Discover Taiwan’s Indigenous Culture on Your Journey

easyta
Dec 23, 2025
2 min read

When people think of Taiwan, night markets and bubble milk tea usually come to mind. But if you shift your perspective a little and experience Taiwan’s Indigenous culture, you’ll gain a much deeper understanding of the island—and become a true Taiwan insider.

1. Who Are Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples?

Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples are the original inhabitants of the island, living here long before Han Chinese migration. The Taiwanese government officially recognizes 16 Indigenous groups, including the Amis, Atayal, and Bunun tribes.

Their languages belong to the Austronesian language family, closely related to those spoken in the Philippines and the Malay Archipelago—highlighting Taiwan’s important role in Austronesian history.

2. Traditional Clothing and Festivals

Indigenous clothing is vibrant and full of meaning, with each tribe featuring its own unique patterns and colors. During weddings and traditional festivals, both men and women wear elaborate costumes and perform ceremonial dances.

Major festivals include:

Shooting Festival – a ritual praying for safe and successful hunting
Harvest Festival – a celebration to give thanks for a bountiful harvest

Participating in these festivals allows travelers to experience an energy and cultural depth that you won’t find at Taiwan’s night markets.

3. Music and Dance

Indigenous music often features drums and flutes, while traditional dances are inspired by hunting and warrior movements. Even just watching these performances is powerful and captivating.

4. Indigenous Cuisine Is Not to Be Missed

While night market snacks are delicious, Indigenous cuisine focuses on mountain and river ingredients. Dishes commonly use venison, wild boar, taro, and wild vegetables.

Each tribe has its own cooking methods and flavors
Many dishes are rarely found in urban areas, making them a unique culinary experience

For seasoned Taiwan travelers, this is a must-try.

5. Learn Through Hands-On Cultural Experiences

In Taiwan’s mountainous regions and Indigenous villages, visitors can join immersive cultural tours, such as:

Traditional cooking experiences
Trying on Indigenous costumes and taking photos
Participating in festivals and ceremonies

Taiwan’s Indigenous culture offers a depth and authenticity beyond typical tourist attractions. When combined with visits to night markets and famous landmarks, it creates a more complete and meaningful travel experience.

From wearing traditional costumes and tasting Indigenous dishes to watching ceremonial dances and creating handmade crafts, these experiences allow travelers to truly feel Taiwan’s history and cultural diversity. By exploring both the cities and the mountains, you’ll discover a side of Taiwan that most visitors never see.