Taiwan: A People's History

At the Empire's Frontier

0.046mFebruary 12, 2007

When Taiwan was incorporated into the Qing Empire, the Qing dynasty was at its peak, enjoying peace and prosperity throughout the reigns of Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong. However, the Qing adopted a cautious and passive approach to governing this small, uninhabited island. In 1684, the "Ban on Crossing to Taiwan" was issued, prohibiting soldiers and civilians from bringing their families with them and requiring a permit. Consequently, most people resorted to smuggling themselves across the border. Despite the sea barrier, Han Chinese immigrants adapted to the challenging new life on the island, cultivating a life experience of hard work and perseverance that has been passed down from generation to generation. When Han Chinese first arrived in Taiwan, they were prohibited from bringing their families with them, so many married women from the plains. This served as a way to gain control of the land and, through intermarriage, to blend Han Chinese and Taiwanese aborigines.