The "Made in Taiwan" stamp is a point of pride on this little island that packs a big economic punch. This is where things get made--products, business deals, and productive meetings and conferences.
Considered a province by the People’s Republic of China, the 14,000-square-mile island is off the southeastern coast of the mainland. Taiwan has its political and economic capital in Taipei, but other cities of interest to meeting planners include Kaohsiung and Taichung.
All of these cities have a well developed business infrastructure, and in between the island is covered in lush forest and craggy mountains. The Portuguese didn't call it Formosa--beautiful island--for nothing.
Taipei
On the northern end of the island, fast-paced Taipei is the main gateway into Taiwan. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (known as Chiang Kai-Shek Airport until September 2006) is one of three international airports on Taiwan and is by far the busiest.
EVA Air and China Airlines, the Taiwanese national carrier, have major hubs here, and a number of international airlines serve the airport every day. Only 25 miles from downtown Taipei, buses run between downtown and the airport from the early morning until late evening, and taxis run around the clock.
Once in Taipei, planners have a wealth of international hotel brands to choose from. The Taipei International Convention Center (TICC), part of the Taipei World Trade Center complex, includes an exhibition hall, flexible convention facilities and is adjacent to the massive 856-room Grand Hyatt Taipei.
Taipei 101 is a must-see for its architecture--with 101 levels above ground, it regularly tops the tallest building in the world lists. Inside, the high-speed elevators whisk passengers up to the observation deck at nearly 40 mph, there are restaurants and nightclubs, and there's also a five-level shopping mall with a slew of luxury brands.
Taipei is also the island's culinary capital. The menu here ranges from fine Chinese cuisine to specialties of the island's many indigenous peoples. For a taste of Taipei's frenetic nightlife and to see how the locals eat and socialize, check out one of the many night markets.
Kaohsiung
Kaohsiung is Taiwan's second-largest city in terms of population, and claims to be the biggest in terms of manufacturing. On the southwestern tip of Taiwan, Kaohsiung has its own international airport with 14 airlines flying between the major cities of Asia.
Kaohsiung is a city that grew up around its busy harbor port, and life--economic and cultural--is still a waterfront affair. The poetically named Love River is one of the main visitor attractions here, and a number of riverside cafes, street artists and musicians set the scene.
Cultural institutions line the Love River: the Kaohsiung Museum of History, the Pier-2 Art Center and the Kaohsiung Music Hall. A ferry route to the Fine Arts Museum and the Boai Bridge area allow people to boat between the many cultural centers on the waterfront.
When it comes to Kaohsiung's business infrastructure, there's quite a bit for planners to love. The Ambassador Hotel Kaohsiung is one of the tallest hotels in the world--the 592 guest rooms are between the 37th and 85th floors of the building and the hotel can handle events for up to 1,200 participants on its 41st-floor ballroom. The Grand Hi-Lai Hotel and Splendor Kaohsiung are two other meetings-friendly hotels that can host large groups.
Taichung
Between Taipei and Kaohsiung (a little less than two hours by car or a very quick regional flight from either city) is the island's third-biggest city. Taichung literally means "middle city" in Chinese, and the name lives up to the reality. Imagine the energy of the friendly Taiwanese slowed down just half a beat.
Definitely on the upswing, the city is growing into a business center in its own right. A number of upscale shopping venues are opening all the time, and a subway system is in the works. A 66-story skyscraper that will have a Park Hyatt Hotel is in development.
Long known as one of Taiwan's centers of culture and learning, there are many national museums, art galleries, universities, and temples here. Taichung is also a great base to explore central Taiwan--it's close to the coast, close to mountains, and the surrounding countryside just begs for leisurely exploration.
The three-level World Trade Center Taichung boasts three exhibition halls, a number of meeting rooms, on-site translation services, and will handle hotel arrangements at a number of nearby hotels.
No matter which of Taiwan's three main cities you decide to have your meeting in, chances are you'll be happy it was "Made in Taiwan."
