The Taroko Aborigines are locked in a struggle against Asia Cement Corp to reclaim lands they say were illegally obtained
By Max Woodworth
Tourists on the way to or from Taroko National Park, where Taiwan's diverse ecosystems and natural beauty are on dramatic display, will inevitably pass through the township of Hsiulin at the park's east end. Though few people stop in Hsiulin, it's hard to miss. It's the place where the hulking gray factory dominates the landscape, where the foliage carries a layer of dust that lends it a ghostly white shade and where the air has a gritty taste that irritates the sinuses.

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It might be hard to find, but Taipei's history is out there and is set to be the focal point of a series of events in the coming months, as the city prepares to celebrate its 120th birthday
By Gavin Phipps
Built atop an alluvial deposit-filled lake, Taipei City may not be one of the world's most picturesque metropolises and it might not be one of the oldest, but on Aug. 22, when the city celebrates its 120th birthday as the nation's economic and political nucleus, the city government hopes to remind Taipei residents that amid the urban sprawl lays a rich historical legacy.

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The center of Taiwan's wood-carving industry is hosting a festival to celebrate works made by the town's artists
By Derek Lee
Sanyi, a small town in Miaoli County, is renowned for wood carvings in Taiwan and has held its own annual wood-sculpture festival for years. What makes the festival different this year, however, is that it features a collection of wooden musical instruments from all over the world and tries to incorporate 16 international and local music groups into this fun activity. The festival formally began yesterday and will run until Aug. 29.

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In the place of artillery, 18 artists from Taiwan and China will install art in bunkers on the heavily fortified island
By susan kendzulak
Taiwan's Kinmen Island, located within short swimming distance to Fujian Province, China, and under military rule until 1992, will become the site for a provocative contemporary international art exhibition opening in September. Yet, the innovative proposals for this exhibition are currently on view at the National Museum of History until Aug. 22 and as these exhibited works are basically framed drawings and writings, the finished installations and live performances in the Kinmen bunkers will be quite a different experience indeed -- so book your plane ticket now.

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Michael Keevak gives a stirring account of George Psalmanazar's big lie: that he was a native of Taiwan
By Bradley Winterton
In 1703 a man arrived in London and announced he was a native of Formosa. His name was George Psalmanazar. European missionaries, he claimed, had so named him at school. He also proclaimed that he'd decided, after examining all the world's religions, to join the Church of England. He was blond-haired, blue-eyed, and of typically European appearance. Almost everyone believed him.

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By David Momphard
Audiophiles must check out Taiwan Audio Association's (TAA) International Hi-End Hi-Fi Show taking place at the Holiday Inn AsiaWorld through 5pm tomorrow -- and leave your wallet at home.

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