Guide:  You are welcome to click on the upper bar to switch the topics as you like.  Also, the table of contents for each topic will be listed at the left, as you click on the topic.  There are many images, sound files, and movies included.  In order to open sound files and movie files, you need to download Quick Time Player.

     The pluralistic musical culture of Taiwan.  People in Taiwan can be classified into four categories: the ten aboriginal Taiwanese tribes, the Fu-Lao groups, the Hakka groups, and the Chinese coming from Mainland China after 20th century (mainlanders).  Aboriginal Taiwanese were the first groups to inhabit in Taiwan.  None of them is of Chinese origin.  Also, each tribe has its own musical tradition.  The Fu-Lao and the Hakka groups are subgroups of Chinese, and each of these two has its own musical tradition, too.  During the 20th century, more Chinese, coming from different provinces of Mainland China, moved to Taiwan with different musical roots.  Unfortunately, all of them are weak or dying; only western classical music and popular music are prevailing in Taiwan.

    Now you can click on the upper bar to get more information about each topic.  If you want to know more about the modern history of Taiwan, click on the 20th century Chinese.