Geography of Taiwan its narrowest. Part of the continental shelf, the Strait is no more than deep, and has become a land bridge during glacial periods. To the south, the island of Taiwan is separated from the Philippine island of Luzon by the -wide Luzon Strait. The South China Sea lies to the southwest, the East China Sea to the north, and the Philippine Sea to the east. Smaller islands of the archipelago include the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait west of the main island, with an area of , the tiny islet of Xiaoliuqiu off the southwest coast, and Orchid Island
Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents differences, such as a different color scheme. Newer permits are also valid for 5 years. This entry permit serves also as the "de facto" ID card for ROC nationals who are residents of Taiwan in Mainland China. As a result, the permit can be accepted in cases of real estate purchasing, banking, medical treatment, insurance, employment, and more. Due to its usage as an ID card and the increasing instances of Taiwanese's long-time stay and settlement in Mainland China, the Taiwan Affairs Office announced that effective from 24 September 2008, the serial number of Mainland travel permit for Taiwan residents