Taiwan Archives - Eckart Mayer Photography

Cherry tree pink Spring blossoms (I)

One of the visual highlights during the years living in Taipei: usually in February, the large cherry tree in the garden of our neighbor spoiled us with stunning eye candy in all possible shades of pink. An obvious must for any photographer to take a whole series of images. (Taipei, Taiwan, February 2014 - Image ID: 201402-TW-001)

Cherry tree pink Spring blossoms (VI)

Cherry tree pink Spring blossoms (V)

Cherry tree pink Spring blossoms (IV)

Cherry tree pink Spring blossoms (III)

Cherry tree pink Spring blossoms (II)

Taroko Gorge suspension bridge

One of the most beautiful bridges on the Central Cross-Island Highway near the Tianxiang Recreation Area. Whilst the river carried little water when we visited, during rainy and especially typhoon season, massive amounts of water run down the narrow gorge. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-15)

Tianfeng Pagoda

A landmark within the lush green of the slopes of the Taroko Gorge: the Tianfeng Pagoda. No matter if you driving up- or downhill, it is impossible to miss it - even at night when it is beautifully illuminated. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-16)

The final climb

The Central Cross-Island Highway isn't really a highway. It's rather a spectacular and narrow mountain road with countless tunnels, bridges and breathtaking views after every turn. The final ascent towards the summit is amongst the steepest parts of the journey. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-14)

Changchun Shrine and waterfall

This eyecatching shrine in an idyllic location is located in the lower part of the Taroko Gorge, and a popular tourist stop. As beautiful as it is: the shrine was actually build in memory of the workers who died during the construction of the mountain road. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-17)

Baiyang Trail suspension bridge

The Baiyang Hiking Trail is one of many spectacular options to enjoy the natural wild beauty of the Taroko National Park. A number of bridges and even tunnels provide access to smaller valleys with countless waterfalls. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-18)

Small waterfall on the Baiyang Trail

One of many, and yet standing out. A small waterfall dropping down the almost vertical rocky slopes into the lush green vegatation. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-19)

Tunnels deep inside Taroko Gorge

To make the extremely deep and steep gorge accessible to visitors, engineers had to drill a lot of tunnels into the marble rock. The Taroko Gorge is one of the most spectacular roads I have ever driven - breathtaking new views behind every corner. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-12)

Obstacle in flowing water

Always fascinating and beautiful to watch and to listen to: Mountain streams with lots of rocks diverting the flow of the cold water. But only with a long exposure photo, one can truly appreciate the contrast between movement and static obstacle. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-11)

Taroko Gorge river beauty

Cool water runs down between huge boulders against a backdrop of mountains with dense green vegetation. As a photographer, the Taroko Gorge offers hundreds of spots for scenic photo shots (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-10)

Foggy spotllight tree

Such a relaxing and peaceful scene: a single tree standing out from the forst on a high mountain slope. The fog and the limited amount of available created an almost fairy-tale like scene. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-09)

Relaxation for body, mind and soul

Enjoying the breathtaking beauty of Taroko Gorge in style from the warm rooftop pool at Silks Place Taroko Hotel. Absolutely beautiful and so relaxing for body, mind and soul !!! (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-13)

Foggy mountain pine

With bad weather and fog the Taroko Gorge develops a completely different kind of magic compared to sunny days. An almost mystical atmosphere with single trees sometimes standing out of the forest. (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-08)

Scenic cable car lake view

An absolute must for every tourist visiting the popular Sun Moon Lake in Nantou District: taking the cable car to enjoy stunning scenic views over the lake and its surrounding mountains. Definitely worth it! (Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-01)

Wenwu Temple overlooking Sun Moon Lake

Easily accessible from the ring road surrounding Sun Moon Lake, most visitors will stop at the popular Wenwu Temple. Apart from the impressive interior, it is worth walking up to the top to enjoy a spectacular rooftop view over the lake. (Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-07)

Scenic Sun Moon Lake view from Ci'en Pagoda

Now this is why it is worth climbing up the staircase covering 12 floors within the famous tourist attraction. One is rewarded with an awesome view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. (Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-06)

Staircase with safety net

To get up to the viewing platform of the 46m high Ci'en Pagoda, one needs to climb up this beautful white and blue staircase. (Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-04)

Ci'en Pagoda Sun Moon Lake

One of the major tourist attractions in the Sun Moon Lake area, not only because of the stunning architecture and colours, but also for its platform being a great sightseeing spot. (Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-03)

Half-open metal door bars

Another scene from the staircase inside the Ci'en Pagoda. Half-open blue metal bars mark the end of the descent before exiting the building. I liked both the shape and the colours. (Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan, March 2013 - Image ID: 201303-TW-05)

Palmtree waterfall

Timeless beauty, and so relaxing to just sit down and to watch and listen to the sound of the falling water. (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-15)

Wulai Falls sakura blossoms

Taking close-up photos of cherry blossoms is very popular throughout Asia. Doing so in such a spectacular setting as the Wulai Falls gorge adds a little extra aspects to this morif, usually captured against a blue sky background. (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-10)

Into the gorge...

Looking down, visitors enjoy a beautiful view of the bottom of the gorge with its clean turquoise water, constantly fed with supply dropping down from the forest area above. Simply relaxing and so beautiful. (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-11)

Thin Wulai waterfall

About an hours drive from Taipei is the popular tourist attraction of the Wulai Falls. The water dropping into the steep rocky gorge with its lush sub-tropical rainforest green is absolutely beautiful (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-09)

Yangmingshan crater fumes

Something special about Taipei is the close vicinity to both the sea and relatively high mountains. Yangmingshan is a popular recreation and hiking area for citizens, with vast grasslands, and some craters and fumeroles giving testimony of its volcanic origin. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-08)

Wulai Falls close-up

Zooming in on the water running down the steep cliff also reveals a number of plants growing in this very wet environment. (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-12)

Lantern festival musicians

One integral part of the Festive Season are the lantern festivals. These exhibitions are extremely popular, resulting in huge crowds visiting them in the evenings. And whilst this band of musicians doesn't really play their traditional instruments, they are just fascinating. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-10)

A colourful snake

One integral part of the Festive Season are the lantern festivals. Artists put up huge figures, animals and other objects, which are beautifully illuminated in countless colours. These exhibitions are extremely popular, resulting in huge crowds visiting them in the evenings. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-09)

Illuminated percussion lanterns

One integral part of the Festive Season are the lantern festivals. Artists put up huge figures, such as these musicians with their illuminated drums and other instruments. These exhibitions are extremely popular, resulting in huge crowds visiting them in the evenings. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-12)

Lantern festival big fish

One integral part of the Festive Season are the lantern festivals. Artists put up huge figures, animals and other objects, such as this gigantic illuminated fish. These exhibitions are extremely popular, resulting in huge crowds visiting them in the evenings. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-14)

Purple eyed lantern dragon

One integral part of the Festive Season are the lantern festivals. These exhibitions are extremely popular, resulting in huge crowds visiting them in the evenings, admiring pieces of art such as this huge dragon. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-11)

Rider of the Taipei lantern festival

One integral part of the Festive Season are the lantern festivals. These exhibitions are extremely popular, resulting in big crowds visiting them in the evenings. This huge rider on his horse seems to escape from the snake in the background. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-13)

On the beach with a smile

This poor fish stranded and died on a sandy beach in the Tamsui area. Despite of this misfortune, it still seems to smile at everyone walking by. Somehow sad! (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-06)

Waiting for customers

On weekends, these tables are usually very busy, packed with families enjoying food and drinks outdoors. Due to the bad weather, I found them completely empty... (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-05)

Lover's Bridge

The fisherman's wharf in Tamsui is a popular weekend destination for families living in Taipei. Lot's of restaurants cater for the culinary needs of the visitors. One of the most popular spots for couples is the pink-coloured "Lover's Bridge", even on days with really bad weather. (Tamsui, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-04)

Bold architecture

One of the first places fto visit obviously was Taipei101, the cities main tourism attraction with its 101 floors. Putting such a high-rise skyscaper in a earthquake hazard area required innovative architectural solutions, with a gigantic metal pendulum installed inside the building. (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-03)

Taipei City view from Maokong

Taking the Maokong gondola rewards visitors with spectacular view of Taipei. A striking contrast between the lush green forests and the 3mio+ population city. (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-07)

Construction vs. ferris wheel

The colourful Miramar feeris wheel has been in operation for quite some time, whereas new high rise buildings are coming up in the Dazhi neighborhood. (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-08)

Thr power of plants

Keeping your eyes open is often rewarded with unusual discoveries. I found this small plant growing out of a wooden pole at Huanshan 1914 Creative Park. Almost impossibe, and yet nature found its way... (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-07)

Red plastic chair rows

Year-round, the Liberty Square in the center of Taipei is used as a venue for many events. Whilst not the most comfortable seating, these chairs are waiting for the visitors to arrive. (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-02)

City Wildlife

Even within the densly populated greater Taipei area, nature still has its places of refuge. Many public parks with lakes and ponds of all shapes and sizes provide home to a number of birds. (Taipei, Taiwan, January 2013 - Image ID: 201301-TW-01)

Symbolic pineapple presents

One of the most common and popular fruit year-round, but especially during New Year celebrations is the pineapple. It symbolizes wealth and prosperity, and presenting it to someone has this wish for the upcoming year attached symbolically. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-03)

Yellow lanterns

Yellow and red are the dominating colours for the countless lanterns decorating temples, businesses and private homes. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-02)

Red lanterns at night

Not much to say about these very decorative and almost romantic red lanterns. They are not limited to the Festive season, but obviously more common during winter months. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-04)

Candles in the wind

During Chinese New Year, a lot more people than usual visit the large number of temples inside the metropolitan area, and pray for a good year ahead. Thousands of candles are lit every day, creating a very festive mood. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-01)

Bike sharing and "Christmas" trees

Already 10 years ago, bike sharing was well established in Taipei, and (contrary to other parts of the world) unsually not subject to vandalism. The LED illumination of the trees in the city center made a nice colour contrast. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-05)

The fire extinguisher couple

Whilst well protected with plastic bags on the sides, the dust on top of these two fire extinguishers clearly indicates that it has been some time since the last functional test. (Taipei City, Taiwan, February 2013 - Image ID: 201302-TW-06)

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