Taiwan is a land where modern skyscrapers lie alongside timeless landscapes. The eastern portion of the island is covered with rugged mountains, offering beautiful backdrops to rural villages and ancient temples. The mountainous landscape flattens to gently rolling plains in west, and a string of teeming cities. The capital, Taipei, is a modern city. Between the congested traffic and pollution it is rich with cultural offerings and lively nightlife - croon in a karaoke bar or shop for just about anything in bustling night markets. Taiwan's coastline is a wonderland of remarkable rock formations, majestic sea-eroded terrain and fine golden-sand beaches. Taiwan includes the Penghu Archipelago, a group of 64 islands previously known as the Pescadores, and 21 other islands.This is Taiwan.