Culture

There are many aspects to the culture of Taiwan, from Traditional Values to Religious Customs, you can find an intriguing and yet exciting combustion of Western, Chinese and Japanese cultures in the beautiful Formosa.

Having escaped the oppression of the Communist party of mainland China, the island of Taiwan is said to be ‘more Chinese than mainland China’ for its long-kept traditional values and customs. For instance, Taiwanese value familial relationships and ancestors much more over the other aspects of life. Taiwanese families are closely knitted together and yet expanded, and the children stay close (both geographically and mentally) to their parents even after they are married. Such values are closely embedded within the structure of the Taiwanese society and as well as within the education of Taiwan.

Throughout the year, there are numerous unique-to-Taiwan festivals to be found in the Taiwanese society. For instance, during Guanyin’s birthday, temples all over the Formosa would be hosting ritualized dueling and feasts in membrane of the anti-aborigines period of history. Another example is Mazu’s birthday, which involves a 350-km trek in Taichung that is said to be the biggest religious gathering in the world outside of India.
Such celebrations act as a strong bonding media within the structure of the Taiwanese society as people rely heavily on such celebrations for social purposes and leisure.

Different from the Chinese characters used in mainland China, the ones used in Taiwan are of Traditional Chinese characters, which are the original (and yet more complex) set of Chinese characters that was used in ancient China.
Taiwan is one of the few places that still uses Traditional Chinese as its official scribal language, so do not miss out on this precious opportunity to learn about this written art form!

Apart from above-mentioned Taiwan-style festivals, the island of Taiwan also hold traditional Chinese festivals of equal, if not more importance. Examples include Chinese New Year, during which families would gather around for a ‘reunion dinner’ and hold different forms of celebrations for a two-week time-span as according to traditional customs.
Apart from celebrating via performances and the different art-forms, food plays a major role in all celebrations in Taiwan. There is no better way to celebrate via delicious cuisines and snacks!

The little Formosa is filled with different art-forms and traditional craftsmanship such as the Traditional Taiwanese Puppet Show, which is based on historical events and myths to span into the most fascinating and entertaining show of delicately sculptured puppets.
The art of wood-carving, and Taiwanese-style operas, are also examples of classic art-forms that continues to develop steadily throughout the years, many of which even come to take up elements of popular culture for a modern twist to the traditional cultures!

The 14 aboriginal tribes of Taiwan has long been living in the beautiful Formosa before the arrival of the Han Chinese in the 17th Century. In fact, they are a huge part of the composition of the unique Taiwanese culture. You can easily immerse yourself into such indigenous cultures in all parts of Taiwan. For example, the Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines in Taipei is one of the largest museums featuring aboriginal cultures.
There is even an amusement park in Taiwan with an indigenous theme!