Hong Kong to Taipei

Taipei 101, the tallest building in the world between 2004 and 2010 at just under 510 metres high, towers over the rest of Taipei in the early morning sunshine.

Known as the "thirteen levels", these ruins are all that remains of a once prosperous gold mining industry in Taiwan which has now been replaced by sophisticated high-tech manufacturing business.

A panoramic view across Taipei's business district at night, a visible symbol of its growing economy and continuing international success.

Taiwan's recent economic success has focused not only on manufacturing, which sustained it throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but also high-tech industries such as electronics.

New Year Fireworks in 2008 at Taipei 101, which was then the tallest building in the world and a symbol of Taiwan's economic strength and vitality.

Much of the space near Taiwan's towns and cities that once was used for farming and crops is now home to a variety of factories which sustain the area's incredible economic growth.

The Taiwan High Speed Railway runs at up to 300 km/h, and was developed when the conventional railway was saturated by the rapid economic growth of the 1970s.

Nearly 25% of Taiwan's countryside is still farmed for a huge variety of crops, ranging from tropical fruit to rice, or sweet potatoes to its famous oolong tea.

A tea farm in Alisan, Taiwan. The oolong tea produced here is world-famous and demands a premium price. Taiwan's mix of agriculture, manufacturing and high-tech industry bolsters its economy from all sides.

The Hsinchu area of Taiwan is known as Taiwan's "Silicon Valley" as it is at the hub of Taiwan's significant production of electronic goods.

Streets in Taipei lined with shops selling electronic products. A very large number of electronic products, components and supporting technology sold and used worldwide are produced in Taiwan.

The huge tower of Taipei 101 casts its shadow over the surrounding business district. The circular Millennium Park built at its base acts as a sundial, using the shadow to tell the time in the garden below.

A modern plastic processing factory towers over traditional paddy fields in the foreground, a juxtaposition of Taiwan's traditional and modern growth industries.

The main gate at Liberty Square in Taipei, a hub for public gatherings of protest, celebration and a place of welcome for foreign dignitaries.

The Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall in Liberty Square at dusk. The hall was built to honour Chiang for his contribution to Taiwanese government and unity throughout his life.

1940s - A portrait of Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, the President of the Republic of China and head of its armed forces until his death in 1975.

A night view over Liberty Square from the steps of the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, with the National Theatre and Concert Hall in the background.

A roof detail from a pavilion in Liberty Square, with the white sun of the Republic of China's flag showcased in the centre.

Liberty Square is used for social and leisure activities in its manicured garden and parks, and plays host to a number of public exhibitions throughout the year such as this in 2008.

A postcard commemorating the President of the Republic of China Yuan Shikai and the provisional President of the Republic Sun Yat-sen, celebrating the newly formed Republic in 1912.

Brightly coloured traditional lanterns fill Liberty Square during the annual Lantern Festival celebrations in Taipei.

The beautiful and lavishly decorated roof of the National Concert Hall in Liberty Square, showcasing traditional Chinese colours and architectural styles.

May 20th, 1948: Chiang Kai-Shek's inauguration speech as the First President of the Republic of China under the new constitution of the same year.

Pan-Blue (opposition) supporters during the 2004 presidential election of the Republic of China rally in the centre of Taipei.

1924 - Dr. Sun Yat-Sen (middle behind table) and Chiang Kai-Shek (on stage in uniform) at the founding of the Whampoa Military Academy.

Early 20th century image of the three flags of the Republic of China: the army flag (left), the Flag of Races under One Nation (centre) and Sun Yat Sen's national flag (right), still in use today.

The welcome gate, decorated in traditional Chinese style, at the Keelung Miao Kou night market in Taipei.

Shoppers browse for tasty snacks in the bright and thronging atmosphere of the Shilin Night Market in Taipei, the largest and most well known market in the city.

A jumble of brightly illuminated signs marks out a huge variety of shops and stalls at the Longshuan Night Market in Taipei.

Hawkers selling traditional sausages and kebabs at the Shilin Night Market. Night markets across Taipei help to celebrate and reinvigorate traditional recipes and food.

Families play traditional carnival games at the Shilin Night Market to win small toys and prizes. Night markets are a popular social activity for families to enjoy Taiwanese food and games.

Rows of small food stalls selling xiaochi, which are "small eats" or finger food, line the streets of Taipei's night market, with space for a family or two to enjoy a tasty snack whilst they shop and socialise.

The busy Shilin Night Market is a favourite focal point for Taipei's night life among residents and visitors alike. Hawkers sell clothes, electrical goods and toys from stalls which pack the busy streets.

Two chefs prepare local delicacies at the Shilin Night Market. Each stall, street and market has its own special dishes, but the most famous include "stinky" tofu and oyster omelettes.

A stall owner prepares fresh local fruit at a Taipei Night Market. Taiwan's tropical location gives it an excellent climate for producing a wide range of fruit and crops, from pineapples to sweet potatoes.

The welcome gate at the Hwahsi Night Market, also known as the "Snake Alley" night market for its maze of streets, which is one of Taipei's most popular tourist attractions.

Brightly coloured bags of traditional fruit jelly drinks glisten like jewels as they are arranged in front of a night market stall in Taipei.

A night market hawker prepares his speciality snacks of traditional fried skewers. Night markets are the best place for visitors to sample a true taste of authentic Taiwanese cuisine.

Children play traditional pinball machines in the heart of a Taipei Night Market.