Ultra-modern, yet steeped in history, Taipei is the political, economic, and cultural center of Taiwan. At the heart of Taiwanese culture is food, and the city\'s diverse culinary repertoire features everything from local delicacies such as stinky tofu and pearl milk tea to the questionably unique fried crickets and chicken testicles. Second only to eating, shopping is a pastime enjoyed by many of Taipei\'s inhabitants. With the selection of glitzy malls, upscale boulevards and cutting-edge electronics emporiums, serious shoppers are sure to be kept occupied.
Xiamen is the second largest city in the Fujian province next to the capital Fuzhou. Despite its fame as an industrial powerhouse, this port city has not lost much of its charm, and as a sightseeing haven has become one of the best areas to visit in Fujian. Offering good food, some great architecture and a mild to hot climate, Xiamen is hard to beat.