History of Taiwan
In East Asia’s heart, Taiwan offers travelers a rich tapestry of experiences that blend history, culinary delights, and natural wonders. I was born and raised here, and to this day, I still enjoy strolling through ancient temples, savoring delectable street food, and showcasing my island’s diverse cultural heritage to foreigners. Taiwan promises an unforgettable journey if you are seeking a unique and enriching adventure. What do I love most about my home? It’s food and nature.
History
Taiwan has had a diverse colonization history from the indigenous tribes to the Dutch, Spanish, and Japanese colonials. These histories have given Taiwan a different cultural color. For example, Hongmaocheng in Tamsui is a famous building. It was built by the Spanish, who called it Fort San Doming. When I was a child, my family used to combine a visit to the Fort with a walk through Tamsui Old Street on the weekend. Today, 50 years after the end of Japanese colonization, Japanese culture is still deeply integrated into the people’s lives. The Wu Chi Culture Police Office is a beautiful example of Japanese-style architecture buildings in Taiwan. Don’t be afraid – you can take a picture without being arrested.
Not only does the Japanese style persist in our architecture, but it has also left its mark on our cuisine, allowing you to taste the colonial influence.
History to visit
Not only does the Japanese style persist in our architecture, but it has also left its mark on our cuisine, allowing you to taste the colonial influence. Finally, Visitors can explore historic sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fort Zeelandia. I recommend that you also take your time to witness the preserved architecture of Jiufen Old Street and gain insight into Taiwan’s complex past at the National Palace Museum – this is where even natives such as I still learn new aspects about Taiwan each visit.
Pro tip: Combine a visit at the Fort with a walk through Tamsui Old Street
Natural Beauty- A masterpiece from heaven
Taiwan is a small island with a variety of natural landscapes, unique species and terrains. If you love hiking and surfing, Taiwan can fulfill your expectations. I will introduce a few of my favorite spots in detail below. Sun Moon Lake in Nantou is the largest inland lake in Taiwan and Taroko National Park, surrounded by towering mountain walls, invites relaxation aside from the bustling city center.Sun Moon Lake – Nantuo
Sun Moon Lake in Nantou is Taiwan’s largest lake . Along with Taroko Gorge and Alishan, it is one of Taiwan’s most popular scenic destinations, drawing in six million people annually. Hence, try to visit in the off-season to avoid the crowds.
To be honest, it is quite a touristic spot, but there are several unique aspects why I, as a local, still recommend you visit it: black tea produced on the site, cherry blossom viewing in February at Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, and the views from Wenwu Temple and Sun Moon Lake Ropeway.
Taiwan’s landscapes offer a treat for nature lovers. From the impressive cliffs of Taroko Gorge to the greenery of Alishan and the beaches of Kenting, the island’s natural beauty is a delightful mix of contrasts.
Taroko National Park – Hualien
The Liwu River, which originates in Taiwan’s Central Mountain Range and runs eastward to the Pacific Ocean, carved out a precipitous and striking valley known as Taroko Gorge. The Liwu River’s blue-green waters have sculpted massive gneiss and marble cliffs. Spending time here impresses me again and again with the wonders of nature.
Taiwan’s humanities encompass a vibrant spectrum of arts, festivals, and traditional crafts that reflect the island’s cultural depth. I recommend that you, as a visitor, do not leave my home country without immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Taiwanese opera performances, Ming Hwa Yuan Arts, and the performances of more local cultural groups.
Treasure Hill Artist Village
Taiwan’s humanities encompass a vibrant spectrum of arts, festivals, and traditional crafts that reflect the island’s cultural depth. I recommend that you, as a visitor, do not leave my home country without immersing yourself in the atmosphere of Taiwanese opera performances, Ming Hwa Yuan Arts, and the performances of more local cultural groups.
Furthermore, I recommend that you explore the artistic enclave of Treasure Hill Artist Village, and partake in traditional craft workshops to gain insight into age-old artisanal practices. Additionally, Taiwan’s dynamic contemporary art scene, showcased in galleries and public installations, offers a glimpse into the island’s creative pulse. Let me share with you some local festivals you should not miss.
In August the southern Taiwanese city of Tainan becomes a colorful and vibrant place. Our folk event, called the “Beehive Fireworks Festival,” is held annually. What originated as a folkloric event to welcome the sedan chair of Guansheng Di Jun from the Yanshui Wushu Temple for the purpose of relieving epidemics has been transformed into a traditional festival that invites natives as well as foreigners to celebrate together.
Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage is a yearly event held in Taiwan to honor the Taoist sea goddess Mazu. A statue of Mazu is carried round-trip by foot from Jenn Lann Temple in Dajia, Taichung, to Fengtian Temple in Xingang, Chiayi, with several stops along the way during the festival. The statue is placed in a litter and transported in this manner. Nine days of the celebration draw sizable throngs of pilgrims who proceed along the litter. This event is one of the biggest festivals in Taiwan. When you get the chance to participate in it, you will realize its importance in people’s minds and feel our Taiwanese passion for keeping our traditions alive.
Gastronomy
Taiwan’s culinary scene is a sensory delight, renowned for its diverse street food and sumptuous traditional dishes. Travelers can start into a tasty journey sampling authentic treats such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), beef noodle soup, and – for those who want to eat more sustainable friendly and reduce their animal product consumption – stinky tofu. Don’t shy away from its smell, the fermented tofu is actually very delicious. All of these dishes and snacks are available at our vivid night markets. Everyone who seeks more refined dining experiences, will enjoy Taiwan’s many Michelin-starred restaurants.
Xiaolongbao is a classic Taiwanese dish that originates in Jiangsu Province during the Qing Dynasty. It has a history of hundreds of years. You can eat Xiaolongbao everywhere in Taiwan, but I recommend to try “Din Tai Fung which has many restaurants across the country. Among their huge variety of Xiao long bao, they offer several once which are vegetarian and vegan.
Lu Rou Fan, also known as Braised Pork Rice, is a staple dish in Taiwan. It’s been enjoyed for generations and is considered a national comfort food. You can buy and eat them everywhere in Taiwan. Depending on the region, you might find it served with different cuts of pork or additional ingredients like shiitake mushrooms. If you want to avoid animal products, some restaurants provide a vegan version made with plant meat, mushrooms, and bamboo shoots.
Li-Hao, Chen
This article is written by Li-Hao, Chen. He was born and has lived in Taiwan for over 20 years. Recently working on his master’s degree in Digital Marketing in Germany he is keen on getting to know different cultures and immerse into intercultural challenges.