Taiwan’s sixteen officially recognised indigenous peoples represent one of the most significant, and most overlooked, dimensions of Taiwanese culture. They constitute approximately 2.4% of the island’s population, or roughly 570,000 people, though these are the registered figures and actual numbers with indigenous heritage may be higher. Their languages, arts, customs, and cosmologies are entirely distinct from the Chinese cultural traditions that dominate the lowland plains, and for travellers with genuine curiosity about cultural depth and diversity, engaging with indigenous Taiwan is deeply rewarding.

The sections that follow introduce several of these cultures, though not all of them. If you are interested in this topic, please check the website launched by Council of Indigenous Peoples in Taiwan.