During Taiwan's long history, prehistoric people, indigenous tribes, Dutch, Spanish, Japanese, and Han Chinese
have successively populated Taiwan, creating a varied culture and developing different local customs and
traditions along the way. When visiting Taiwan, you will be able to come in touch with all aspects of this
beautiful country's multifaceted cultures.
Because of its unique historical and geographical background, Taiwan has a rich and varied culture composed
of elements taken from many different ethnic groups, including the indigenous peoples, the Dutch, the
Spanish, the Japanese, the Han Chinese (bringing traditions from China and creating their own in Taiwan), as
well as more recently the Americans. Consequently, the customs and traditions that make up Taiwan's culture
as we know it today are extremely vivid and mix different cultures. And not only that; the people who
previously inhabited Taiwan also left many cultural remnants that can still be found around the island
today, including traditional architecture, relics of prehistoric civilizations, folk art, and traditions.
Taiwan's history goes as far back as two, three, even tens of thousands of years. According to archeologists,
prehistoric people were the first to have lived in Taiwan, proof of which can be found in archaeological dig
and sites in Taitung and elsewhere.
The indigenous people who first came to Taiwan so long ago form the northernmost branch of the Austronesia
culture group. The indigenous people who remain today are divided into 16 tribes; the Amis, Atayal, Paiwan,
Bunun, Puyuma, Rukai, Tsou, Saisiyat, Tao (or Yami), Thao, Kavalan, Truku, Sakizaya, and the Seediq, the
Kanakanavu and the Hla'alua. Over the years, other tribes, especially flatland groups, increasingly came in
contact with the Han Chinese, their daily lives becoming more and more integrated, and by now most have
assimilated with the Chinese. The other tribes, however, have also managed to preserve some of their
traditional customs, tribal structures and architecture, and continue to keep the tribal spirit alive
through the practice of traditional worship.
Traces left by the Dutch, Spanish, and Japanese include Fort San Domingo in Tamsui and the remains of Anping
Old Fort (Fort Zeelandia) in Tainan along with many other buildings such as the Presidential Office
Building, the Legislative Yuan and Control Yuan buildings, various schools, and other large structures that
now house governmental institutions, assembly halls etc., all testifying to the importation of foreign
cultures into Taiwan.
Nevertheless, the most important part in Taiwan's cultural history was played by the Han Chinese who brought
with them traditional customs from China and created new ones in Taiwan. Whether they were southern
Fujianese who immigrated over the centuries, the Chinese who came in the late 1940s, or Hakkas, they created
their own cultures, traces of which can still be found all over Taiwan. In Taipei, Tainan, and Lukang, for
example, old cities, streets, and temples still breathe the atmosphere of times long gone, while traces of
wars, settlements and different cultures can even be found on the off-shore islands of Kinmen, Matsu and
Penghu.
Next to these cultural remnants, Taiwan also offers a unique collection of art expression, such as Sanyi's
wooden carvings, Yingge's pottery, and Kinmen's ceramics. Another important aspect of culture are the many
holidays and festivals that the Taiwanese celebrate so passionately and devotedly, such as the Chinese New
Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, Tomb Sweeping Festival, Ghost Festival, and temple festivals. By watching or even
participating in these celebrations, one can get a better understanding of the cultural and historical
background of the Taiwanese people.
We would like to invite you to come to Taiwan, travel through time and go on a journey of past civilizations,
relive the past, and experience these cultural treasures.
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