Did you know these facts about Taiwan?

Do you know Taiwan? Think again! Beyond the night markets and stunning landscapes lies a treasure trove of surprising facts. Dive into this post and discover seven fascinating, yet little-known, facts about Taiwan that will have you saying, “Did I know that?!”

The highest concentration of high mountains

This island nation isn’t just visually stunning, it boasts the highest density of high mountains on Earth.  Imagine this: over 70% of the island is a mountainous wonderland, with a staggering 268 peaks piercing the sky at over 3,000 meters (nearly 10,000 feet).  That’s right, Taiwan packs a serious punch when it comes to altitude, making it a dream destination for hikers and mountain enthusiasts seeking a truly vertical adventure.

Yushan or Mt Jade Mountain – The tallest mountain in Taiwan

The longest rainbow ever recorded.

Did you know a record-breaking rainbow graced the skies of Taiwan? Believe it or not, in 2017, observers in Taipei witnessed a stunning rainbow that stretched across the sky for a whopping 8 hours and 58 minutes! This awe-inspiring display, officially recognized by Guinness World Records, shattered the previous record by over two hours.

Kids go to school the longest in the world.

Taiwan holds the title for the world’s longest school day! Clocking in at an average of 9 to 10 hours, Taiwanese students dedicate a significant chunk of their day to academics. This rigorous schedule reflects the island’s emphasis on education, where students often strive for top scores. Whether it’s a pro or a con, this unique system is a fascinating aspect of Taiwanese culture.

Fengjia Night Market in Taichung

Taiwan is one of the freest countries in Asia.

According to the Human Freedom Index, Taiwan consistently ranks high, thanks to its strong democratic institutions and commitment to individual liberties. This translates to freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, making Taiwan a vibrant hub for open expression and diverse viewpoints.

Read more about Taiwan being a freest country

Taiwan was a Japanese colony for 50 years

From 1895 to 1945, the island was indeed a colony of Japan. This period left a lasting mark on Taiwan’s architecture, infrastructure, and even some aspects of culture. Today, Taiwan is a self-governing island nation with its own unique identity.

Taipei 101 is the world’s tallest “green” building.

Taipei 101 wore the crown for the world’s tallest building until 2010 when Burj Khalifa surpassed it. It is reaching for the sky at a staggering 508 meters. While it’s no longer the tallest building, it’s claimed a new title: the world’s greenest tallest building! Eco-friendly features like rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient systems earned it this prestigious distinction in 2011.

Taipei 101 building – The tallest green building in the world!

Bubble tea was invented here.

And to all the boba lovers! Taiwan lays claim to the delicious invention of bubble tea. The story goes back to the 1980s when a tea shop owner had the brilliant idea to combine chilled tea with chewy tapioca balls. This twist on a classic drink quickly became a phenomenon, and the rest, as they say, is bubble tea history!

Our exclusive Taiwan tour package lets you experience it all!

Taiwan bubble tea