Travel Guide for the 2009 New Year Holiday — Taiwan East

So far, almost all tourism—related businesses, such as transportation companies, hotels, recreational areas and scenic parks are already prepared to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Whether taking public transportation or driving a car or motorcycle, visitors will have to overcome the traffic issue before reaching their destination as traffic jams during this period of the year are inevitable.

Also, travelers must be sure to reconfirm their hotel rooms. Most major hotels are already fully booked. An alternative is to try and find a home stay near your desired destination.

Here are some recommended scenic areas around the island to go.

Yilan Area

■ Taiwan's northeastern Yilan County will be hosting the Taiwan Lantern Festival for the first time this year, and the local government has pulled out all the stops in preparation for the occasion, which will mark the event's 20th anniversary. The Yilan Sports Park was chosen as the venue for this year's event, which promises to be unlike any other held in the past. The extended duration of this year's festival, which starts on Feb. 9 and lasts for two weeks, is also a first for the event.

■ Besides the festival, visitors can also enjoy a variety of tourist spots that Yilan is famous for, such as Jiaosi's hot springs, Suao's cold springs, and the many leisure farms spread throughout the county.

■ Yilan is also known for Gueishan Island (Turtle Island), which is located 10 kilometers east of the Toucheng Township's coastline. Gueishan is a volcanic island named for its similarity to a floating turtle. Despite its small size, the island is filled with steep cliffs, active hot springs, hills and peaks, caves, lakes, cold springs, rare cliff vegetation and a rich ocean ecology.

■ Other attractions of the county include the Caoling Historic Trail, a 10-kilometer stretch build over 100 years ago; the Center for Traditional Arts, featuring some of the country's best arts and crafts; and Dongshan River Water Park, one of Taiwan's largest ecological preserves.

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