Study & Learn Chinese in Taiwan

Slightly larger than the size of Belgium, Taiwan is an island near the southeast coast of China. Somewhat confusingly, Taiwan makes up most of the land area of the Republic of China (which is not to be mistaken for the People’s Republic of China); indeed, Taiwan is the Republic’s common name. The island contains no less than five mountain ranges which stretch from the north towards the south, as well as undulating, more populated areas towards the west. Taiwan offers some beautiful beaches, too, which can be enjoyed during the hot, humid summer months. The beaches in Kenting, in the south of the island, are particularly popular among the Taiwanese as there are many water sports activities to be enjoyed there and a large national park nearby. Or why not visit one of the remarkable beaches with black sand?


Most people in Taiwan speak Standard Mandarin Chinese, and the culture there has been influenced by China, Japan and also the West. However traditions are still practiced, particularly in its cuisine, in which seafood and rice are commonly used. If you go there, why not try the bubble tea, which contains rubbery balls of tapioca, or enjoy watching people create fascinating “sugar paintings”?


CHINESE LANGUAGE PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

Taipei:

The capital of Taiwan and the island’s major cultural center is Taipei. It is a city with a long history and one intertwined with Chinese culture for a long period but as an island capital its fate and character have been different. While retaining some of its major historical landmarks, Taipei was extensively rebuilt during Japanese occupation and again when the Republic of China’s government fled the mainland to Taipei. Since the 1980s, however, the whole of Taiwan has undergone a large economic boom and Taipei is now a revitalized and increasingly beautiful city to visit. The second tallest skyscraper in the world can be seen from nearly anywhere in the city, the Taipei 101. Temples and museums are also to be found along with the friendly community of the Taipei people.