Art & Culture of Taiwan

Aboriginal Dance

Indigenous Taiwanese tribes perform traditional dances that tell stories of their ancestry, the harvest, and spiritual beliefs. These dances are vibrant, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in Taiwan’s cultural heritage.

Ink Wash Painting

A classic art form, ink wash painting in Taiwan features mountains, rivers, and plants painted with delicate brushstrokes. It's a symbol of harmony between nature and humanity, passed down from Chinese traditions.

Puppet Theater

Glove puppetry is one of Taiwan’s most celebrated folk art forms. Colorful characters, dramatic music, and intricate hand-carved puppets bring traditional tales to life in street performances and festivals.

Aboriginal Clothing

Taiwan's indigenous groups wear vibrant woven garments that vary by tribe. Patterns often represent nature, family symbols, and cultural history, with headdresses and beads completing ceremonial outfits.

Hakka Folk Music

Hakka songs are passed down orally and used to express daily life, courtship, and farming routines. Instruments like the yueqin (moon lute) and bamboo flutes are commonly used in performances.

Garden Design

Influenced by Chinese aesthetics, traditional Taiwanese gardens use rocks, bridges, ponds, and plants to create peaceful, symbolic spaces. Gardens like Lin An Tai showcase balance between architecture and nature.

Calligraphy & Poetry

Chinese calligraphy is considered a high art in Taiwan. Many artists combine brushwork with original poetry, expressing philosophy and emotion through graceful characters and flowing ink.

Traditional Lantern Craft

Lantern-making is both an art and tradition in Taiwan, especially during festivals like the Lantern Festival. Each lantern is crafted with care using colored paper and bamboo, often symbolizing hope, prosperity, or ancestral respect.

Paper Cutting Art

This folk art form involves folding and carving paper into symmetrical, meaningful shapes. Popular during holidays, these designs decorate homes and temples, often depicting animals, floral motifs, or Chinese characters for blessings.

Bamboo Weaving

Skilled artisans in rural Taiwan have long used bamboo to weave baskets, hats, and household items. This eco-friendly craft requires patience and precision, showcasing Taiwan’s deep connection to its natural resources.