TAIWAN

Taiwan may be small – about the size of Switzerland – and relatively under-visited by leisure travellers, yet there is an enormous amount to see and do here. The country’s gateway is the energetic, well-developed capital of Taipei. This city is home to possibly the best collection of Chinese artefacts in the world, showcased in the National Palace Museum. Here, too, you can visit incense-scented temples set amid huddled high-rises, and the neo-futurist skyscraper of Taipei 101 for an unmatched view of the cityscape. From here, high-speed rail opens up the rest of the island, including Tainan – the oldest city in Taiwan and a place replete with historical charm.

You may be surprised by the abundance of natural beauty. Early Portuguese sailors named Taiwan “Ilha Formosa” (beautiful island) for good reason. The Alishan National Scenic Area is perfect for walking, with its tea plantations and mountain views, while Sun Moon Lake and the beaches of Kenting offer shore-side relaxation, and Taroko National Park impresses with its vast marble gorge.