The Rough Guide to Taiwan

Book excerpt: The new-look The Rough Guide to Taiwan - now in full colour throughout - is the ultimate travel guide to one of Asia's most exciting, yet often overlooked, destinations. Uncover the contrasts between ultra-modern 24hr Taipei and the city's slower-paced traditional backstreets; seek out the best hikes in Taroko Gorge and Alishan; find a beautiful B&B on the east coast, or among the fabulous hot-spring resorts in the East Rift Valley; discover pristine Pacific beaches and surf spots; and order great food everywhere you go with our carefully researched eating reviews which cover everything from night-markets to gourmet restaurants. Easily accessible information on transport will help get you from Yeliou in the far north to Kenting in the deep south, and everywhere in between, whether by bus and train, car, scooter or bicycle. Whether you have time to browse detailed chapters, gaining insights into the country's complex and tumultuous history, or need fast-fix itineraries and 'Top 5' boxes that pick out the highlights you won't want to miss.