Taipei Puts Taiwan on the Map

When you finally have had your fill, Taipei serves as the prime jumping-off point for the rest of Taiwan. A smooth freeway system follows the island's west coast to the city of Taichung. Smaller roads lead into the mountainous interior and out to the jagged, rocky east coast before looping back to Taipei.

Also newly available: The $15 billion, north-south Taiwan High Speed Rail line, which opened in 2007. Inspired by Japan's shinkansen bullet trains, it is one of the finest and fastest railroads in the world.