上回，我介紹了幾個喜愛的台灣景點，都是位於市區和市郊。我們繼續台灣必訪景點的旅程，應該離開都會區，到鄉間去看看有哪些景緻。今天我們要到台灣五大風景文化名勝，分別位於這座寶島的沿海地帶與中央山脈地區。
Last time, I introduced some of my favorite spots in and around Taiwan’s cities. As we continue our journey through Taiwan’s must see attractions, it’s time to leave the urban areas and see what the countryside has to offer. Today we’re looking at 5 of Taiwan’s best scenic and cultural destinations spread along the coasts and central mountain range of this amazing island.
墾丁國家公園 / Kenting National Park
墾丁位於台灣本島的最南端，淨白的沙灘、閃耀蔚藍的海水與熱帶地區溫暖的陽光，迎接遊客進入這個人間天堂。登山步道沿著山勢蜿蜒而上，鳥瞰整片海洋；建於1883年的鵝鑾鼻燈塔，矗立在山崖。我總試著安排四月到墾丁一遊，因為一年一度的音樂盛事「春天吶喊音樂祭」就在此時舉辦，吸引了來自各地的流行搖滾樂團參加。
The southernmost tip of Taiwan’s main island is Kenting. White beaches, sparkling blue water and warm tropical sun greet visitors to this paradise. Hiking trails wind their way up the mountains overlooking the sea, and the Eluanbi Lighthouse, built in 1883, stands watch over the cliffs. I always try to schedule my visit for April when the annual Spring Scream music festival is held, attracting rock and pop bands from all over the region.
太魯閣峽谷 / Taroko Gorge
太魯閣峽谷坐落於地勢險峻的東海岸。這個大自然的奇景是台灣最多遊客造訪的國家公園，最特別的是擁有全球獨一無二的地質景觀。幾百萬年來，立霧溪流穿大理岩山壁，創造出台灣最令人驚豔的景觀。穿越峽谷的公路更是令人嘆為觀止的工程壯舉，公路直接切入岩壁，開鑿出許多隧道與洞穴供遊客探險。即使我已經到過太魯閣四次，卻仍樂此不疲。在不久的將來，我希望能更深入地探索這個幅員遼闊的國家公園。
On the rugged East coast sits Taroko Gorge. This natural wonder is one of Taiwan’s most visited national parks and features geology unlike anywhere else on Earth. Over millions of years, the Liwu River cut through the marble cliffs, creating one of the most dramatic sights in the country. The road which leads through the gorge is also an amazing feat of engineering, carved directly into the rock face, and creating tunnels and caves for tourists to explore. Though I’ve been there 4 times, I never get tired of visiting Taroko and hope to explore more of the massive park in the near future.
阿里山風景區 / Alishan Scenic Area
阿里山風景區位於寶島中部的阿里山帶給遊客與眾不同的體驗。一百多年前由日本人建造的森林鐵路，載著乘客上山，同時也行經許多小村落。這裡有相當多的茶園，一些我最愛的茶皆產於此，並且在世界各地榮獲獎項肯定。但阿里山的亮點是壯觀的「雲海」，早起到山頂看日出的遊客能看得到。揹起你的相機，準備留下深刻的印象吧！
Located in the center of the island, Alishan gives visitors an experience unlike any other. The forest railway, built by the Japanese over 100 years ago, carries passengers up the mountain and through small villages. Tea plantations abound in the area, producing some of my favorite tea varieties which are prized throughout the world. But the highlight is the majestic “sea of clouds,” which presents itself to visitors who rise early to see the sunrise from the highest peak. Bring your camera and prepare to be blown away.
綠島與蘭嶼 / Green Island and Orchid Island
雖然台灣本身就是座島嶼，但卻有許多離島。其中我最愛的兩座島嶼位於東部海岸，兩島距離相當近。綠島以具有歷史意義的監獄聞名，而當地的野生動物也不遑多讓，尤其是自由自在逛大街的梅花鹿。蘭嶼也有自己獨特的動植物生態，像是以蘭嶼為家的綠蠵龜。由於當地居民仍會展示傳統舞蹈與習俗，遊客也能從中一窺原住民的生活型態。
Though an island itself, Taiwan has no shortage of its own offshore islands. Two of my favorites are within sight of each other off the east coast. Green Island is well-known for the historic prison, as well as wildlife, especially deer which roam freely. Orchid Island has its own share of unique plant and animal life, including Green Sea Turtles which nest on the island. Visitors can also get a glimpse at the aboriginal lifestyle, as locals still demonstrate traditional dances and customs.
日月潭 / Sun Moon Lake日月潭
日月潭位於中台灣山區，這個大型高山湖泊是亞洲最著名的觀光景點。環繞四周的山峰，倒映在日月潭清澈明亮的湖面，美麗的自然景色吸引世界各地的遊客前來朝聖。日月潭名稱的由來是因為湖的東半部形狀像日輪，西半部細長如月鉤；然而，當我和老婆、母親來到日月潭時，唯一能想到的是它有多麼壯麗。日月潭真是個美不勝收的旅遊勝地，一生中一定要和特別的人去一次。
A large lake high in the mountains of central Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake is one of the most famous tourist spots in Asia. The natural scenery of the surrounding peaks reflected in the lake’s glassy surface draw visitors from around the world. The name comes from the Eastern and Western halves of the lake, which resemble the sun and moon, respectively, but all I could think about when I visited with my wife and mother was how spectacular it was. Sun Moon Lake is truly a gorgeous place to go with the special people in your life.
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| 關鍵字 | |
| countryside (n.) 鄉間 | destination (n.) 目的地 |
| annual (n.) 一年一度的 | music festival (n.) 音樂祭 |
| explore (v.) 探險、探索 | locate (v.) 位於 |
| draw (v.) 吸引 | gorgeous (adj.) 美不勝收的 |
文／Sean O’Sullivan