The culture of the Taiwanese people cannot be said to be fixed or from a single-line of origin. The populace of Taiwan consists of a mixture of people with different origins. From the descendants of immigrants from south-east Asia to the aborigines and other groups each with its own cultural origin. This has had an overall influence on the culture experienced in Taiwan. In a way, it’s more comfortable to say that Taiwanese culture of today consists of the cultures of the different ethnicities making it up. Also noticeable is the influence from the Japanese.

After taking a more in-depth look at the culture of Taiwan, below are the influences on Taiwan’s culture.

- The Chinese Culture
- The Aboriginal Culture
- The Japanese (Colonial) Culture

Chinese Culture

The Chinese culture has had a very important influence on Taiwan. Taiwan is even said to have become a center for Chinese art and culture. It is known that majority of the Taiwanese population were descendants of the immigrants who came from south-east Asia, especially from the Fujain province of China. It is said that these immigrants brought with them the way of life to which they were used to and that this tradition they brought along has been passed from one generation to the other till date.

The Chinese influence on Taiwan’s culture is most noticeable through the traditional architecture and folk art found in Taiwan. The decorations used as with the Colored paintings, wood and stone carvings, clay sculptures; all these also form an integral part of Taiwan’s culture. It is said that the southern fujianese who were from early china and the hakka immigrants are responsible for the Chinese influence. In works such as the Bangiao at the Lim Family Garden, the similarity between Taiwan and Chinese culture is profound.  Architectural features used in Chinese temples are also common across Taiwan. Take cue from even the temples carrying much of Taiwan’s history such as the Longshan (Dragon Mountain) Temple, the Mazu Temple (Queen of Heaven Temple) in Lugang, and the Chaotian Temple in Beigang, all these temples to some extent were built with inspiration drawn from the architecture designs of China.

Aboriginal Culture

The mysterious cultures kept by the aborigines are also exhibited through the Harvest Festival, the worship of hunting, snake worship amongst other festivals and rituals carried out by the aborigines. The aborigines are believed to be the true owners of the island but due to their dwindling population due to the discrimination and neglect they have faced over the years, many have retreated to living in the mountains. This has in some way removed first hand aboriginal culture from the eye-sight of many Taiwanese and other spectators. Divided into tribes or groups, it is said that some of these groups while having continuous interactions with the Han Chinese over the years may have ended up diluting their culture with that of the Han Chinese. The Taiwanese aborigines are made up of 13 different tribal groups with each group having its own language, traditions and way of life and though they constitute a part of Taiwan’s culture, their influence is still second to that of the Chinese. Here is a list of the 13 tribes constituting the aborigines of Taiwan.

The Amis, Atayal, Paiwan, Bunun, Puyuma,  Rukai, Zou, Saisiyat, Yami(Tawu), The Sao, Kavalan, Truku and The Sakizaya.

Colonial Culture

Bits and pieces of the colonial times still roam about Taiwan. Some of the buildings built by the Japanese during the colonial era have been well-preserved and these baroque masterpieces of architecture add more splendors to Taiwan’s culture.

The presidential office building, the Executive Yuan, the National Taiwan University Hospital were buildings erected during Japanese rule over Taiwan but these buildings still stand till today. Recent efforts have been made to attract more interest to these buildings as they are now seen as part of Taiwan’s history. Night lightening has been put in place and this helps bring out the magnificence of these edifices at night. The Japanese influence on Taiwan’s culture is probably going to be felt more in buildings than in any other aspect of its culture. 

In conclusion, it is said that Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage is a mixture of both history and identity. From the Chinese to the aborigines and the Japanese, they have all played their part in establishing the culture of today. It is no wonder why most tourists seem to find something for themselves. No matter what you may be looking for, it’s all there to be discovered in Taiwan