Taiwanese culture, customs and etiquette

Nestled in the heart of East Asia, Taiwan is a captivating island nation known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. With a diverse population comprised of indigenous peoples, Han Chinese, and immigrants from around the world, Taiwanese culture is a captivating blend of indigenous traditions, Chinese influences, and modern innovations that reflect its multicultural heritage.

Taiwan’s cultural diversity

Taiwan’s cultural landscape is woven from its indigenous roots, Chinese heritage, Japanese colonial legacy, and global influences. With a population comprising various ethnic groups, including Hoklo, Hakka, indigenous peoples, and mainland Chinese immigrants, Taiwan’s culture is characterised by its diversity, resilience, and adaptability.

Taiwan is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Amis, Atayal, and Paiwan, whose rich cultural traditions and customs have been preserved for generations.

Confucian influence

Confucianism has had a profound impact on Taiwanese culture, shaping social norms, family structures, and moral values. Filial piety, loyalty to one’s family and community, and respect for authority are core tenets of Confucian philosophy that continue to influence Taiwanese society today.

Traditional virtues such as honesty, integrity, and humility are highly valued and are seen as essential for maintaining social harmony.

Taiwan temple worship

Temples play a significant role in Taiwanese culture, serving as centers of religious devotion, community gatherings, and cultural celebrations. People visit temples to pay homage to their ancestors, seek blessings for good fortune, and participate in religious rituals and ceremonies.

Temple etiquette requires visitors to dress modestly, remove their shoes before entering, and conduct themselves respectfully while inside the temple grounds.

Taiwanese festivals and celebrations

Taiwan celebrates a multitude of cultural festivals and holidays throughout the year. One of the most important festivals is Lunar New Year, celebrated with family gatherings, temple visits, and traditional rituals to usher in the new year.

During Lunar New Year, families gather for reunion dinners, exchange red envelopes containing money, and participate in traditional activities such as dragon and lion dances, fireworks, and temple visits to seek blessings for the year ahead.

Another beloved tradition is the Lantern Festival, celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year with colourful lantern displays, parades, and performances to mark the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Other major festivals include the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the Ghost Festival.

These festivals are cherished opportunities for Taiwanese people to reconnect with their cultural roots and celebrate the values of filial piety, harmony, and prosperity.

Taiwan night markets

Taiwan’s night markets are culinary meccas that showcase the country’s diverse food culture and gastronomic delights. From the famous Shilin Night Market in Taipei to the vibrant Fengjia Night Market in Taichung, night markets offer a plethora of street food stalls, local delicacies, and traditional snacks that tantalise the taste buds and delight the senses.

Popular dishes such as stinky tofu, oyster omelette, and bubble milk tea are must-try specialties that reflect the creativity, flavours, and culinary traditions of Taiwanese cuisine.

Taiwan tea culture

Taiwan has a deep-rooted tea culture that dates back centuries, with tea playing a central role in social gatherings, ceremonies, and daily life. Oolong tea, in particular, is highly prized for its delicate flavours and aromatic qualities, with tea aficionados savouring its subtle nuances and complex profiles.

Tea ceremonies, known as “gongfu cha,” are a cherished tradition that emphasises mindfulness, respect for nature, and appreciation of the tea’s craftsmanship.

Understanding social etiquette and customs in Taiwan

Taiwanese people are known for their friendliness, hospitality, and consideration for others, with acts of kindness and generosity being valued virtues that contribute to social harmony and mutual respect.

When meeting someone in Taiwan, a polite bow or nod of the head is a common form of greeting, particularly in formal settings. Handshakes are also acceptable, although they are generally less common than in Western cultures.

Respect for elders and authority figures is deeply ingrained in Taiwanese society. It is customary to address elders with deference and to use polite language when speaking to them.

Filial piety, or the reverence for one’s parents and ancestors, is a cherished Confucian value in Taiwanese society. Children are taught from a young age to honor and care for their parents, grandparents, and ancestors, demonstrating gratitude and respect through their words and actions.

When visiting a temple or attending a social gathering, it is important to observe the customs and traditions of the local community.

If you should need to use a temple’s washroom, bow to any statues of deities you see on the way whether or not you believe in them. While most people will not mind you using the temple’s washroom, they expect you to treat their place of worship with respect. If you plan to offer gifts (such as simple fruits) to the statues of deities in the temple, it is expected that you wash the fruits and your hands prior to offering.

You are not expected to tip in hotels, restaurants and taxis, though bellhops may still expect 50 TWD or so for carrying your luggage.

Taiwan’s relationship with China

Taiwanese society is rather polarized by allegiance between supporters of the two major political blocks informally known as “Pan-Blue Coalition” and “Pan-Green Coalition”, although there are large numbers of people who are either centrist or who don’t care.

To simplify a very complex situation, pan-blue supporters tend to be more favourable toward the idea of (re)unification or maintaining a status-quo with China and pan-green supporters tend to be more favourable toward the idea of establishing a formally independent Republic of Taiwan, among other differences.

Although there are some correlations, it is highly unwise to assume anything about a particular persons political beliefs based on what you think you know about their background. Also, the very brief sketch of Taiwanese politics obscures a large amount of complexity.

Unless you know your listener well, it is unwise to say anything (either positive or negative) about the current government, about historical figures in Taiwanese history, about Taiwan’s international relations, or about relations with mainland China. Some political figures such as Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Ching-Kuo are generally seen positively, but others (Chiang Kai-shek, Lee Teng-hui and Chen Shui-bian in particular) arouse very polarised feelings.

Some Taiwanese will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is part of China. Others will get very offended if you imply that Taiwan is not part of China. Referring to the PRC as “mainland China” rather than simply China will tend not to offend anyone as the term is generally used to exclude Hong Kong and Macau as well, making it less subjective.

Referring to the Republic of China as a whole as “Taiwan Province” will draw a negative reaction from most Taiwanese. “Greater China” may be used in certain business contexts. Keep in mind, however, that there are so many subtleties and complexities here that if you are talking about these things, you’ve already wandered into a minefield.

However, simply referring to the island as ‘Taiwan’ is fine, as that is the name used by the locals, regardless of their political persuasion. Titles such as ‘Republic of China’ are reserved for official matters only.

Conclusion

By embracing Taiwanese culture with an open mind and a respectful attitude, travellers can forge meaningful connections with local communities and gain a deeper appreciation for this remarkable island nation.

So, whether you’re sipping tea in a traditional teahouse, admiring the artistry of a Taiwanese opera performance, or exploring the vibrant street art scene of Taipei, Taiwan welcomes you with open arms and a spirit of hospitality that is uniquely Taiwanese.