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DISCOVERY WORLD 115, An Mei Road, Houli Hsiang (Township), Taichung County 0800-054-080; Hours: 9 am-6 pm

Discovery World is Taiwan's newest theme park and certainly one of its biggest. Connected to the Mala Bay water park, this impressive attraction is about twice as large and follows a similar approach, providing world-class, foreign-designed entertainment facilities almost identical to those found at any American theme park. The park is divided into six main areas--Discovery Walk, D Street, Yamay Island, Enchanted Forest, Fairy Tale Village and the unfinished Palace of Dreams. There are dozens of rides for all ages, plus carnival-type games, food and drink outlets, shops and regular performances by local and foreign entertainers.

Top rides include the Gravity Max roller coaster with a 360-degree loop, the milder Mine Express roller coaster, the Wild River Canyon water ride, a giant rotating swing called The Stinger, Energy Storm, which resembles a giant multi-axial propeller, a giant swinging ship called The Hook, and--of course--the Merry Go Round. Food outlets range from the Sugar Shack to the Yankee Clipper grill restaurant. One-day general admission is NT$700 for adults (19 and older), NT$600 for middle school through college students, NT$550 for kids 110 cm and up, and NT$350 for kids between 90 and 110 cm. There are discounts for groups of 30 or more, and NT$450 "Starlight" general admission (110 cm and up) after 4 pm. Getting to the park is easy--head north on the Freeway for about 15 minutes, get off at the Houli/Waipu exit and follow the Yamay Park signs.--By Douglas Habecker