Historical Timeline

The following timeline focuses on Taiwan’s recorded history dating from about 400 years ago, although it has been home to Malayo-Polynesian peoples for many millenniums.

1500s

It is commonly believed that European sailors passing Taiwan record the island’s name as Ilha Formosa, or beautiful island.



Taiwan continues to experience visits by small numbers of Chinese merchants, fishermen and pirates.

1624

The Dutch East India Company establishes a base in southwestern Taiwan, initiating a transformation in aboriginal grain production practices and employing Chinese laborers to work on its rice and sugar plantations.

1626

Spanish adventurers establish bases in northern Taiwan, but are ousted by the Dutch in 1642.

1662

Fleeing the Manchurian conquest of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), Ming loyalists under Zheng Cheng-gong, or Koxinga, drive out the Dutch from Taiwan and establish authority over the island.

1683

Qing dynasty (1644-1912) forces take control of Taiwan’s western and northern coastal areas.

1885

Taiwan is declared a province of the Qing Empire.