Taiwan is an interesting dichotomy of modernity and tradition. It's a young democracy with a vibrant, export-oriented economy, but also maintains Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist customs. It fuses influences from aborigines, Mainland Chinese immigrants, and Japanese colonists which makes for a fascinating cuisine.

Geographically small, Ilha Formosa is surprisingly diverse — densely populated western plains, rugged throughout most of the interior and east coast, tropical in the south. Thus, a range of experiences are conveniently available within a small radius.