Connecting with the World Through Resilience and Kindness

When  the subject of Taiwan comes up abroad, the first things people think of may be labels like “chip island” and “democracy and freedom.” These are things that Taiwan can be proud of, but the soul of this island is really expressed in heartwarming moments of daily life and resilience in the face of challenges.

Taiwan’s international situation is often described as “difficult.” But we have learned to use soft tactics such as culture and human connections to break through barriers. Although recent disasters in Taiwan have disrupted daily life for many, they have also illuminated the best of Taiwanese society. As floodwaters inundated communities, people from across the country became “shovel supermen,” cleaning up mud and debris and demonstrating the strong cohesion and resilience of this island. This determination to turn challenges into opportunities is a core part of our national character.

As night falls, cities resonate with the noise of spatulas and flames—this is the sound of “stir-fry.” In these restaurants where Taiwanese gather for food and drinks, they can put aside the exhaustion of the daily grind and find inspiration.

Shrimp fishing venues are another source of pleasure in daily life. These diverse establishments combine shrimp fishing with barbecue, stir-fry, and even karaoke. Whether it be the thrill of catching two large shrimp at once or simply the happy atmosphere of a family outing, shrimp fishing provides a chance for multi-generational enjoyment. This distinctively Taiwanese form of leisure has become a must-try experience for foreign travelers.

Taiwan’s tolerance and humanity are also demonstrated in popular religion. Temple deities each have their own responsibilities and distinct personalities. From the Jade Emperor down to the approachable Earth God, gods and goddesses are intertwined with daily life like familiar neighbors.

The themed trains of the Taoyuan Metro have become “moving red carpets” introducing international visitors to the island. Taiwanese designers convey our concern for global issues through visual language. And heavy metal bands use intense melodies to tell of this land’s history and scars. These are some of the many ways that Taiwan’s stories are ensconced in daily life and waiting to be understood and treasured by the world.

Taiwan is using the gentlest of methods to weave an international net of understanding. We sincerely invite you to witness the warmth and genuineness of this land through Taiwan Panorama.