For a visitor, the practical implication of all this history is that Taiwan rewards curiosity. Learning the diverse culture and history of Taiwan will certainly change the way you see Taiwan. Do not assume that all Taiwanese people hold the same views on cross-Strait relations or on Taiwan’s political future. The spectrum of opinion is wide. What you will find almost universally, however, is a quiet but strong attachment to the democratic way of life that has been built here, and a pride in the society Taiwan has created.

It is also worth noting that Taiwan’s complex history has left it with extraordinarily rich layers of cultural influence: indigenous Austronesian foundations, Hokkien and Hakka Chinese migration, Japanese colonial modernisation, post-war mainland Chinese culture, and a globalised contemporary society that has absorbed influences from America, Japan, Korea, and elsewhere. This phenomenon is widely reflected in Taiwanese life, such as food culture, fashion and architecture. This complexity makes Taiwan one of the most culturally interesting places in East Asia.