Impression
 
 

Falling in love with Formosa Taiwan

　　Taiwan is located in the very heart of southeast Asia. To the east is the Pacific Ocean and to the west is the Taiwan Strait. The Tropic of Cancer passes through central Taiwan, so it is granted that the weather in the group of islands is moderate all year round. The island is 394 kilometers long and 144 wide with an area of 36,000 square kilometers encompassing the Pescadores （ Penghu ） archipelago and Jinmen and Matsu islands. With a population of over 20 million, it has residents from every province of China； and there are Indigenous peoples and cultural influences left behind by the Japanese during imperial rule. This creates a special melded Taiwan culture that is richly diverse. When Portuguese explorers first arrived in Taiwan, they named it Ilha Formosa, "Beautiful Island" … and so it's—beautiful. Surrounded by water, Taiwanese cherish the abundant and multifarious offerings of humanism, forestry and oceanography of their island. It's such qualities that has made many global guests feel affection for Taiwan at first glance. Surprises could arise at any time, so from morning to night it is difficult to feel lonely. The hopping cities, plain yet hospitable villages and the lovely countryside all allow one to experience the abundant life-force of Taiwan. On any given day, you can take a dip in the hot springs of Yangmingshan and appreciate the floral view. You can traipse through the night markets for some local snacks or take a trip to Taroko Gorge to take in nature's landscape art; you can go to Sun Moon Lake and delve into its misty mystery; you can visit Yingge for its Sansia culture; you can drift upon the Love River and take in its dazzling night scenery.

Express News


World Games 2009 in Kaohsiung

　　World Games 2009 will be held in Kaohsiung from July 16 to 26, during which numerous artistic and cultural events are scheduled in popular spots like Love River, Pier-2 Art District, and Central Park. The Kaohsiung Arena, a world-class stadium designed by renowned architect Toyo Ito, is said to be comparable to Beijing's Bird's Nest Stadium. Here, athletes from over 100 countries will compete, and experience the passion and charm this beautiful city has to offer.

Direct Cross-Strait Transportatio

　　Direct weekday charter flights between Taiwan and China began on December 15, 2008; No longer must planes pass through the Hong Kong Flight Information Region. As per agreement signed between China's ARATS and Taiwan's SEF on November 4, 2008, more ports will gradually be opened in addition to Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, and Xiamen. In the future, there will be no need to reroute air and maritime traffic, cutting down traveling time and benefiting economic development at the same time.

Smoke-Free Taiwan - Yes, We Can!

　　The Tobacco Hazard Prevention and Control Act went into effect in 2009, making Taiwan the 17th smoke-free country in the world. This prohibits smoking in enclosed public spaces with three or more people, such as karaoke, mass public transit, shops, and restaurants. Offenders may be fined up to NT$10,000. Some public outdoor spaces have designated smoking areas, so be sure to look for relevant signs. The Taiwaness government is committed to protecting the public from the hazards of secondhand somke.