1. Cultures of Taiwan
大道之行
天下為公
By Vannessa Liu /04/2011

2. About Myself Live in Martinez for five years
I am married
Live in Martinez for five years
Hobbies: walking, shopping, going to the library, fashion shows, auto shows, or art galleries
I came from Taipei, Taiwan

3. General Information Taiwan is located in the southeast of Asia
Separated from mainland China by Taiwan Strait
It has 36,000 square miles
With population 23 million
We have four seasons, but a bit humid in the summer
Taipei is the largest city and the national capital

4. Politics We are a democratic society
Have freedom of speech and freedom of press
Direct vote by the people
Need to speak dialects (Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Hakka) in order to get the votes
“Pressing flesh”--- has become a byword everywhere, politicians have learned the value of touch

5. Society and Religion High-density population in the cities
Encouraged to develop private enterprise
Emphasize on how to gain wealth and stay health
Taiwanese culture is mixed with Chinese culture
Religions: Buddhism/Taoism/ Christianity/ Islam

6. Education Mandates nine years of schooling
95% of students go on to college and university
Honor teachers and respect elders

7. Holiday Celebrate three special holidays The lunar New Year in Jan
family and friends gather
kids receive red envelopes
New Year's Eve fireworks displays and costumes
Dragon Boat Festival in May
Moon Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival in Aug

8. Special notes
Major products are rice, fruits, vegetables, electronics, computer software, and sightseeing
Living based on farming, manufacturing, exporting, and service jobs
Night markets and food stands
Street food well-known in Taiwan culture

9. We are the world I am in the same boat as my classmates
We have a lot in common; we are learning English and American culture together
Learn to respect each other
We are in a melting pot
“While in Rome, do as the Romans do”---- Now I live here, I am learning from it