Taiwan is still sometimes referred to as Formosa, the name Portuguese colonists first gave the island. Their ?Ilha Formosa? or ?Beautiful Island? still has great vistas of lush jungles, wide-open plains, pristine mountain ranges, and long stretches of white sandy beaches.

But those are rarely the reasons why the island attracts visitors. It is the top-notch computer brands, exciting designs and world-class expos of the country that are far more alluring. So, tourism and business mix pretty well in this land of 23 million people, who are mostly of Chinese origin.

However, if you plan on a hop across to Shanghai, let that thought perish. A trip from Taipei, Taiwan?s capital city, to Shanghai, would involve a detour through Hong Kong, which takes at least five hours.

The Taiwanese are natural entrepreneurs. If you want proof, just check out these names ? Acer, Trend Micro and BenQ. They are all global brands that have all emerged from the island.

Peter Lo, chairman of Johnson, the world?s second largest fitness equipment manufacturer, told me with a deadpan expression on his face, his first order was for a set of barbells from an American. Lo had no clue what a barbell was but asked around and got them manufactured. That?s how his company was born. It is this go-getter spirit that has transformed a hot and humid patch of countryside into one of the world?s largest economies.

The country has several other things to be proud of. Towering above the gleaming fleet of buses, smart roads and manicured countryside is the world?s tallest building, Taipei 101. A view from the top is a must-see for any visitor here. The lift rises to the top in less than half a minute and it will leave you with screaming eardrums. But the walkabout after that, which takes in the volcanic mountains and the four animal-like rock formations, more than makes up for that dizzy spell.

Open to visitors is also the huge 510 feet steel ball that balances the building when an earthquake comes calling. It?s a good idea to dismiss those thoughts as you watch the massive contraption, hanging from the top floor, swathed in gold-coloured steel belts. The Taiwanese have decided to keep the ball visible, unlike in other countries, where they have covered the ball.

Taipei is famous for its exhibitions too. It organises the world?s second-largest computer and computer products show ? COMPUTEX. In 2005, a total of 1,29,947 visitors attended the show. Nearby, the Taipei World Trade Center hosts the world?s third largest bicycle and bicycle parts show, and the world?s third largest auto and motorcycle parts show. New shows are coming up like the Taiwan International Boat and Water Sports Show and the Nano Tech Taiwan trade shows off the southern city of Kaohsiung. The ability to transform any event to a massive show is visible in all sorts of festivals. The most boisterous is, of course, the Chinese New Year.

The festivals are also the time to enjoy distinctive Chinese food. There is the medley of French, Italian, Korean, Japanese and Indian cuisine. In fact, the chicken tikka has founds its disciples here.

But the local flavours of Cantonese and Szechuan are the biggest draw with their fiery after-taste.

Like most big cities, Taipei and its people are also always in a rush. So do try this out: Take the high-speed rail from Taipei to Kaohshing. The train travels the 400 kilometers span in less than 90 minutes. The journey opens up the face of the island, which is located off the southeastern coast of China on the Tropic of Cancer. If one visits the islands of Matsu or Quemoy, one can actually see the coastline of China, just a few miles away.

The train ride also cuts through the range of mountains extending from north to south. Mount Alishan, located in central Taiwan, is famous for its sea-clouds and sunrise. Located nearby is Jade Mountain, the highest peak in Northeast Asia and excellent for climbs. Nearby is the Taroko National Park, featuring deep-cut marble canyons, whitewater river rafting, and plenty of camping areas. Taroko Gorge is also one of the largest butterfly canyons in the world. Southern Taiwan, however, has a different feel with its soft beaches and terraced fields.

Clearly, Taiwan is a small country, but there is a lot that it has to offer.