Lanterns are an important part of
Taiwan’s religious and holiday traditions.(Chin Hung-hao)
FACT FOCUS
- Taiwan is the center of the
Mandarin pop music industry.
- National Palace Museum in Taipei
City houses one of the largest
collections of ancient Chinese
artifacts in the world.
Taiwan is renowned for its fascinating blend of traditional
and modern culture. To showcase the nation’s history
and cultural diversity, museums have been established
across Taiwan, including National Palace Museum,
National Taiwan Museum, National Museum of History,
National Museum of Prehistory, National Museum of
Taiwan Literature and National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts. Taiwan also has performance venues nationwide,
including National Theater and Concert Hall, National
Taichung Theater, National Kaohsiung Center for
the Arts (Weiwuying) and Taiwan Traditional Theatre
Center. Such high-quality facilities have made Taiwan
a center for the arts in Asia, hosting events like Taiwan
International Arts Festival and Taipei Arts Festival.
Traditional architecture abounds, not only in the
country’s magnificent monuments such as temples and
official residences, but also in the many old structures
that have been revitalized for use as community
centers, cafes, stores and other public spaces. In fact,
many aspects of traditional Chinese arts, crafts and
customs are better preserved in Taiwan than anywhere
else. For example, Taiwan is one of the few places still
using traditional Chinese characters, and calligraphy
competitions are always popular events.
Traditional tenets of Buddhism, Confucianism and
Taoism continue to be well represented in everything
from temple celebrations and literature to the visual
and performing arts. In addition, visitors can learn
about the heritages of the country’s Hakka, Holo and
Indigenous peoples. Taiwan also shares its cultural
riches throughout the world via programs such as the
Taiwan Academy resource centers.
At the same time, Taiwan’s larger cities are thriving
metropolises that offer 24/7 entertainment options.
There are highly regarded dance troupes, as well as
a vibrant music scene, which is hardly surprising as
Taiwan is the world capital of Mandopop, or Mandarin pop music. Recently opened, Taipei Music Center and
Kaohsiung Music Center have both become major
performance venues. The local television and film
sector has seen a resurgence in recent years, while
the country’s booming cultural and creative industries
are evident in the many designer stores, markets and
exhibitions that are growing in number every year.
From literary arts and folk festivals to the lively
atmosphere of night markets, Taiwan’s traditions are
closely intertwined with everyday life, adding to a
thriving culture in which the past gives vitality and
depth to the present.
Taiwan is dedicated to preserving the centuries-old
art of shadow puppetry. (Chin Hung-hao)