Geography Details

A chain of island groups extends along the eastern and southeastern edges of the Asian continent, reaching from Russia’s Sakhalin Island down to the numerous islands of Indonesia. Positioned centrally within this chain – between Japan and the Philippines – is the island of Taiwan. The island spans roughly 400 kilometers from north to south and about 145 kilometers at its widest point from east to west.

Located in East Asia along the northwestern rim of the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan and its neighboring islands boast a rich tapestry of landscapes, from diverse terrains and forests to abundant agricultural resources and thriving marine ecosystems. The region is also home to a wide range of ethnic groups and captivating cultural traditions. The following information offers an introduction to what makes Taiwan so unique.

Major Cities

TAIPEI

Taipei City, situated in northern Taiwan and encompassing the northeastern section of the Taipei Basin along with nearby hills, has a population of nearly 2.7 million. The city spans 271 square kilometers and is divided into twelve administrative districts. Taipei’s residents represent a rich blend of communities, including indigenous groups, Minnanese, Hakkas, mainland Chinese, recent immigrants, and expatriates. Unlike other major cities on Taiwan’s western coast, Taipei’s development began relatively late. Before the arrival of large numbers of Han Chinese migrants from southern Taiwan in the early 1700s, the region was primarily inhabited by plains indigenous peoples. In 1884, the Qing Dynasty relocated Taiwan’s administrative capital from Tainan to Taipei, constructing a city wall for protection. This marked a pivotal moment, shifting political and economic influence to the north. Since then, Taipei has emerged as the island’s hub of politics, commerce, and culture.

New Taipei City

New Taipei City, which surrounds Taiwan’s capital, spans over 2,000 square kilometers and is home to more than 3.9 million people. Its proximity to Taipei has fueled its growth into a major hub for industry and commerce. Approximately 70% of its residents originally come from other regions of Taiwan. The city’s administrative center is located in Banqiao District, the most densely populated and vibrant part of New Taipei City.
Historically, the area was inhabited by Taiwan’s Plains Indigenous Peoples. Han Chinese migration began around 1620 A.D. The Tamsui River flows through the region and empties into the ocean near Tamsui District, which became a significant international trade port by 1850. This district played a key role in Taiwan’s tea export business, and its importance even led the British to establish a consulate there to manage trade with Europe.
After Japan withdrew from Taiwan in 1945, the Republic of China reorganized the region by designating Taipei City and Keelung City as provincial municipalities, while the surrounding area became known as Taipei County. In 2010, Taipei County was reclassified and upgraded to a special municipality, now officially known as New Taipei City.

Taoyuan

Located to the west of New Taipei City and directly across the Taiwan Strait from China’s Fujian province, Taoyuan city has long been a hub for commerce and transportation, dating back to the 18th century when migration from China spurred its growth. Since 1979, Taoyuan has been home to Taiwan’s largest international airport, solidifying its role as the island’s primary gateway to the world. As Taiwan’s fourth-largest city, Taoyuan was designated a special municipality in 2010, which has further integrated it into the Greater Taipei Area.
Taoyuan is a vibrant cultural mosaic, home to a diverse mix of Hakka, Minnan, mainland Chinese immigrants, indigenous peoples, and newcomers. With nearly 40% of its population identifying as Hakka, the city is a central hub for Hakka culture, contributing to its dynamic and distinct atmosphere.

Taichung

Taichung, meaning “the center of Taiwan,” is the largest city in central Taiwan. Prior to the 18th century, the central region of the island was governed by the “Kingdom of Middag,” an alliance of indigenous tribes. Initially, the Qing Dynasty incorporated Taiwan into Fujian province, but by the late 19th century, Taiwan was made a separate province. The Taichung area was initially chosen as the site for the new provincial capital, and construction began on a city to be called “Taiwan County.” However, due to financial constraints, the capital was eventually moved to Taipei. In 1896, when the Japanese colonial government took control, they resumed construction and renamed the city “Taichung.”
Today, Taichung serves as a key economic and transportation hub for Taiwan, connecting industry and agriculture in the central region’s cities and counties. In 2010, Taichung County was merged with Taichung City, making it the second-largest of Taiwan’s five special municipalities, with a population of around 2.8 million. Located on a vast plain bordered by high mountains to the east and the sea to the west, Taichung has become an essential center for road, rail, sea, and air transportation, linking the central region to the rest of Taiwan.
Shielded from seasonal typhoons by the Central Mountain Range, Taichung enjoys a mild climate and is home to a lively and welcoming population. The city is divided into 29 administrative districts, each with its own unique cultural and natural features, reflecting the legacy of centuries of diverse immigration and organic development. This rich history contributes to a vibrant cultural scene, with a wide variety of local and international events taking place throughout the year.

Tainan

Founded in 1624 by the Dutch East India Company, Tainan is Taiwan’s oldest city, renowned for its deep historical significance, rich cultural heritage, and remarkable architecture.

Currently, Tainan consists of 34 districts. These districts were once part of both Tainan City and Tainan County under the Tainan Provincial Government but became part of Tainan City when it was designated a special municipality in 2010. The city spans nearly 260 square kilometers and is home to approximately 1.9 million residents.

Exploring Tainan feels like stepping into the past, offering a glimpse into the traditional religious practices that play a central role in Taiwanese life. The city is famous for its numerous temples, including the oldest Confucius temple in Taiwan. Tainan developed around water transport, and its ancient canal remains a prime location to experience the city’s historical rhythm. A walk through the traditional neighborhoods reveals hidden gems from the city’s past, which continue to shape its present-day community.

Tainan is also celebrated for its vibrant street food culture, earning recognition in the Michelin Green Guide. Iconic dishes unique to the city include savory beef soup, rice cakes topped with dried fish and braised pork, and fragrant steamed rice cakes. These specialties are integral to Tainan’s culinary heritage and reflect the city’s four-century-long history.

Kaohsiung

Before the 16th century, the area now known as Kaohsiung City was inhabited by the Makato indigenous tribe, who named it “Takau,” meaning “bamboo forest.” When Han Chinese settlers arrived, they retained the pronunciation “Takau,” but wrote it using the characters 打狗 (dagou), which translates to “beat the dog.” During the Japanese occupation, the city’s name was changed to 高雄 (Kaohsiung), after a district in Ukyo-Ku, Kyoto.

Today, Kaohsiung is a bustling metropolis that covers nearly 3,000 square kilometers and has a population of around 2.8 million. Viewed from above, the city features a stunning and varied landscape, with green mountains, lakes, and rivers flowing toward the sea, which brings a cool breeze to this sun-drenched region. The Port of Kaohsiung is one of the busiest container ports in the world, with a continuous flow of cargo ships serving as a key hub for trade and commerce in the Asia-Pacific. Beyond its beautiful natural surroundings, the city’s long-standing history as a major international port has fostered a unique and thriving cultural identity.