The provided text appears to be a detailed narration of a documentary or travelogue about Taiwan. It paints a vivid picture of the country's diverse landscapes, from the cows wading through mud flats to the mountains of seashells. It also delves into the country's rich cultural heritage, such as the traditional oyster farming in the East Coast, the annual King Boat Festival, and the reverence for the sea goddess Mazu.
The narration also touches on the country's historical context, including its past as a Dutch and Chinese colony, and its ongoing territorial disputes with mainland China. It describes the daily lives of Taiwanese people, from the shrimp farmers in Tau Yuen to the park rangers in Ao Gu wetland.
The text ends with a description of the Taroko Gorge, a natural wonder on the East Coast of Taiwan, and the Liu River that has carved an impressive landscape through marble and granite mountains.
1. Taiwan is an island of contrasts, with mountains of seashells and brand new ships that will never see water .
2. The capital of Taiwan, Taipei, is a metropolis with spectacular wilderness just 20 kilometers away .
3. The East Coast of Taiwan boasts 3000 meter high mountains and breathtaking fields of rice with a view of the ocean .
4. Chinese tradition is deeply rooted in Taiwan, with ancestor worship, fortune telling, and religious rituals .
5. The southern part of Taiwan enjoys a warmer climate averaging almost 25 degrees over the year, attracting a large number of visitors .
6. The West Coast of Taiwan is dominated by lowlands, where people harvest sea salt and farm fish and oysters .
7. Near Fung Yuen, the sea retreats several kilometers at low tide, exposing one of Taiwan's largest oyster farms .
8. Oysters are harvested and placed on lines so that they move with the tide. It takes about a year and a half for the new oysters to be ready for harvest .
9. Taiwan is famous for its steep shore-side cliffs and the Sukhwa Highway, considered one of the most spectacular Coastal roads in the world .
10. Taiwan's East Coast is home to more than 100 hot springs, attracting bathers since the 19th century .
11. The shellfish business is running at full speed in the village, with families taking care of recycling empty shells .
12. Oyster omelette is one of Taiwan's national dishes, a handful of fresh oysters fried with rice flour, egg, and herbs .
13. The southern tip of Taiwan is famous for its coasts of Coral Rock and seaside resorts .
14. Agriculture was the main industry in Taiwan until well into the 20th century, with Seneca rice still grown near the coast .
15. The mainland Chinese government has long claimed the island of Taiwan is part of China .