Taichung City possesses multiple characteristics that are one of a kind, forming a unique identity.

Unlike many other major cities in Taiwan, Chiayi City hasn't exactly been a top tourist draw, but most of them don't know what they're missing.

Some of the best travel experiences may come as a surprise, when one does not know quite what to expect. My encounter with the Kaomei (高美) Wetlands, near Taichung (台中), came as just such an experience.

Despite its size – in terms of population it's one of Taiwan's ten largest cities – and economic importance, Changhua (彰化) isn't a leading tourist destinations.

Lugang (鹿港) in Central Taiwan is rightly known for its traditional architecture and stunning temples. Most of its inhabitants, of course, live thoroughly modern lifestyles, and the township has its share of factories.

Taichung (台中) is one of Taiwan's biggest and most modern cities. Just recently, its citizens celebrated the announcement that work will start soon on a mass rapid transit system. It also has, in the Tai­chung Folklore Park (台中民俗公園), one of the most interesting collections of antiques and traditional items anywhere on the island.

Does the name "Stars on Earth" sound familiar? That's because a Bollywood movie by that name was recently released in Taiwan, but here, we refer to a different kind of star – the firefly.

Sitou is a forest recreation area, with ancient trees reaching for the sky, a good climate, and a number of other attractions including Shenmu (giant trees), dense forests, University Pond, gingko groves, and stands of bamboo.

I don't remember being this cold for years as I stand outside the little 'A' frame mountain hut, trying to find the most sheltered spot out of the worst of the biting, sub-zero blast of wind that buffets us.

Located in one of the remotest and most thinly-populated corners of Chiayi County (嘉義縣), Fengshan Ecology Garden (豐山生態園區) isn't a place you're likely to stumble across.