Taiwan places a high priority on conservation, with a robust system of national parks and scenic areas protecting its mountains, forests, and coastlines.
**National Parks:** * **Taroko National Park:** Famous for its breathtaking, steep marble gorge carved by the Liwu River. * **Yangmingshan National Park:** Located just north of Taipei, known for its volcanic geography, fumaroles, and seasonal flower blossoms. * **Yushan National Park:** Centers around Jade Mountain, featuring alpine conditions and diverse wildlife (including the Formosan black bear and Formosan macaque). * **Kenting National Park:** Taiwan's oldest national park, offering tropical beaches, coral reefs, and coastal forests at the southern tip. * **Shei-Pa National Park:** A rugged, mountainous region known for the endangered Formosan landlocked salmon.
**Other Reserves:** Alishan National Scenic Area is globally famous for its high-altitude tea plantations, ancient cypress forests, and spectacular "sea of clouds" sunrises.
