Standing at the mouth of a great overhanging cave, with a tiny rill of water trickling, half overgrown by thick foliage, down the rocky hillside past its mouth, is a good reminder that even the biggest things often start from small beginnings.

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.

There's no doubt about it: Taiwan is home to some pretty odd sights. On this small island you can find such minor geological wonders such as fire-water sources (which spout water and flammable gas simultaneously)...

Xiao Liuqiu (小琉球), the solitary little island off the coast of Taiwan's southernmost Pingtung(屏東) County, has been a popular tourist destination for many years, thanks both to its beauty, and to the fast and efficient yacht service which connects the island with mainland Taiwan in just 25 minutes.

The National Revolutionary Martyrs Shrine(忠烈祠) isn't near the top of any list of Taipei's finest tourist attractions. Indeed, some Taiwanese people dislike this place for the same reason many shun Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo.

Take a quick jaunt along the coast of southern Chiayi (嘉義) and northern Tainan (台南) counties and it soon becomes apparent what the major industry is (or rather was) in this part of Taiwan: salt.

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.

Siangyang National Forest Recreation Area (SNFRA向陽國家森林遊樂區) is a mountain-style recreation area developed by the Taiwan Forest Bureau (林務局).

Zhulin ('bamboo forest') Trail (竹林步道), Jingxue Brook Path (青礐溪步道), and Gouyingchin Old Trail (狗殷勤古道). These three names all refer to a favorite short walk of mine in the southern foothills of Yangmingshan, connecting the valley of the Waishuangsi (外雙溪) and the farming community of Pingdeng Li (平等里) high above.