Taipei history

The history of Taipei is a narrative of a small settlement transforming into a bustling metropolis and one of the key centres of East Asia. The city has journeyed from ancient settlements to the status of a temporary capital and an economic miracle.

Founding and Early Development

• Ancient Times: Originally, the territory of modern Taipei was inhabited by indigenous peoples, specifically the Ketagalan tribe.
• Chinese Settlement: From the beginning of the 18th century, after 1709, Chinese immigrants from Fujian province began to actively settle here. They founded the first permanent settlements, one of which was the village of Manka (now Wanhua District), which became an important trading point.
• Growth and Formation: By the end of the 19th century, the city, then known as Chengnei, had grown significantly due to trade, especially tea exports. In 1886, Taipei was officially proclaimed the capital of Taiwan province within the Qing Empire.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: The city is located in the Taipei Basin, protected from harsh weather conditions, and its proximity to the Tamsui River facilitated the development of trade and shipping.
• Trade: Its advantageous location turned Taipei into a centre of commercial activity, primarily for the export of tea and camphor.
• Political Status: The designation of the city as the provincial capital in 1886 strengthened its administrative importance. During the period of Japanese rule (1895–1945), under the name Taihoku, the city continued to develop as the administrative centre of the island. After 1949, Taipei became the temporary capital of the Republic of China, which gave a powerful impetus to its further growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

• Cultural Fusion: Early Taipei became a place where the cultures of indigenous peoples, Chinese settlers, and later, Japanese influence mixed, which was reflected in architecture and traditions. In the 18th and 19th centuries, iconic temples such as Longshan (1738) and Baoan were built.
• Economic Centre: The city quickly became the financial and business heart of northern Taiwan. The development of commercial quarters, such as Dadaocheng, contributed to the prosperity of trade.
• Architectural Heritage: Buildings from different eras have been preserved in the city: from traditional Chinese temples to administrative buildings constructed during the Japanese administration, which today are an important part of Taipei's historical appearance.

Chronology of Taipei's History

From a small settlement to a modern metropolis — here are the key milestones in the city's centuries-old history:

• 1709 — The beginning of active settlement of the territory by Chinese immigrants from Fujian province, who founded the first permanent settlements.
• 1738 — Longshan Temple was founded, one of the oldest and most significant temples in the city, becoming a spiritual centre for the first settlers.
• 1884 — Construction of the city walls and gates was completed, marking the formation of the administrative centre Chengnei (the old name for Taipei).
• 1886 — Taipei was officially proclaimed the capital of the newly formed Taiwan province within the Qing Empire.
• 1895 — Following China's defeat in the war with Japan, Taiwan came under Japanese rule, and the city, renamed Taihoku, became the administrative centre of the colonial government.
• 1919 — Construction of the Office of the Governor-General (now the Presidential Office Building) was completed, an iconic building of the Japanese colonial period.
• 1945 — After the end of World War II, Taiwan returned to the jurisdiction of the Republic of China, and the city's name was restored to Taipei.
• 1949 — The government of the Republic of China, led by Chiang Kai-shek, evacuated to Taiwan and declared Taipei the temporary capital, kickstarting the city's rapid growth.
• 1975 — The National Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall was opened in memory of the founding father of the Republic of China.
• 1980 — Construction of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was completed, becoming one of the most recognisable symbols of Taipei.
• 1996 — The first line of the Taipei Metro (MRT) was opened, marking an important step in the modernisation of urban infrastructure.
• 2004 — The "Taipei 101" skyscraper was officially opened, becoming the tallest building in the world at that time and a symbol of economic prosperity.

Key Stages of Taipei's Development

From a colonial centre to a global metropolis, Taipei has passed through several key stages that defined its modern appearance and economic power.

• Japanese Period (1895–1945): Laying the foundations of a modern city. During this period, Taipei (then Taihoku) was rebuilt according to a modern urban plan. The Japanese administration created basic infrastructure: roads, sewage systems, and public buildings (including the current Presidential Office), which turned it into an orderly administrative centre and laid the foundation for future growth.
• Status of Temporary Capital (after 1949): Demographic and political shift. The relocation of the Republic of China's capital to Taipei led to a sharp increase in population. This caused rapid urban expansion and turned Taipei into a political centre, defining its development for decades to come.
• "Taiwan Economic Miracle" (1960–1990s): Transformation into an economic hub. Taipei became the engine of the country's economic growth, known as the "Taiwan Economic Miracle". The city turned into a major centre for manufacturing, and later for high technology and finance. This boom formed the city's modern business landscape and led to the beginning of large-scale modernisation.
• Development of Transport Infrastructure (since the 1990s): Solving the mobility problem. The opening of the Taipei Metro (MRT) in 1996 was a turning point in the city's development. The modern transport system connected sprawling districts, significantly improved residents' mobility, and reduced traffic on the roads, making the metropolis more comfortable for living.
• Construction of "Taipei 101" (2004): A symbol of global ambitions. The appearance of the skyscraper, which became the tallest in the world at that time, was not just an architectural achievement. "Taipei 101" became a symbol of economic prosperity and entry onto the world stage. It cemented the Xinyi District's status as the city's new financial and commercial centre.
• Cultural Renaissance (since the 2000s): Betting on the creative economy. The city began actively transforming abandoned industrial sites into cultural spaces, such as Huashan 1914 Creative Park and Songshan Cultural and Creative Park. This shift from industrial production to design, art, and culture enriched urban life and increased Taipei's appeal to tourists.

Taipei's architectural appearance is an eclectic tapestry where different historical eras have left their mark. Here, traditional Chinese structures sit alongside majestic buildings from the Japanese colonial period and ultra-modern skyscrapers, creating a unique and multi-layered urban landscape.

Traditional Chinese Architecture (pre-1895)

Taipei's early architectural style was defined by immigrants from the southern Chinese province of Fujian. This period is characterised by the construction of temples and shophouses in the traditional Chinese style. The main materials used were wood and brick, and roofs were decorated with intricate carvings and bright ceramic figures. The brightest examples of this era are the Longshan Temple and Baoan Temple. These structures, built in the 18th century, remain important spiritual and cultural centres of the city to this day.

Japanese Colonial Period (1895–1945)

This era had a decisive influence on Taipei's urban development. The Japanese administration carried out a massive redevelopment of the city, creating wide avenues and laying the foundations of modern infrastructure. Western styles dominated architecture, which Japanese architects adapted to local conditions. Many iconic administrative buildings were constructed during this period.

• Neoclassicism and Baroque: These styles were used for the construction of large government buildings to emphasise the power and authority of the government. The prime example is the Presidential Office Building, the former residence of the Governor-General, whose architecture combines European monumentality with elements of Japanese design.
• Modern and Art Deco: In the 1920s and 30s, buildings in the Modern style began to appear in the city, especially in commercial districts like Dihua Street. They are characterised by simpler lines and functional design.

Post-War Modernisation (1950–1990s)

After 1949, Taipei faced a sharp increase in population, which led to massive and often chaotic construction. The main focus was on functionality and speed of erection, so utilitarian concrete architecture prevailed during this period. However, it was then that the foundations were laid for the future economic growth that subsequently changed the face of the city.

Contemporary and Post-Modern Architecture (since the 1990s to present)

Since the end of the 20th century, Taipei has transformed into a global metropolis, which is reflected in its architecture. This period was marked by the construction of ambitious and technologically complex projects.

• Post-Modernism and Structural Expressionism: The undisputed symbol of this era became the "Taipei 101" skyscraper, opened in 2004. Its architecture, designed by C.Y. Lee & Partners, combines post-modern ideas with traditional Asian motifs, resembling a bamboo stalk or an ancient pagoda. This building not only remained the tallest in the world for a long time but also demonstrated engineering achievements allowing it to withstand typhoons and earthquakes.
• Sustainable and "Green" Architecture: In recent years, Taipei has paid increasing attention to eco-friendly projects. An example is the residential complex Tao Zhu Yin Yuan, a building in the shape of a DNA double helix, covered with thousands of trees and shrubs, designed to absorb carbon dioxide.

Today, Taipei's architectural development continues to move forward, transforming former industrial zones into creative clusters and creating new, futuristic landmarks in the urban landscape while preserving its rich historical heritage.

Notable Figures Associated with Taipei

Taipei has become the home and centre of activity for many outstanding individuals whose names have gone down in history. They have left their mark on politics, art, architecture, and technology, shaping the modern look and spirit of the city.

• Sun Yat-sen (1866–1925) — A political figure, revolutionary, and the founder of the Republic of China. Although he did not reside in Taipei permanently, his ideas and legacy had a huge influence on the history of the city, which became the temporary capital of the state he founded. A majestic National Memorial Hall has been erected in the city in his honour.
• Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) — A military and political leader who headed the government of the Republic of China after evacuating to Taiwan in 1949. A key stage in Taipei's transformation into a major political and economic centre is associated with his name. The National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall was built in the very heart of the city in his memory.
• Teresa Teng (1953–1995) — A legendary pop singer whose popularity went far beyond Taiwan and encompassed all of Asia. Her gentle voice and lyrical songs became a cultural phenomenon, a symbol of the era, and a "musical bridge" between Taiwan and mainland China. She is buried in a memorial park not far from Taipei.
• C.Y. Lee (born 1938) — An outstanding architect whose most famous creation defined the city's modern skyline. He is the chief designer of the "Taipei 101" skyscraper, which was the tallest building in the world at the time of its opening in 2004.
• Hou Hsiao-hsien (born 1947) — An internationally acclaimed film director, one of the leaders of the "New Wave" of Taiwanese cinema. Many of his films, which have won prizes at prestigious international festivals, explore the history and daily life of Taiwan, and Taipei itself often becomes not just a backdrop, but a full-fledged character in his pictures.
• Lin Hwai-min (born 1947) — Choreographer and founder of the world-famous Cloud Gate Dance Theatre. By creating the island's first professional modern dance troupe in Taipei in 1973, he brought Taiwanese choreographic art to the world stage.
• Ang Lee (born 1954) — One of the most world-renowned Taiwanese film directors, a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Director. His films, such as "Eat Drink Man Woman", "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", and "Life of Pi", brought him international fame and introduced millions of viewers to the culture and aesthetics of Taiwan.
• Audrey Tang (born 1981) — A programmer prodigy, social activist, and the world's first transgender minister. Becoming Taiwan's Digital Minister, she became famous as one of the leading global experts in the field of e-democracy and open government, symbolising the innovative and progressive spirit of modern Taipei.