About Taiwan

Taiwan's total land area is about 36,000 square kilometers (14,400 square miles). It is shaped like a leaf that is narrow at both ends. It lies off the southeastern coast of mainland Asia, across the Taiwan Strait from China-- an island on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean. To the north is Japan; to the south is the Philippines. Many airlines fly to Taiwan, making it the perfect travel destination.

Taiwan lies on the western edge of the Pacific "rim of fire," and continuous tectonic movements have created majestic peaks, rolling hills and plains, basins, coastlines, and other natural landscapes. Taiwan's tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate climates provide clear differentiation between the different seasons. There are rare or endangered species of wildlife on the island. Among these are the land-locked salmon, Taiwan serow, Formosan rock monkey, Formosan black bear, blue magpie, Mikado pheasant, and Hsuehshan grass lizard.

Taiwan's climate is deeply affected by geographical and spatial variations, which can lead to drastic temperature changes depending on one's location on the island. The temperature decreases as the altitude increases, and variations in winter are greater than those in summer. It is the hottest most humid time of the year during our Congress, so be aware of the high tempature and sudden rain when you visit.

For more information, please visit Tourism Bureau: (中文) (English) (日本語) (한국어) (the site has other language options available)

 

About Taipei
 

The Institute of Economics, Academia Sinica is situated in Nangang District of Taipei City. Nestled in the center of the Taipei Basin, Taipei City is surrounded by mountains to the north, east and south, and by the Danshui River to the west. As a result, it is endowed with unique natural scenery, with lush forests and winding rivers, and a variety of fascinating terrains, including volcanic mountains, foothills, terrace tablelands, coastal plains and river wetlands. In addition to beautiful sceneries, Taipei is also a city for individuals who enjoy indulging themselves in shopping, exotic meals, and feasts of arts and culture.

For more information, please visit Taipei Travel Net: (中文) (English) (日本語) (한국어) (Español).

Climate
Taipei's weather is affected by latitude, altitude, terrain, and monsoon factors. Generally speaking, the weather is warm in the winter and hot in the summer. Rain occurs throughout the four seasons, and its climate is usually warm and humid.

For detailed weather forecast, please log on Central Weather Bureau website (http://www.cwb.gov.tw/eng/index.htm)

Dining
The local love of food aside, Taipei's culinary scene has benefited from its place as a magnet for immigrants from nearly every region of China. So whether you are craving spicy Sichuan or exotic Cantonese cuisine, expect dishes meeting the highest standards of authenticity when dining out in Taipei.

The final ingredient that makes Taipei such a food lovers' paradise is the ready availability of fresh farm and sea ingredients of every imaginable type. Tropical fruits and high mountain veggies all thrive in the fertile soil and sunny climate of Taiwan, producing a harvest of top-quality ingredients for equally first-rate cuisine.

For detail information about Taipei's food map, please visit: http://www.taipeitravel.net/en/food/

Shopping
There are dozens of department stores and shopping malls throughout the city, crowned by the 135,000-square meter Living Mall and the similarly capacious Taipei 101 Mall. Bargain hunters can indulge in cheap chic at the several night markets in town, as well as at the Ximending shopping area—a magnet for young people decking out in the season's fashions. And if price is not an issue, nearly every couture boutique is represented in the city.

For more information about shopping in Taipei, please visit:
http://www.taipeitravel.net/frontsite/en/topicListAction.do?method=doFindAll4StoreAndScenery&menuId=10307&serNo=2011081100000007