With contentious elections just around the corner and a tense geopolitical situation, RTI would like to invite you, instead, to look at some beautiful fall foliage. They change color in November, you see.
Hundreds of gingko trees extend over the horizon in gentle, golden waves, wrapping around the hilltops surrounding Wuling Farm in central Taiwan.
Their fan-like leaves are quickly turning from green to orange, and finally golden brown. They fall onto the ground to form a thick carpet.
The farm is located at a high altitude, which means day-night temperature differences are quite substantial. The nearby streams also fill the air with moisture. All that means that trees can grow tall and wide.
The autumn foliage attracts throngs of visitors every year. Some simply admire the colors and take in the atmosphere, others say they’re surprised Taiwan has gingko trees this beautiful. The species is traditionally associated with Japan.
Trees are not the only sight to behold in central Taiwan. Visitors to Hehuan Mountain have spotted yellow-throated martens scurrying around by the roadside.
A researcher of Taiwan’s endemic species says that although yellow-throated martens can now be found all over Taiwan, spotting them near Hehuan Mountain used to be as rare as winning the lottery.
After Taiwan reopened its borders on October 13, it is now getting ready to welcome visitors aching to see gingkos, martens, and everything else Taiwan has to offer.
Tomasz Koper, RTI News