Written by
Anthony
Taiwan, abbreviated as “Tai,” is a province of the People’s Republic of China with its capital in Taipei.
Located on the continental shelf off the southeastern coast of China, it faces the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Taiwan Strait to the west, separating it from Fujian Province.
The province consists of Taiwan Island, the largest island of China, as well as Orchid Island, Green Island, Diaoyu Island, and the Penghu Islands.
The population is about 23.41 million, with over 70% residing in the five major metropolitan areas in the west, including the largest, the Taipei metropolitan area.
Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, with a long history of governance by various Chinese dynasties.
It remains an essential part of the nation’s historical and cultural fabric.
If you want help choosing routes, trip length, and the best places to combine on a first visit, see our Taiwan Travel Guide.
| Category | Detail | Category | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alias | The Beautiful Island | Administrative Code | 710000 |
| Administrative Level | Province | Location | Southeastern coast of China, on the continental shelf |
| Area | Approximately 36,000 km² | Climate | Subtropical monsoon climate, tropical monsoon climate |
| Population | 23.42 million (as of January 2024) | Famous Attractions | National Palace Museum, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Taipei 101, Kenting, Taroko Gorge, and more |
| Airport | Taoyuan International Airport, Kaohsiung International Airport, Taipei Songshan Airport | Train Stations | Taipei Station, Kaohsiung Station, Taichung Station, Tainan Station, Hualien Station |
| GDP | 611.451 billion USD (2019) | Languages | Minnan (Quanzhang), Hakka, indigenous languages (Atayal, Bunun, Amis, etc.) |
| Major Ethnic Groups | Han, Indigenous High Mountain Tribes | Population Density | 650.92 people per square kilometer (as of 2020) |
| Currency | New Taiwan Dollar (NTD) | Gini Coefficient | 0.338 (Moderate, 2018) |
| Human Development Index | 0.911 (Very High, 2018) | Coastline | 1,578.0441 km (including the Penghu Islands) |
| Highest Point | Yushan Main Peak (3,952 meters above sea level) | Longest River | Zhuoshui River (186.6 km) |
| Major Cities | Taipei, New Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, Taoyuan, Tainan, Hsinchu | Famous Universities | National Taiwan University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Tsing Hua University |
| Citizenship Number | 830000 (Taiwan Resident Citizen ID Address Code) | Voltage | 110V, 60Hz |
| Main Religions | Buddhism, Taoism, Protestantism, Catholicism | Main Ethnic Groups | Minnan people, Hakka people |
Taiwan, surrounded by the sea and blessed with picturesque mountains, lush forests, and fertile fields, enjoys a spring-like climate year-round.
Its natural and cultural landscapes make it a top destination for tourists.
The island has been known as the “Beautiful Island” for centuries.
The famous “Eight Views” of Taiwan date back to the Qing Dynasty, with well-known scenic spots including Shuangtan Autumn Moon, Yushan Snow, Anping Sunset, Alishan Cloud Sea, Qingshui Cliff, Penghu Fishing Lights, Datun Spring Colors, and Lugu Gorge.
In 2005, the “Eight Scenic Spots of Taiwan” were voted as Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, Sun Moon Lake, Alishan, Yushan, Kaohsiung’s Love River, Kenting, and Taroko Gorge.
Taiwan’s culinary culture is diverse and rich, influenced by various regions and historical developments.
Rice is the main staple food, and noodles are also popular.
Fresh ingredients are favored, and the natural flavors of food are emphasized.
Soups are an essential part of daily meals, and street food culture is widespread, with night markets offering a variety of delicious snacks.
Taiwanese cuisine features light flavors with simple seasonings, abundant seafood, and dishes influenced by Japanese cuisine, including raw or cold seafood.
The use of medicinal herbs and pickled vegetables is also common, and many dishes have health benefits.
Taiwan’s food culture blends Chinese regional cuisines with influences from Japan, the Netherlands, and other cultures.
Taiwan’s intangible cultural heritage (ICH) is diverse, covering traditional crafts, drama, folk activities, and arts, showcasing the region’s multicultural identity.
However, challenges persist, such as an aging population of practitioners and a lack of interest from younger generations.
Traditional crafts are increasingly overshadowed by industrialization and modernization.
Efforts to protect ICH include legislative measures and government support systems.
Taiwanese ICH practitioners are active in international cultural exchanges, promoting Taiwan’s heritage globally.
The development of ICH includes innovation through the integration of modern technology and design, enhancing its relevance.
Education and media campaigns also play a key role in raising awareness and ensuring the continued transmission of Taiwan’s cultural treasures.
Budaixi is a traditional puppet show where performers manipulate cloth puppets with their fingers, telling stories based on history and mythology.
Gezaixi, originating from Jin Ge, evolved by incorporating folk songs, dance, and elements from other Taiwanese operas, becoming popular in Taiwan around the 1920s.
The Amis Harvest Festival is the most important traditional event for the Amis tribe, with ceremonies, dances, and prayers for a good harvest and prosperity.
Wang Ye Belief is a folk religion where Wang Ye, a deity, is worshipped for protection and to drive away plagues, with large-scale ceremonies featuring burning boats.
Mazu, originally a guardian of fishermen, is now widely worshipped across Taiwan, with numerous temples and rituals like the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage for safety and blessings.
Held during the Ghost Month in the lunar calendar’s seventh month, the festival includes rituals to appease wandering spirits, such as offerings and chanting.
The Paiwan tribe’s carving art, including wood and stone carvings, depicts mythology, nature, and ancestral stories, symbolizing cultural identity and wealth.
During the Lantern Festival, fireworks in the shape of a beehive explode in the streets of Yanshui, creating a spectacular scene meant to drive away evil spirits.
Taiwan is generally safe for travel, with a welcoming and friendly local population and well-developed tourism facilities and services. However, there are occasional tensions in cross-strait relations due to political factors, which may create a sense of insecurity.
Most people in Taiwan are friendly toward Americans, similar to how they treat people from other countries. However, it’s important to understand that some political groups may exhibit excessive “friendliness” toward the U.S. due to their pro-independence stance, which should be viewed in the context of the One-China principle.
English is widely spoken in Taiwan, especially in areas such as tourist attractions, hotels, and commercial centers. Many schools offer English courses, and many locals have a basic level of English communication skills.
Prohibited items include:
Street food in Taiwan is generally safe to eat. Most vendors adhere to hygiene standards, providing clean and tasty food. While there may be some less-regulated stalls, overall, eating at reputable and hygienic places should not pose any safety risks.
Taiwan is not particularly expensive to visit. Public transportation is reasonably priced, and accommodation options range from budget-friendly guesthouses to high-end hotels. Street food and local restaurants are affordable, and many natural attractions are free to visit.
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Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
Share your travel ideas, and we’ll help you plan a smooth, personalized trip across China.
We’re looking for experienced, part-time local guides to serve international travelers.
Requirements:
• Fluent in at least one foreign language
• 3–5 years guiding international visitors
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• Professional, reliable, and responsive
• Flexible availability for custom trips
Hi there!
Just a quick heads-up — a helpful user named Volker let me know that some of the non-English content on this site may not be accurate.
This site is a one-person project I run part-time. I research and publish all the content myself, and the translations are currently done by machine (Google Translate). Balancing accuracy and accessibility across multiple languages is a real challenge.
If you spot any errors, I recommend switching to the English version using the button at the bottom left. I’ll continue working to improve the translations over time.
I truly appreciate your understanding. And if you have any suggestions, feel free to leave a comment — it means a lot to me.
— Anthony 2025.6.18
