they do not look you straight in the eye or shake hands with such a firm grip.

Modesty is a respected social custom in the Chinese culture. If you compliment someone they will usually and gently respond that it is not deserved. Casual dress is acceptable, however, if you are plan-ning to visit a temple be sure to dress modestly and respectfully. If a priest or monk is performing a ritual it is best to ask before taking pictures.

Many of the Chinese on Taiwan, especially the older generation, came over from mainland China in the 1940’s and do not refer to them selves as Taiwanese.

Small things that you may do as a visitor to Taiwan will go a long way in showing your respect for the people and culture. Even if it is as simple as saying hello (nee hao) or thank you (shay shay), it will make a good impression.

The Taiwanese are a warm and kind people and they know that you are a guest. They do not expect you to know or understand all the nuances of their social etiquette. Our best advice is to simply be polite, have fun and enjoy your visit to this wonderful country.

Bargaining: In major department stores and shops prices are marked and fixed. Street vendors might be willing to bargain. Keep in mind that courtesy and kindness is always appreciated.

Tipping: Tipping is not a custom in Taiwan but is accepted and ap-preciated.

locAl cuIsINe AND DrINK specIAlTIes

Taipei is said to have more restaurants and food stalls per square block than any city on earth. Taipei’s cuisine includes Minnanese (Taiwanese) Jiangzhe, Cantonese, Peking, Hunan, Shanghai and Szechwan.

Everyday food in Taiwan is referred to as “siao-chih”. Some of the more popular dishes include: A-hsiew - Marinated and smoked duck, “Drunken” chicken - Chicken steamed in wine, Ba-wan - Meatballs in a dumpling, E-a-zen - Oyster omelet, Wa-guei - Stuffed flour dumplings, E-a-mi-sua - Noodles with oysters, Mua-ji - Sweet stuffed sticky rice ball, Zong-zih - Sticky rice dumplings, Tsoh doh-foo - “Stinky” tofu … deep-fried, stewed, steamed or even raw, it

preserver of the true arts and culture of ancient China.

8 longshan Temple was built in 1738 by Chinese settlers that arrived from the mainland province of Fujian. The temple has

been restored many times over the years and remains a beautiful example of Chinese architecture

9 Daan park is the largest and many feel the most beautiful park in the city. The upkeep is immaculate. It is landscaped with

wonderful flower arrangements and peaceful ponds. The famous Lotus pond is teeming with Japanese Koi. There are tree lined walk-ing paths that wind their way throughout the property.

10 The Martyrs shrine is dedicated to the spirit and memory of the 330,000 Chinese Nationalist soldiers who died during

the Sino - Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. Built in the classic Chinese style, this solemn yet beautiful site overlooks the Keelung River from the side of the Chingshan Mountains. The dra-matic ceremony of the changing of the guard takes place hourly.

Beyond Taipei

Wulai is a village set in the mountains south of Taipei. The aborigi-nal people that live there are of the Atayal tribe. A visitor can learn about their culture and ancient way of life. Hot springs and cascad-ing waterfalls, large and small, are abundant in the area. There are hiking trails and an old logging train that make their way through the beautiful mountain forests.

chiufen was once a thriving gold mining village up in the moun-tains. Those days are long past. The town was all but forgotten until it was used as a set for a number of well received motion pictures. Located not far from the city in terms of distance … Chiufen is, in fact, a world away from the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolis … a step back in time. Lined with tea houses and shops the town overlooks the blue Pacific.

yingko is about an hour south of Taipei. This town is known for its quality and variety of the handmade pottery and ceramics. Prices are reasonable but will vary widely. In some of the shops a visitors can watch as different pieces are being created. There are even potters who offer lessons. Along “Old Street”, in addition to the pot-tery shops, there are many nice tea houses and small cafes. The Yingko Ceramic Museum is very popular.

yeliu park is close to the port of Keelung. The park is home to dramatic and unique limestone rock formations that have been carved by time and the sea. The natural beauty of the area is breath taking. An ex-tra feature of the park is the Marine World. Underwater tunnels allow the visitor to get up close to the exhibits of dolphins, seals and a wide array of rare and fish.

chung cheng Memorial park is dedicated to the life and spirit of President Ghiang Chin-kuo. The Chen-ann Temple built to honor the gods of long life, dates back over 300 years. The park is a tran-quil setting with fragrant gardens, ponds and fountains.

The yang Ming oceanic culture & Art Museum is one of the most interesting sites in Keelung. Built in 1915, the museum offers a unique look at the history and culture of seafaring nations. Trade, commerce, exploration and conquest upon the high seas helped shape the world we live in today. This museum shows the visitor how, why and by whom history was made.

Bisha fishing port and Keelung Island are very popular places to visit. Fresh sea food is right off the boat and readily available

This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing.

© RCCL 2010 - All rights reserved.

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does not matter how it’s fixed … it still stinks.

Pearl Milk Tea is a drink that was created in Taiwan in the 1980s and has swept the Orient with its popularity. Sometimes it may go by the name of Bubble Tea. The drink mixes sweet iced or hot tea with milk. The pearls or bubbles referred to are little balls of tapioca or yam starch. Over the years countless regional variations of the drink have evolved. You might love it or hate it, but give it a try.

sHoppINg fAcIlITIes

Shopping in Taipei is divided into two areas. The old part of the city, with the small mom-and-pop stores packed side by side along nar-row streets is to the west. The modern part of the city with the tall buildings and shopping malls is to the east. Just look for one of the tallest buildings in the world, the famous Taipei 101.

The Chinese Handicraft Mart is the outlet for the government-run Taiwan Handicraft Promotion Center. It is a large store that carries only locally made products. There are over 40,000 items on display including art, jewelry, ceramics and furniture, just to name a few. The selection is as extensive as it is beautiful. The employees have a well deserved reputation for taking good care of tourists. The store will also gift-wrap and ship your selection home for you. It is located at the intersection of Chungshan South Road and Hsuchow Road.

Core Pacific Living Mall is one of the largest complexes in Asia. There are more stores than you can get to in a single day of power-shopping … though some of you will probably still try. If you go, do not miss the food court. The mall is at the intersection of Guangfu South and Bade Road.

The Eslite Mall is an upscale market with a great variety of stores. It is located at the intersection of Renai and Dunhua South Road.

Chinese Handicraft Mart has everything the name says. The crafts-manship is superb and the prices are very reasonable. The store is located at the intersection of Zhongshan South and 1 Xuzhou Road.

Jay Shiva Shamyoo Himalayan Handicrafts is a neat little shop that, as the name implies, carries things from the mountain kingdom of Napal. The address is 1 Lane 146, Zhongxiao East Road.

Requirements for VAT Refund (Value Added Tax): Foreign travelers who make purchases of at least NT$ 3,000 on the same day from the same TRS (Tax Refund Shopping) posted store, are eligible for a refund of the 5% VAT paid on those purchased goods. To claim the refund you must apply at the “Foreign Passenger VAT Refund Service Counter” at the seaport.

locAl curreNcy

The Republic of China’s currency is called the New Taiwan Dollar (NT$). Paper denominations are: 2000, 1000, 500, 200 and 100. Coins are: 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1.

You can exchange money at major hotels and government licensed banks. Be sure to keep your receipt if you are planning on changing back to your national currency before you leave. It will be required in order to make the transaction. Major credit cards are readily ac-cepted.

Tourist Information Taipei has a justifiable reputation of being a very safe city. If you do need a police officer, many of them speak limited English.

There is a Tourist Information Office at 9F, 290 Zhongxiao East Road, Sec. 4.

TrANsporTATIoN

Rapid Transit System: Taipei’s modern mass transit system can get you from one side of the city to the other in less than an hour. It is well run, safe and very clean. It is very user-friendly. Stations have information booths where the attendants speak English. Maps list the stations names in Chinese and English. Stops are announced in four languages, English included.

Taxi: If you are not taking a bus tour, the best and easiest way to get around the city is by taxi. They are easy to find. Taxis should be licensed and metered. The prices are very reasonable. Few if any of the drivers will speak English so have the name of the place you want to go written down, or if you have a map and know where you are going, point out the location. Tipping is not a custom.

Car Rentals: Like any big city, unless you know the local rules of the road, (not to be confused with what may or may not be legal), driving can be hectic. Local, licensed cars with drivers are available for hire.

If you do insist on renting a car you will need to take your Internation-al Driving License and passport with extra photos to a local Vehicle Registration Department to apply for a Driver’s License Visa. We recommend that you enjoy your visit to Taiwan and let a professional do the driving.

useful WorDs AND pHrAses

Hello - Nee HaoGoodbye - Jai jian Thank you - Shay shayYou’re welcome - BukeqiCheers (toast) - Gan pei