Lyndsay Hemphill/Business Insider One of Taiwan's many beautiful temples
Taiwan, officially called the Republic of China, is a delightful island.
Located off the southwestern coast of China, Taiwan is about the same size as Belgium and was named Formosa Island by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century due to its stunning natural beauty.
Chinese mainlanders started settling in Taiwan dating back to the 17th century, and the Japanese colonization of the island ended in 1945. Due to its historical mixture of influences, Taiwan has its own distinct culture.
Not many people know just how amazing the country is, which makes it one of the most underrated destinations in Asia.
Here are 23 reasons why you should visit Taiwan immediately.