As an island and an oceanic country, Taiwan has long loved and revered the sea. Since its earlier days as a fishing-based economy, the people in this nation have honored the Chinese sea goddess Mazu (媽祖), also spelled Matsu, as its patron deity.

Every spring, Dajia (大甲) in Taichung County (台中縣) becomes a center of religious and tourist activity in celebration of the birthday of Mazu (媽祖), also spelled Matsu, the deity that is said to watch over sailors and fishermen.

The southwestern city of Chiayi (嘉義市) is expecting huge crowds today for the Chinese calendar's second most important festival: the Lantern Festival (元宵節).

Lantern Festival celebrations spread across cities and counties

Since the surge of the cycling trend, several old roads and tunnels have been recycled into biking trails in the past five years, leaving nothing to waste.

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.