Taiwan, or the Ilha Formosa (Beautiful Isle), looks set to become one of the in-vogue destinations of 2016. An abundance of cultural treasures and hot new openings will ensure that visitors to Taiwan will be wowed by 'Asia's best-kept secret'.

Visitors to Taiwan in 2016 can look forward to world class cycling events, new additions to the flourishing art and design scene, hot new hotels and the opening of a new branch of the famed National Palace Museum.

Taiwan Lantern Festival

Held from the 22 February- 6 March, the Lantern Festival is a spectacular celebration which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Colourful celebrations will take place throughout Taiwan, from the parade of gigantic turtle effigies in Penghu to the release of the beautiful sky lanterns in the Pingxi District. One of the main highlights of the Lantern Festival is the display of lanterns in Taoyuan which will host a “Fairytale Kingdom Lantern Area” and a 500-plus-meter long 'Taoyuan Story Lantern Corridor'. Aside from the traditional Chinese zodiac animals, the lanterns on display will also reflect the different culture and customs of local villages from all over Taiwan making for an eclectic representation of the traditional festival.

Transit or transfer passengers with a 7 to 24 hour layover in Taipei who have valid R.O.C visas or come from countries eligible for visa-exempt entry, are entitled to a free Lantern Festival Tour from the 2February to 3 March. The Lantern Festival tour takes in the town of Daxi, famed for its Qing Dynasty influences and cultural heritage sites, as well as the colourful Taiwan Lantern Festival which will be celebrated under the quirky theme 'Golden Monkey Offering Peaches'.

For more information, please see http://theme.taiwan.net.tw/2016taiwanlantern/index_en.html

Taiwan on Two Wheels- Tour de Taiwan 2016

Taiwan provides one of the world's most beautiful backdrops for both competitive and leisure cycling. As a large mountainous island, the cycling routes are scenic and endless, it's no surprise the sport is a national obsession and the country boasts a friendly, local bike culture. As Asia's top cycling destination, Taiwan has a route and race for everyone, from challenging high-mountain routes to leisurely paths through tea fields.

One of the most highly anticipated cycling events of 2016 is the Tour de Taiwan in March. The route covers around 630km over a five day period during which the competitors cross a range of terrains and hill inclines to test their ability. Spectators will have the chance to watch teams from around the world. The Tour de Taiwan is therefore the perfect opportunity to combine a world-class cycle race with an unforgettable holiday.

For more information, please see http://en.tourdetaiwan.org.tw/  

Made in Taiwan- Exciting Additions to Taiwan's Art & Design Scene

For decades Taiwan has been known as an electronics hub. Now, Taiwanese designers and artists have established themselves as innovators on the global art and design scene, the country is an emerging creative force.

As a result of this new focus on the arts, many disused industrial sites around Taiwan have been renovated and given a new purpose. These sites, often referred to as cultural-creative hubs, have become big draws amongst local residents and international travellers alike. Must visit creative hubs for 2016 include Kaohsiung's Pier-2 Art Centre, Taipei's Songshan Cultural and Creative Park and Huashan 1914 Creative Park.

New for 2016, The National Palace Museum will open a sleek, ultra- modern, Southern branch of the museum in Southern Taiwan's Chiayi County. The new Southern Branch will ensure that more of the museum's impressive treasures can be enjoyed by visitors. In addition to Chinese ancient art, the new museum will also display exhibits from other Asian countries.

In another nod to the bustling cultural infrastructure and colourful arts scene, Taipei has been announced as World Design Capital for 2016. Taipei will be hosting a number of events throughout the year in celebration of the city's achievements in design.

For more information please see http://wdc2016.taipei/en/   

Transport

Kaohsiung, Taiwan's second-large city, located in the southwest of the island, has recently completed part of the first phase of a new light rail system, known as the Circular Line. Passengers can now transfer to the city's metro system (KMRT) at Station C3. The second phase of the project will be commenced in 2017, and the full circular line around central Kaohsiung is slated for completion in 2019.

For more information please see: http://eng.taiwan.net.tw/m1.aspx?sNo=0021064&key=

Ends

Media Information:

For further information on Taiwan please visit http://eng.taiwan.net.tw     

For media enquiries, please contact Laoise Collins at The Brighter Group on laoise.collins@brightergroup.com or telephone 020 7326 9880.