Between the 1950s and 1960s, Taiwan presented itself to the world as a modern and vibrant island. One of the most fascinating ways it did so was through visually striking posters and illustrated maps. See Taiwan, published around 1960 by the Government Information Office of the Republic of China, is one of the most iconic examples of this era of tourism communication.
Far from the austere traditional maps, this map is a true narrative illustration of the island. Against the deep blue backdrop of the sea, a colorful Taiwan stands out, rich in detail and life, crisscrossed by blue air routes, yellow main roads, and light blue shipping lines. The trajectories connect the most important cities—from Taipei to Kaohsiung, from Tainan to Hualien—suggesting a dynamic and well-connected territory, ready to welcome curious visitors and travelers.
The map is made even more appealing by decorative vignettes that bring each region to life with images of landscapes, monuments, and typical products. In the north, Taipei shows off its temples and hot springs; in the west, Taichung and Changhua appear surrounded by fields and modern factories; in the center, Nantou shows off its rice fields and tea plantations at the foot of Mount Yushan, Taiwan’s highest peak; further south, Tainan celebrates the Confucius Temple, while Pingtung invites visitors to its tropical beaches and coastal lighthouses. On the other side, Hualien and Taitung offer views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean, completing a mosaic that alternates between nature and culture, tradition and modernity.
The aim of the publication was clear: to promote tourism and spread a positive and attractive image of Taiwan abroad, at the height of its economic development. The Government Information Office, founded in 1947, coordinated the country’s official communications at the time, producing films, brochures, and posters for consulates, travel agencies, and international fairs.
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