Cultures of Taiwan

Chinese Culture

Taiwan forms the center of Chinese arts and cultures which is not only from the collection of cultural relics from the past dynasties shown in the National Palace Museum but also be perfectly illustrated by the traditional architecture and folk arts found in Taiwan.

Temples and Architechture

The traditional architecture is an assembling of folk arts with refined decorations while forming a crucial part of the architecture, ranging from coloured paintings to calligraphic illustrations, wooden and stone carvings, clay sculptures and ceramics which they tell the story of Taiwan’s rich culture.

In addition, architectural features used Taiwan’s Chinese temples can also be seen. Some of these famous temples which are in historical and artistic values are the Longshan temple, Mazu temple and as well as the Chaotian temple.

Folk Art and Culture

Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, the Goddess Mazu Making Rounds of Inspection and the Burning of the Plague God Boat are some of the important Taiwanese folk event celebrations. Taiwan has not only created its own Taiwanese opera which combines local opera and music into one performing art but also the glove puppet theatre with special effects added to its performances today, this thus leads to the great interest of the young Taiwanese.

Aboriginal Culture

The customs and traditions of the aborigines have given an extra dimension to the culture in Taiwan. The aboriginal tribes form the most northern branch of the Austronesia language group which ethically belongs to the Malay race where most of these tribes have been retreated into the mountains. In Taiwan, there are still 14 different tribes that have their own language, traditions and as well as tribal structure.

14 tribes are: Amis Atayal Bunun Kavalan Paiwan Pinuyumayan Rukai Saisiyat Sakizaya Sediq Truku Thao Tsou Yami