Fact 1: Home to the former World's Tallest Building
Taiwan was once home to the world's tallest building - Taipei 101. Standing at a height of 509 meters, it held the prestigious title from 2004 until 2010, until it was surpassed by the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The building resembles a stalk of bamboo, symbolizing growth and learning. It's not just tall, but also very robust. Taipei 101 is earthquake resistant, capable of withstanding some of the most severe earthquakes.
Fact 2: The Temple Lover's Paradise
Taiwan boasts an estimated 15,000-20,000 active temples, impressive for a small island. It's a testament to its rich spiritual heritage, and the temples offer a blend of Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions. The oldest temple, Longshan Temple, dates back to 1738.
Fact 3: The Land of Convenience Stores
One cannot overlook the universal presence of convenience stores in Taiwan. It's believed to have the highest density of convenience stores per capita in the world. You'll find a 7-Eleven or FamilyMart on almost every corner, providing everything from snacks to financial services!
Fact 4: The Only Chinese Democracy
Taiwan is the only country in the world where Chinese people freely elect their leaders. It's classified as a "flawed democracy" by the Economist Intelligence Unit, but it's still a living testament to democratic ideals within a Chinese society.
Fact 5: A Leader in LGBTQ+ Rights
Taiwan is a pioneer in LGBTQ+ rights in Asia. It was the first Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019, promoting inclusivity and diversity. Every year, Taipei hosts one of the largest Pride parades in Asia, attracting people from all over the world.
Fact 6: Birthplace of Bubble Tea
Taiwan is famous for inventing bubble tea, the sweet tea beverage filled with chewy tapioca balls. It was created in the 1980s in Taichung and has become a global phenomenon, winning hearts worldwide.
Fact 7: The Garbage Truck Melody
In Taiwan, garbage trucks play Beethoven's 'Für Elise' to signal their arrival. Rather than placing trash outside for collection, Taiwanese residents bring their rubbish to the truck when they hear the music playing, promoting cleanliness and community participation.
Fact 8: Literacy Fervour
Taiwan enjoys an impressive literacy rate, close to 99%, which is among the highest globally. Many Taiwanese pursue higher education, and the island is home to prestigious institutions such as National Taiwan University.
Fact 9: Free Wi-Fi Island
Taiwan was the first country to offer free Wi-Fi connectivity on a nationwide scale. The government initiative 'iTaiwan', making internet accessibility a reality for both residents and tourists alike.
Fact 10: National Health Insurance (NHI) Scheme
Taiwan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world. Its National Health Insurance, established in 1995, covers 99% of the population, suffering very low waiting times and affordable rates.
Fact 11: High Speed Rail Network
Travelling across Taiwan is a breeze, thanks to its High-Speed Rail network. It covers a distance of 345 km from north to south in less than two hours, operating at a speed of 300 km/h.
Fact 12: A Giant in Technology
Taiwan is a global leader in the technology and electronics industry. Companies like Asus, Acer, and HTC call Taiwan home, and the island provides a significant chunk of the world's semiconductor manufacturing.
Fact 13: Lantern Festival Prowess
Taiwan is known for its elaborate Lantern Festival celebrations that mark the end of the Lunar New Year. The sky is filled with glowing lanterns, and stunning light shows and parades take over the cities. The Pingxi Lantern Festival is one of the most famous events.
Fact 14: Ghost Month Tradition
Every August, Taiwan celebrates the Ghost Month, where they believe that spirits visit the mortal realm. Various events are held, including banquets, concerts, and the burning of joss paper to appease the visiting spirits.
Fact 15: A Hiker's Dream
Taiwan offers exceptional hiking trails, with over 200 mountains rising above 3,000 meters. The island’s rugged beauty includes the famous Yushan, the highest peak in East Asia.
Fact 16: The Orchid Island
Taiwan is also known as the Orchid Island, due to its global dominance in orchid breeding and exports. The island significantly contributes to the worldwide orchid market.
Fact 17: World's Largest Collection of Chinese Art
The National Palace Museum in Taipei holds the world's largest and arguably finest collection of Chinese art. This collection entails more than 700,000 pieces, amassed by China's ancient emperors.
Fact 18: Love for Bicycles
Taiwan is often referred to as the 'Bicycle Kingdom', being home to Giant, the world's biggest bicycle manufacturer. The island promotes a biking culture, with many biking trails and a public bike rental system called YouBike.
Fact 19: Beitou Hot Springs
Taiwan is known for its popular hot springs, with over 100 locations across the island. The most famous of which is located in Beitou, attracting throngs of visitors looking for a relaxing dip.
Fact 20: The Double Tenth National Day
Taiwan celebrates the Double Tenth National Day, marking the start of the Wuchang Uprising in 1911, which led to the end of the Qing Dynasty. It's a grand event featuring a military parade, performances, and beautiful fireworks.