The unparalleled beauty of Alishan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaDH-z8usts

National Taiwan University

Founded in 1928, National Taiwan University (NTU) is the oldest and most comprehensive university in Taiwan. The university currently operates 11 colleges, 54 departments, 99 graduate schools, and 30 research centers.Today, NTU is home to over 32,000 students, of whom about 18,000 are undergraduates and the rest graduate students. They offer courses and programs taught in English as well.

Cost per semester at the National Taiwan University

On-campus Accommodation: NTD 7,000, approx. US$217
Textbooks / Stationery: NTD 3,000, approx. 93
Campus Internet Access Fee: NTD 600, US$ 18 (for Students living in NTU dormitory)
Campus Internet Access Fee: NTD 400, US$15 (for Students not living in NTU dormitory)
Food: NTD 30,000, approx. $930
Public Transportation: NTD 5,000, approx. $155
Entertainment / Other: NTD 15,000, approx. $465
National Health Insurance: NTD 3,020, approx. $93

http://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/index.html

Earthquakes in Taiwan

The area of Taiwan that receives the most tremors is the city and surrounding area of Hualien- on the eastern coast of the island. This is because Hualien is the closest to the subduction zone (meaning between the two plates). In addition the earthquake activity in Hualien, the entire island of Taiwan is occupied by numerous fault lines, where earthquakes usually happen.

Taiwan has recorded 19 quakes measuring over 7 on the Richter scale since 1906. The most recent earthquake that hit Taiwan was late in the evening on September 20th, 1999, measuring 7.4 on the scale.The devastating earthquakes which struck central Taiwan on September 20 and the series of more than 9,000 aftershocks which have followed the first event have resulted in official estimates of 2,161 deaths, 8,736 injuries with approximately 150 people still listed as missing.


http://ted.coe.wayne.edu/sse/wq/Taiwan/geography.htm

Yangmingshan National Park

Yangmingshan National Park uesd to be known as Tsaoshan, the area of Mount Tatun, Mount Chihsing and Mount Shamao. Due to the effects of latitude and elevation, the scenary of Yangmingshan National Park varies from seasons. In spring, the flowers make the earth come alive. It is the traditional flower season. Whne summer comes, the thundershowers are common on Yangmingshan. If you come Yangmingshan in fall, you can see the red of maple trees and a waving sea of blooming silvergrass. If you are lucky, rainbows will span the valleys to welcome you. In winter, there are chilly wind and drizzly rain.

http://www.ymsnp.gov.tw/HTML/ENG/01information/inf_a01_list.asp

Aboriginal Handicraft Exhibition

When you travel in another place, gifts are essential for family and friends. If you go to Taiwan, the Aboriginal Handicraft Exhibition is a good place to shop. There are more than 20,000 different items and you probably can not find at another place.

The theme of the exhibition is Taiwan's Aboriginal Handicrafts. So it will feature works from all nine of the island's native ethnic groups: Ami, Atayal, Bunun, Paiwan, Puyuma, Rukai, Saisiyat, Tsou and Yami. The exhibition not only show the unique handicrafts to the world, but also make people understand more about the nine ethnics. All the items are labeled with the name of the aboriginal tribe concerned and an explanation of the design. Furthermore, the money can help the ethnics earn extra money as well.

a ceremonial vest worn by males

a basket made of bamboo

a Yami belt

http://www.sinica.edu/tit/shopping/1096_Handicraft.html

Alishan

One of the places that tourists must go to is Alishan, which is famous for it's railway, cherry trees, sunrises and sunsets.

There is a highway to the top of Alishan. The road was used to get timber out of Alishan. When Japanese occupied the Taiwan 50 years ago, they built the railway to convey lumber from the forest. The train climbs from an elevation of 30 meters to Alishan to 2,216 meters above the sea level. On the way to the destination, passengers can see the flora and fauna.

In the spring, a lot of people come the Alishan simply for the beautiful cherry blossom. Sunrises and sunsets are also well known. When you watch the sunsets at Alishan, the air is thin so the sun's rays particularly strong, which means the sky appears more blue than normal. That is a magical scenery.

http://www.sinica.edu/tit/scenery/0497_Alishan.html

Religion in Taiwan

Taiwan is a place of various religious beliefs. Most people simply follow their parents so a family usually have the same religion. Buddhism, Taoism and Taoism are the most popular. It is easy to find out that ancient Chinese religions have a great influence on the Taiwanese religions. Nearly in every Taiwanese family, there is a shrine and incense burning to honor the deity, hero or ancestor.


http://oic.nccu.edu.tw/09summerschool/class_infomation_data/11.pdf