When it comes to classical music, most people think of Western composers like Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart. However, since the first half of the 20th century many Taiwanese have composed classical works, often inspired by local elements. These works born in Taiwan reflect the reassessment and advocacy of nativist culture that began among the island’s intellectuals in the 1930s. Listening to these Taiwan-themed compositions is like transcending time.
In my memories, Grandmother’s coat always gave off a gentle fragrance of camphor. This honor was reserved for precious clothing that she would only wear on formal occasions and so mostly remained hanging in the closet. This fragrance once made Taiwan the world’s “camphor kingdom.”
Aboriginal youth in Taiwan today are choosing to return to their tribal lands to erect family houses and integrate weaving, fishing, hunting and gathering into their lives, for culture is the sum manifestation of a lifestyle. They are using their actions to query their fractured culture and redefine “tradition” in the 21st century.
Dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, Taiwan’s economy features an innovative entrepreneurial spirit that has prompted rapid development of social enterprises. A crowdfunding platform for community renewable energy projects has been fostering widespread participation in Taiwan’s energy transition. Meanwhile, circular economy systems for the reuse of packaging are being set up to realize the possibilities of zero-waste e-shopping.
As climate warming worsens, it is imperative to cut greenhouse gas emissions. According to Livestock’s Long Shadow, a report published by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, the global animal husbandry industry accounts for 18% of such emissions. In response, biogas power generation is once again coming to the fore as a form of green energy that effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2022, Taiwan hosted the Asia–Pacific Forum & Exposition for Sustainability (APFES) for the first time, showcasing the results of joint research by industry, academia, and government and demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In this age of globalization, there is nothing strange about the blending of different cultures, and the people of Taiwan, who have experienced many changes of government and today live in a pluralistic society, have long since internalized the skill of engaging in cross-cultural dialogues and mixing together different elements in rational, exciting, and unique ways.
Cultural diversity is a valuable asset in Taiwan’s performing arts world. This is expressed not only in large-scale performance groups moving from the local to the international level, but also in some small-scale young dance companies that are introducing exotic elements into Taiwan. These demonstrate the plasticity of Taiwanese society—its ability to accept cross-cultural mixing—which makes it possible for each individual to develop their own unique character and nurture their identity.
The Tang Dynasty, founded in 618 CE, brought one of the world’s great periods of cultural flowering. Different peoples intermingled as East met West, resulting in an open, advanced, and inclusive age whose culture influenced surrounding countries.
In 2012, Taiwanese entrepreneur Samuel Yin founded the Tang Prize in Taiwan, treating “618” as something of a cipher—the prize recipients are announced once every two years on June 18.
Jazz arose in the American south in the late 19th century, and its spirit of freedom from limitations has helped it to spread around the world. Taiwan’s freedom and cultural richness have enabled a diverse array of contemporary jazz bands to thrive, and some have integrated elements from genres such as Chinese classical music, Hakka folk songs, and indigenous people’s music into their work. Meanwhile, two of Taiwan’s major cities, Taipei and Taichung, hold international jazz festivals annually.
