Taiwan sits as a small island nation with big stories to tell. Located off the eastern coast of Asia, this country offers visitors and locals alike plenty of surprising facts worth knowing.
Most people know Taiwan for its technology companies and busy cities. But beyond the tech scene, you’ll find green mountains, blue seas, and foods that make your taste buds happy.
This blog shares some lesser-known facts about Taiwan that might make you want to book a trip soon.
Get ready to learn what makes this place special without the usual tourist talk.
Quick Facts About Taiwan
This list barely touches the surface of what makes Taiwan such a special place, from its natural wonders to its food scene and rich cultural traditions.
Let’s examine what Taiwan offers for curious minds.
1. Taiwan’s Impressive Mountains
Taiwan is home to Yushan (Jade Mountain), the highest peak in East Asia at 3,952 meters.
The island boasts over 100 mountains that exceed 3,000 meters in height, making it a paradise for hikers and nature fans.
2. Island Size and Shape
The island is about the same size as Maryland or Belgium.
- Fun comparison: You could fit about 7 Taiwans into Texas!
- Taiwan is shaped like a sweet potato when viewed from above, a fact that many locals mention with a smile.
3. Tectonic Activity
Taiwan sits on the meeting point of two tectonic plates, causing frequent small earthquakes.
This same activity creates hot springs that can be found all over Taiwan, where many people go to relax after work or on weekends.
4. Historical Names
Taiwan was once called “Formosa” by Portuguese sailors, meaning “beautiful island.”
- The name stuck for many years before the current name became standard
- Many older maps and books still refer to the island as Formosa
5. Protected Natural Areas
The country has nine national parks that protect about 8.6% of the land.
- Yangmingshan National Park is known for its hot springs
- Taroko National Park features marble canyons
- Kenting National Park offers beautiful beaches.
These parks help keep Taiwan’s unique plants and animals safe for future visitors to enjoy.
6. Night Market Culture
Taiwan has more than 300 night markets serving local snacks.
These open-air food spots come alive after dark and offer some of the best eating spots for budget-minded food fans.
7. Origins of Bubble Tea in Taiwan
Bubble tea (pearl milk tea) was created in Taiwan during the 1980s.
- First made in Taichung City
- Now found in over 50 countries worldwide
- This drink has spread globally, but tastes best in its homeland, where shops compete for customers.
8. Famous Street Foods
Stinky tofu, despite its strong smell, is one of Taiwan’s most liked street foods.
Why it’s popular: The smell might turn you away, but locals say the taste makes up for the initial shock.
9. Tea Production
Taiwan grows some of the world’s most prized oolong teas.
- High mountain areas create perfect growing conditions
- Tea plants grow slowly at high altitudes
- This slow growth helps develop rich flavors that tea experts seek
10. Sweet Treats
The famous pineapple cake has very little pineapple, it’s mostly winter melon.
These small, square pastries make popular gifts and can be found in shops across the island, often in beautiful gift boxes.
11. Noodle Competitions
Taiwan’s beef noodle soup has its yearly contest to find the best bowl.
Contest Facts:
- Held since 2005
- Chefs work hard to perfect their recipes
- Makes this dish a must-try for visitors
12. Old-School Payment
Many restaurants in Taiwan still use tokens instead of cash or cards.
This old system keeps things moving quickly in busy food spots where lines can get long during peak hours.
13. Award-Winning Spirits
The island makes award-winning whiskeys that beat Scottish brands in blind tests.
- Kavalan distillery won World’s Best Single Malt in 2015
- Despite being new to whiskey making, Taiwan has earned top prizes
- The humid climate speeds up the aging process
14. Progressive Laws
Taiwan was the first place in Asia to allow same-sex marriage.
Timeline Highlight: This step forward happened in 2019, showing Taiwan’s move toward more open social policies.
15. Sports Heritage
Baseball is the national sport, brought by the Japanese during their rule.
The game stuck around, and now Taiwan often performs well in world baseball events, with many fans filling stadiums.
16. Religious Mix
Most Taiwanese follow a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, and folk beliefs.
- This blend creates a rich tapestry of temples
- Many families have small shrines at home
- Religious festivals happen year-round
17. Convenience Store Heaven
Taiwan has one of the highest densities of 7-Eleven stores in the world.
- Pay bills
- Pick up packages
- Buy concert tickets
- Print documents
These shops do more than sell snacks, they’re mini service centers.
18. Eating Customs
Many Taiwanese still use chopsticks and a spoon instead of knives and forks.
The spoon helps with soup, while chopsticks handle most other foods, even at fancy restaurants.
19. Good Luck Symbols
Taiwanese people often hang red lanterns outside homes for good luck.
Cultural note: In local culture, red represents joy and good fortune, and it is worn everywhere during holidays.
20. Famous Buildings
The Taipei 101 tower was the world’s tallest building from 2004 to 2010.
- Looks like a giant bamboo stalk
- Has a massive ball inside that helps during earthquakes
- Still one of the tallest green buildings on Earth
21. Population Trends
Taiwan has one of the lowest birth rates in the world.
This creates challenges for the future as the number of older people grows faster than the number of young ones, changing how society works.
22. Number Superstitions
Many buildings in Taiwan don’t have a 4th floor as the number sounds like “death.”
Did you know? Hotels often skip from floor 3 to floor 5 to avoid bad luck, and many people avoid the number in daily life.
23. Tech Power
Taiwan makes more than 70% of the world’s computer chips.
- TSMC is the largest chip maker
- Most smartphones contain Taiwan-made parts
- This small island has become key to global supply chains for electronics
24. Currency Facts
The island has its own money (New Taiwan Dollar) with coins that look like mainland Chinese yuan.
The bills show famous Taiwanese landmarks and people, with bright colors that help tell them apart.
25. Past Political Control
Taiwan held the world’s longest-running martial law period (38 years) until 1987.
Historical impact: This strict rule shaped many of modern Taiwan’s older buildings and city layouts, which you can still see today.
26. Health Care Success
Taiwan has one of the best health care systems globally, covering 99% of its people.
Thanks to this system, which many other countries study as a model, most medical visits cost just a few dollars.
27. Clean Public Transit
Taipei’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is known for being clean no food or drinks allowed.
Fun fact: Breaking this rule can lead to fines that most riders avoid by following the rules, making it one of the cleanest subway systems in the world.
28. Plastic Usage
Taiwan uses more plastic than almost any other country, with most drinks served in plastic.
- Bubble tea shops use plastic cups
- Night markets serve food in plastic bags
- Efforts to cut back have started but old habits remain strong
29. Japanese Influence
The island was under Japanese rule for 50 years (1895-1945).
- Left marks on Taiwan’s food
- Added Japanese words to the local language
- Many older buildings show a Japanese style
This period still shapes Taiwan’s culture today.
30. Scooter Nation
Taiwan has the highest density of motor scooters in the world.
These small bikes zip through traffic and park in tiny spaces that cars could never fit, making them perfect for Taiwan’s busy cities.
31. Fun Traffic Signals
Many traffic lights in Taiwan show a walking green man who speeds up when time runs low.
Street Smart: This helps people know when to hurry across streets, adding a touch of fun to daily walks.
32. Musical Trash Trucks
Taiwan’s trash trucks play music like ice cream trucks to tell people to bring out their trash.
- The most common song is “Für Elise” by Beethoven
- The tunes let locals know it’s time to run outside with their bags
- No need for a fixed trash pickup schedule
33. Temple Abundance
The country has more than 12,000 temples.
Some sit on mountain tops, while others hide in city alleys, giving people many places to pray and participate in local traditions.
34. Multi-Purpose Cards
Public transport cards in Taiwan can also be used to pay at stores.
- Works on trains and buses
- Accepted at convenience stores
- Can pay for taxis in some cities
This makes shopping quick and easy without needing to carry cash.
35. Buddhist Sites
Taiwan is home to the biggest Buddhist monastery in the world, Fo Guang Shan.
Visitor info: This huge complex welcomes visitors who want to learn about Buddhist teachings or enjoy the peaceful grounds.
36. Bicycle Paths
Taiwan has built a network of bike paths that go around the entire island.
Cyclists can pedal more than 1,200 km along coastal roads with beautiful ocean views.
37. Snake Alley History
Taipei once had a famous night market called Snake Alley where vendors sold snake blood as medicine.
- Most snake shows are now banned
- The area has changed to focus on other foods
- Remains a spot with lots of history
38. Festival Calendar
Taiwan holds more than 40 major festivals each year, mixing old traditions with modern fun.
Yearly Highlights:
- Lantern Festival in February
- Dragon Boat Festival in June
- Ghost Month in August brings its special foods and customs.
Final Thoughts
Taiwan offers much more than a short blog post can contain. The blend of old temples and modern tech companies shows how this small island keeps its roots while moving forward.
Next time you plan a trip to Asia, think about adding Taiwan to your list. The night markets alone make it worth your time.
What part of Taiwan sounds most interesting to you? The food? The nature? The culture?
Let us know in the comments below!
