Taiwanese culture — Han Chinese + indigenous + Japanese influences + modern democracy. Chinese culture fully preserved in Taiwan.
Language
Mandarin Chinese official. Taiwanese (Hokkien) widespread in daily life. Hakka, indigenous languages (Austronesian).
Indigenous Culture
16 indigenous tribes — Amis, Atayal, Bunun etc. Harvest festivals, war festivals. Traditional tattoos, weaving, carving, jaw harps. 2% of population.
Cuisine
Street food culture world #1 — night markets! Shilin, Raohe Street. Oyster omelette, xiaolongbao, braised pork rice, beef noodle soup, bubble tea (invented Taichung 1986), mango shaved ice, stinky tofu.
Tea Culture
Taiwanese tea — world top. High mountain tea, oolong, Oriental Beauty. Tea ceremony — Gongfu tea. Tea gardens — Alishan, Sun Moon Lake.
Religion
Buddhism, Taoism, folk beliefs mixed. Mazu — sea goddess, 900+ temples island-wide. Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage — 9-day walking pilgrimage (UNESCO candidate).
Arts
National Palace Museum — Chinese art treasures. Lin Hwai-min Cloud Gate Dance Theatre — internationally famous troupe. Hou Hsiao-Hsien, Edward Yang, Ang Lee — international film directors.
Modern Culture
Democracy and freedom — 1996 first direct presidential election. Same-sex marriage legal — first in Asia (2019). Semiconductors — TSMC 60% global production. Taipei — international metropolis.