Culture & Society

The Friendliest People in Asia

Taiwanese are rightly considered the friendliest and most helpful people in Asia — and this is no exaggeration, but an experience that every traveler confirms. If you stand with a city map in hand, passersby will not only explain the way but personally accompany you to your destination — even if it is a detour for them. In trains, seats are offered, in restaurants help is given when ordering, and if you lose your wallet, you are very likely to get it back.

This friendliness has cultural roots: The Confucian values of Courtesy (禮, Lǐ), Kindness (仁, Rén), and Harmony (和, Hé) are deeply embedded in Taiwanese society. Added to this is the concept of “Giving Face" (給面子, Gěi Miànzi) — showing respect and dignity to others, even strangers. The result: a society where kindness is not an extra but the norm.

For travelers, this means: You will constantly be invited — for tea, for meals, to sit. Accept these invitations! The best travel experiences in Taiwan come from random encounters with locals who show you their favorite restaurant, take you on their scooter, or tell you a story about the temple on the corner.

A Fascinating Religious Mix

Taiwan's religious landscape is a unique mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and Chinese folk religion — and in most temples, all three traditions are blended. A temple can simultaneously worship Buddha, the Taoist sea goddess Mazu, and the Confucian scholar Guan Gong. This religious syncretism is typically Taiwanese — exclusivity has no place in Taiwanese spirituality.

The Most Important Deities

• Mazu (媽祖): The sea goddess and Taiwan's most popular deity. As the patroness of fishermen and sailors, she is revered in over 800 temples on the island. The annual Mazu Pilgrimage Festival (Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage in April) is a 9-day procession over 340 km — a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the largest religious festivals in the world.
• Guan Gong (關公): The god of war, justice, and business. In almost every Taiwanese shop or restaurant, there is a small Guan Gong statue — he is believed to bring business success and ward off evil.
• Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝): The highest god in the Taoist pantheon — the "Heavenly King," to whom many temples are dedicated.
• Tu Di Gong (土地公): The earth god, protector of villages and land. Small Tu Di Gong shrines stand at street corners, under trees, and in fields.

Temple Etiquette

Taiwanese temples are not museums, but living places of daily prayer. You are welcome as a visitor, but observe some basic rules:

• Remove shoes if a sign requires it (not in all temples)
• Do not point at deity statues with your finger
• Be quiet and show respect when people are praying
• Photography is usually allowed, but ask beforehand during ceremonies
• Lighting incense sticks is a welcome gesture of respect — temple guardians will gladly show you the technique

Taiwan's Indigenous People — the Austronesians

Taiwan's 16 officially recognized indigenous groups make up about 2.5% of the population (around 580,000 people), but they have an epochal significance: Taiwan is considered the original homeland of the Austronesian peoples — the ancestors of the Polynesians, Hawaiians, Maori, and Malagasy probably originate from Taiwan. The indigenous languages of Taiwan form the oldest branches of the Austronesian language family, which extends over half the Pacific.

The Most Important Groups for Travelers

• Amis (阿美族, approx. 210,000): The largest group, located on the east coast. Known for the colorful Harvest Festival (Ilisin, July–August) with traditional dances and songs. Their cuisine uses wild herbs and seafood.
• Atayal (泰雅族, approx. 90,000): In the northern highlands (Wulai). Famous for their facial tattoos (historically) and complex weaving tradition. The Atayal Museum in Wulai provides a good insight.
• Truku (太魯閣族, approx. 33,000): In the Taroko area — the name "Taroko" comes from their language. Traditional hunters and weavers.
• Tao/Yami (達悟族, approx. 4,500): On Orchid Island. The only seafaring indigenous group in Taiwan. Famous for their hand-carved canoes (Tatala) and the Flying Fish Festival.
• Thao (邵族, approx. 800): At Sun Moon Lake — one of the smallest indigenous groups in the world. Dances and culture in Ita Thao village.

In recent decades, Taiwan has made important steps towards recognizing indigenous rights: In 2016, President Tsai Ing-wen officially apologized for historical injustices, indigenous languages are taught in schools, and traditional territories are increasingly recognized. However, discrimination and poverty remain issues in some indigenous communities.