Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions

An online repository of Taiwan’s folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions.

Category: History

Folklore is an important component of a people’s history—both resulting from and creating it. Island Folklore documents not just the traditions and narratives of Taiwan, but also the island’s unique and fascinating history.

  • The Truku War: Taiwan’s Forgotten Battles of 1914

    The Truku War: Taiwan’s Forgotten Battles of 1914

    Discover the Truku War of 1914, Taiwan’s largest 20th-century battle where 30,000 Japanese forces fought 3,000 indigenous Truku warriors.

  • Hsinchu: Possibly the Smartest Place on Earth!

    Hsinchu: Possibly the Smartest Place on Earth!

    Discover the Hsinchu Science Park—Taiwan’s high-tech powerhouse and a hubs of PhD talent, semiconductors and technological innovation.

  • Bodhidharma Tales: Origin of Zen Buddhism

    Bodhidharma Tales: Origin of Zen Buddhism

    In the heart of the Shaolin Temple, nestled among the ancient halls and towering trees, Bodhidharma, founder of Zen, sat in deep meditation.

  • Oriental Beauty: How Formosa Tea Shaped Taiwan

    Oriental Beauty: How Formosa Tea Shaped Taiwan

    In the 1800s, Taiwan’s Formosa tea made merchants rich and drove social progress impacting female workers, banking and workers’ benefits.

  • Taiwanese Language: History, Culture and Linguistics

    Taiwanese Language: History, Culture and Linguistics

    Taiwanese is more than a language; it’s a symbol of Taiwan’s rich culture, history and a living embodiment of Taiwan’s heritage and identity.

  • TSMC: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

    TSMC: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

    In the sprawling cleanroom of a cutting-edge TSMC semiconductor fabrication facility, a mesmerizing ballet of precision unfolds.

  • The Island’s Many Names

    The Island’s Many Names

    Taiwan has had many names over the centuries. What do they mean? Where do they come from? Here’s a rundown of these names and their origins!

  • Taiwan’s Cultures and Communities

    Taiwan’s Cultures and Communities

    Taiwan’s not a big place. But it is home to an incredible diversity of cultures with 16 native Austronesian nations and three Sinitic groups.

  • The Languages of Taiwan

    The Languages of Taiwan

    Taiwan is home to over 20 Austronesian and Sinitic languages. This incredible linguistic diversity reflects Taiwan’s multicultural roots.

  • A Timeline of Taiwanese History

    A Timeline of Taiwanese History

    Taiwan has a long and colourful history. From Austronesian cultural explosions to modern tech booms, it has never ceased to amaze.