Taiwan: Land of the

Taiwan is different, of that there can be no doubt. This Island country lies off the coast of mainland , and is an independent nation, the Republic of China. It is probably the undiscovered tourist gem of Asia, as Michael Flood dis- covered on a recent visit.

"Top of the list A major annual attraction is the traditional Lantern This year the main celebration took place in Festival parade combined with mega lighting and Hsinchu. The event attracted more than 120,000 for any visitor displays. It falls on the 15th day of the lunar people and was addressed by the President of the has to be a visit New Year and is the held to mark the end of the cele- Republic of China, Ma Ying-jeo. to Taipei 101, brations. The festival dates back to the Han Dynasty This really is a great national event with the now the second and sees many cities across Taiwan become a sea of people in jubilant form and is a truly great family tallest building light and celebration. The festival has become one of occasion, which is also attracting increasing num- the most popular events in the country. bers of international visitors. in the world at One of the more traditional events takes place 1,670 feet." in Pingxi, where visitors can learn how to make their own lantern. A sky lantern is a large Visitor Attractions in Taipei with a combustible holder attached to the under- The capital of Taiwan is Taipei, which is a vibrant side: when the holder is lit hot air rises into the city offering uniquely Taiwanese culture, great food Taipei offers great food at great prices lantern sack and off it floats into the sky, just like a at prices a lot less than in many Asian cities, the hot air . best collection of Chinese art in the world, surpris- There are many ing night life, and traditions that have been pre- ancient Chinese festivals but served for thousands of years. the Lantern Festival has rein- Top of the list for any visitor has to be a visit to vented itself and has become a Taipei 101, now the second tallest building in the massive light show with live world at 1,670 feet. Go shopping on the first five concerts and spectacular giant floors with all the top brands selling their wares. glowing mechanical lanterns Then take the high-speed lift to the 89th floor for that must be seen to be fully the most incredible views over Taipei and the sur- appreciated. rounding hills covered in lush green vegetation. It's

travel TRADE NEWS Taiwan

As Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote: "For my part I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel's sake. The great affair is to move." I think he was writing about Taiwan.

Changing of the Guard at the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Hotel Palais de Chine worth the visit for the g force experience in the lift! In Taipei the 5-star Palais de Chine is the flagship hotel The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall is of the Taiwan-based L'Hotel de Chine Group. This 286- an iconic monument to the man who was the room hotel is unique, with its stylish Parisian theme, founder of this state, Generalisimo Chiang Kai-shek; ornate interiors of plush fabrics, imported furniture it is indeed a fitting memorial to his legacy. On the and antique pieces. ground floor you will find a museum dedicated to Conveniently located for business and leisure, it is his life, with an assortment of artifacts pertaining to next to the transportation hub - Taipei's bus terminal, his life. railway station, high-speed There is a giant sculpture of the man himself-to railway connecting to other view it you must ascend a flight of 89 steps, repre- parts of Taiwan, and also the senting his age at death. His bronze sculpture looks Taipei Metro for travel within out over the gates and towards the People's the city. Republic of China. The hotel is part of an No city is complete these days without a gen- upmarket development com- uine Irish pub and Taipei is no exception to this rule. prising a fine shopping mall So make your way to Hells Kitchen, Taipei's Irish Pub, and entertainment outlets. It is at 1 Civic Boulevard, Section 5, and enjoy real also within walking distance of Guinness on draught, brewed in Dublin. Drogheda- key attractions such as the born owner Paul night markets, Ximending, Cinton will be delight- Longshang Temple and the ed to meet any Irish Museum of Contemporary Art. visitors to his adopted home city. When he set out on his Asian tour, Taiwan Working Holiday he didn't even know Programme where Taiwan was, but On 1st January 2013 a working holiday programme "There are was established between Ireland and Taiwan, which that has all changed daily flights and he has been run- offers tremendous opportunities for young Irish grad- ning this really friendly uates to enhance their knowledge of this growing to Taiwan by bar since 1989. There is region. Mandarin Chinese isTaiwan's spoken language the two also free wi-fi here! and this programme is an ideal way to learn the lan- national air- guage and experience a new culture and lifestyle. lines: Eva Air Applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 30, operates Paul Clinton, owner of Hell's Hot Springs hold a valid Irish passport, and have insurance to Kitchen, Taipei's Irish Pub No visit to this inviting cover any medical or hospital costs during their stay in from London island would be complete without a visit to a hot Taiwan. Only 400 places are available for this year, so Heathrow spring. These can found throughout the island, but early application is advised. while China the easiest way to sample these therapeutic waters An application fee of €74.00 is payable to: The Airlines fly Taiwan Representative Office in Ireland'. Some scholar- is at Beitou, where there are a variety on offer. from This area can be reached on a 30-minute subway ships are also available for suitable graduates. trip from Taipei - and you can also view the beauty The working holiday visa is valid for 180 days, Amsterdam, of the Yangmingshan National Park. The locals swear extendable for another 180 days, and is multiple entry, both via by the effects of soaking the body in these medici- allowing the holder to leave and re-enter Taiwan any Bangkok." nal waters. number of times within their duration of stay. This programme presents an excellent marketing Getting There opportunity for Irish travel agents to inform their There are daily flights to Taiwan by the two national client list about this programme, which in turn will airlines: Eva Air operates from London Heathrow generate ticket sales and more. while China Airlines fly from Amsterdam, both via Further information is available on www.tai- Bangkok. wanembassy.org/ie

your travel industry voice 17