Taoyuan is in the west of the Taipei City. It is famous of its international airport -The Chiang Kai-shek International Airport.
As the gateway to Taiwan, the airport is like a small city offering a full range of services.
The Chiang Kai-shek Aviation Museum
The Chiang Kai-shek Aviation Museum is located next to the CKS International Airport Hotel, two kilometers from the airport terminal building. The museum features exhibitions focusing on the history of aviation development both in ROC and in the world.
Tzuhu
Tzuhu, which in Chinese means "Lake of Kindness", is where the body of Chiang Kai-shek is entombed. The site is regarded as temporary; it is intended that the body will be returned to the mainland after China is reunited. Most of the Chinese in Taiwan and many westerners have visited here.
Outside the mausoleum the scenery around the lake is quite beautiful. Normally tourists can view the granite case in which the body has been placed. It is customary to give a respectful bow.
Shihmen Reservoir
Shihmen Reservoir forms the largest lake in northern Taiwan. The Shihmen Dam, on the Tanshui River, is nestled in the foothills south-west of Taipei City. Construction of the dam began in 1955 and was completed in 1964. It is an attractive area, but becomes crowded with tourists during the weekends because of its proximity to Taipei City.
Most tourists come to Shihmen Reservoir also try out its many seafood restaurants. A normal dish will be "three ways of eating a fish" -- sweet and sour, steamed, and a soup. Some restaurants even have more than five or ten ways of cooking a fish. Be sure that you give it a try.
Swimming is not permitted in the reservoir, but fishing is ok. If you arrive by a bus, the driver will drop you off right by the dam, which is the best tourist spot. From there you can join a boat tour or walk around. The hiking trails around the lake are quite interesting. There are also plenty of camping grounds, hotels and amusement parks around the reservoir, such as the Asia Amusement Park and the Fairyland.
If you walk far enough upstream along the north shore of the lake, you will reach Fuhsing Village, an attractive place famous for its honey peaches and apples. You can also make a trip from Shihmen Reservoir and continue over the mountains, via the North Cross-Island Highway to Chilan, Ilan County.