Taiwan, ESL iSLAND's Introduction to the beautiful island of Formosa!

Ok, you've decided to chuck it all and relocate to this lush, tropical island of Taiwan, but now the reality hits you; I don't speak Chinese, I know nothing about their government, society or people. What is there to eat, what can I do for fun, are there any laws?... We've got the answers and all the background you need to know to get started with your new life on this exotic island in the following sections:

Basic Facts about Taiwan

Taiwan is a showcase of one of the oldest and culturally accomplished civilizations in the world and offers an experience of traditional Chinese cultures and lifestyles draped elegantly over a bustling, modern society of approx. 23 million. The 'people of the dragon', as the Taiwanese are affectionately known, have transformed their sleepy backwater towns into a literal economic dragon in the last half century as Taiwan, building an engine of growth for Asia not far behind Japan in its modernization.

> Taiwan Facts

Historical Background of Taiwan From Prehistoric Times Until Today

Taiwan's rich and colorful history dates back 10,000 years to the early aboriginies who are believed to have come to the island from nearby Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia among other pacific islands. Remnants of these tribes remain in Taiwan today, and some of the 10 tribes representing almost half a million people, still practice and preserve the traditions of their ancestors. With its natural resources and strategic location it was also a natural stop for invading Western colonizers beginning in the 15th century on, as Holland, Spain and Japan occupied Taiwan and claimed it as their own territory and which led to the eventual opening of Modern mainland China which we see today.
> History of Taiwan

Traditional Arts, Culture & Etiquette

Curious about how you, the foreigner, will blend into this rather homogeneous society? We've got the answers in our Culture section where you'll learn what to and NOT to do if you want to try to ingratiate yourself with the locals and avoid the common tourist pitfalls. Through the centuries Chinese culture has taken root in Taiwan and the island has been developed with a Chinese sensitivity toward aesthetics. Culture and art are highly valued in Taiwan, from the ornate Temples and Eastern religious ceremonies (Buddhist, Taoist, Confucian...) to the Aboriginal tribal culture and festivals, to Caligraphy, Ceramics, Paintings, Language study (Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese, Hakka, Aborigine...), styles of food, museums, film festivals, dance, music and opera, among others.

Mainland China 'may be a dragon,' to quote the Taiwan Tourism Bureau's English brochure on the artistic treasures of Taiwan, 'but the dragon's treasures are in Taiwan.' These literal artistic treasures are found in one of the most important and impressive attractions in Taiwan, the National Palace Museum, and it houses what many art historians consider to be the finest collection of Chinese art in the world.  Over 650,000 pieces were smuggled out of mailand China during President Chiang Kaishek and the Nationalist's struggle with the communists for control of China. The curators continuosly rotate new exhibits in the display and store the remainder of this mammoth collection in burgler and bomb proof vaults tunneled into the mountain behind the museum. However the real story of this unique collection is the incredible odyssey which brought it to Taiwan.

> Taiwanese Culture