A.2 Tracing Taiwan’s History - (Part 1)

Taiwan’s Indigenous Roots

When most people think of Taiwan, a few things usually come to mind: political tension with China, world-leading semiconductor production, and of course, bubble tea—now sold everywhere from Sydney to Berlin to New York. But beyond the news headlines and pop culture icons, Taiwan holds a much deeper story. It’s an island that has endured colonisation, martial law, and an ongoing identity struggle, all while holding tightly to its cultural roots. And some of those roots run thousands of years deep.

Indigenous Taiwan: The Heartbeat of the Island

Long before the first Han settlers arrived from what is now southeast China roughly 6,000 years ago, Taiwan was already home to thriving Indigenous communities. These groups are not only considered the earliest inhabitants of the island but are also thought to be among the original ancestors of the wider Austronesian language family—which stretches across the Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Today, Taiwan officially recognizes 16 Indigenous tribes, each with their own language, customs, and history. Many of them are still concentrated along the scenic east coast, particularly in Hualien County—home to six major tribes: the Amis (the largest), Truku, Sakizaya, Kavalan, Bunun, and Sediq.

What makes this even more remarkable is how alive these cultures remain in today's world. Villages across Taiwan still host traditional festivals, rituals, and workshops, open to visitors and locals alike. Some of the most celebrated events include:

• The Mayasvi Ceremony (Tsou tribe)

• The Ear-Shooting Festival (Bunun tribe)

• The Flying Fish Festival (Yami/Tao tribe)

• The Amis Harvest Festival

  
  

  

  
  
  
  

These events aren’t just cultural performances—they’re acts of preservation, identity, and resistance. They invite you to experience a Taiwan beyond city lights and factory floors. One that’s grounded in community, memory, and celebration.

Just the Beginning…

This post is only the first layer of Taiwan’s rich and complex history. In the next part, we’ll explore how this island first caught the eye of foreign powers—from the Dutch and Spanish outposts to the Qing Dynasty and beyond.