Taiwan
general information
(from Thorn Tree North East Asia)

Regarding visas:
Nationals of many countries can get a 15 or 30 day visa on arrival in Taiwan. As Taiwan does not have official diplomatic relations with many countries it does not have official embassies in most countries. However, it does maintain offices which issue visas and provide other assistance. These offices are usually called the "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office". Visit the Government Information Office for the address of the nearest visa office.

Regarding travel to Taiwan:
There are NO direct transport links between Taiwan and China. The most common way to travel from Taiwan to China is to fly via Hong Kong or Macau from where it is possible to connect to destinations in China. There is no ferry service to Hong Kong, but there is a weekly ferry service to Naha, Okinawa. From there it is possible to take another ferry onto other ports in Japan (and if you so desire then onto China or Korea).
Taiwan has two major international airlines. The confusingly named China Airlines and EVA Airways.

Regarding travel in Taiwan
Taiwan has a good railway service that runs around the entire island. The Taiwan Railway Administration website has timetables in English and you can also make bookings online. There are also frequent bus services between all major cities and domestic air services as well.

Regarding life in Taiwan
Forumosa.com is an online community for foreigners in Taiwan and has lots of information about all aspects of life in Taiwan.

Other useful websites
Taiwan Ho!for information about visiting Taiwan or living in Taiwan
Taiwan Fun for information about dining, travel, movies, shopping, night life...
David's Guide to Taiwanfor information for anybody planning to come to Taiwan or already in Taiwan. Some info about teaching English, studying Chinese, travelling, cycling, Buddhism in Taiwan,...
Welcome to Taiwan, the official government tourist website

Ghost Month - A month-long opening of the gates to hell