Taiwan Geography

About two-thirds of Taiwan is a rugged mountain landscape with the Chung-yang Shan range (central) dominating the island, and some 200 peaks exceeding 9,840 ft. (3,000 m).

Yu Shan is Taiwan's highest point at 12,966 ft. (3,952 m) while the South China Sea is its lowest (0 m).

West of the central mountain range the land is covered by rolling hills that descend gently into a somewhat flat region, north to south.

Taiwan is a geologically active island; earthquakes are frequent and the island is punctuated by numerous steam vents and hot sulfur springs. In fact, Taiwan experiences as much as 15,000 to 18,000 earthquakes each year; 800 to 1,000 of which are noticed by people.

The largest body of water in Taiwan is Sun Moon Lake; as well, there are over 150 rivers and large streams rising in the central mountains, with the most significant rivers including the Choshui and Kaoping.

It claims numerous (small) islands within its immediate territories and off the coast of China, including the islands of Quemoy, Matsu and Wuchiu.

• Landforms of Asia
• Rivers of Asia