Taiwan

Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), has a complex modern history shaped by Chinese, Japanese, and post-war political influence. After World War II, control of Taiwan transferred from Japan to the Republic of China, whose government relocated to the island in 1949 following the Chinese Civil War. Taiwan subsequently developed into a major industrial and technological economy with its own distinct political and cultural identity.

Taiwan has produced a refined and visually diverse range of postage stamps. Early issues often featured national leaders and traditional Chinese imagery, while later designs expanded to include art, landscapes, cultural heritage, and technological achievements. Taiwanese stamps are especially noted for their high-quality printing and elegant presentation.

The island uses the New Taiwan dollar as its currency, introduced in 1949.

1980 - Taiwan 8 Dollar - Chiang Kai-Shek's Writing

First issued: 04 Apr 19808 Taiwanese New Dollars5th Death Anniversary of Chiang Kai-shekChina Color Printing Co. Ltd, Designed by Yen Ki-ShihSG: TW 1289 Colnect Link
This stamp commemorates the fifth death anniversary of Chiang Kai-shek, leader of the Nationalist government and president of the Republic of China after its retreat to Taiwan in 1949. The issue reproduces Chiang’s own calligraphy.The design features two vertical panels of Chinese calligraphy set within an ornate decorative border inspired by traditional carved and gilded architectural motifs. The inscriptions read as: “The purpose of life is to improve the life of all humanity.” & “Life is the continuing life-force of the universe; The meaning of life lies in creation.” During his lifetime Chiang cultivated an image not only as a military and political leader but also as a guardian of Chinese cultural orthodoxy. In Taiwan, commemorative issues of the 1970s and early 1980s often emphasized his writings, philosophy, and moral teachings alongside more familiar official portraits.

1980 - Taiwan 5 Dollar - Tang Dynasty Tri-Colour Pottery

First issued: 18 Aug 19805 Taiwanese New DollarsTang Dynasty Pottery SeriesChina Color Printing Co. Ltd, Designed by Huang Po-hsuingSG: TW 1309 Colnect Link
This stamp forms part of Taiwan’s 1980 “Tri-color Pottery of the Tang Dynasty” series, The series focused on sancai (“three-colour”) glazed pottery of the Tang dynasty (618–907), a period often regarded as one of the high points of Chinese cosmopolitan culture and artistic production.The design presents a pair of Tang ceramic figures against a largely empty white field. The pottery’s flowing green, amber, and cream glazes are characteristic of Tang sancai ware, whose lead-based glazes produced unpredictable colour blending during firing. Tang sancai ceramics were originally produced mainly for tombs rather than daily use. Many depicted horses, camels, musicians, officials, and foreign traders, reflecting the international character of Tang China during the Silk Road era.

1978 - Taiwan 1 Dollar - Northern Railway Line Hualien-Ilan

First issued: 31 Oct 19781 Taiwanese New Dollar9 Major Construction Projects SeriesChina Color Printing Co. Ltd, Designed by Wan Hsueh-ju & Yen Ki-shihSG: TW 1145a Colnect Link
This stamp forms part of the “Nine Major Construction Projects” definitive series.. The projects were promoted as symbols of modernization, industrial growth, and economic self-sufficiency during a period when Taiwan was rapidly transforming into an export-oriented industrial economy.The design depicts the Northern Railway Line linking Hualien and Ilan along Taiwan’s mountainous eastern coast. A red outline map of Taiwan is superimposed over the landscape.The North-Link railway project was among the most ambitious transportation works undertaken in Taiwan at the time. Before its completion, eastern Taiwan remained relatively isolated from the densely populated western corridor because of steep mountains and limited road access. The railway dramatically reduced travel times and helped integrate the east coast more closely into Taiwan’s national economy.

1978 - Taiwan 4 Dollar - North-South Highway Keelung - Koahsiung

First issued: 31 Oct 19784 Taiwanese New Dollar9 Major Construction Projects SeriesChina Color Printing Co. Ltd, Designed by Wan Hsueh-ju & Yen Ki-shihSG: TW 1148a Colnect Link
The design depicts the North–South Highway linking Keelung in the north with Kaohsiung in the south. A modern multilane expressway cuts through rolling terrain, while a red outline map of Taiwan appears at the right edge of the composition. Officially known today as National Freeway No. 1, the highway was Taiwan’s first controlled-access motorway and one of the most transformative public works projects in the island’s modern history. Construction began in 1971 and the route was completed in stages during the 1970s under the administration of Chiang Ching-kuo. The expressway greatly accelerated industrial distribution, internal migration, and urban integration along Taiwan’s densely populated western corridor, becoming a key component of the island’s economic development model.

1978 - Taiwan 5 Dollar - Steel Mill, Koahsiung

First issued: 31 Oct 19785 Taiwanese New Dollar9 Major Construction Projects SeriesChina Color Printing Co. Ltd, Designed by Wan Hsueh-ju & Yen Ki-shihSG: TW 1149a Colnect Link
The design depicts the integrated steel mill at Kaohsiung, one of the most important industrial projects undertaken by the Republic of China government during this period. The vertical framing and simplified geometric arrangement reflect the functional graphic style commonly used in Taiwanese definitive issues of the late 1970s.The Kaohsiung steel project was closely associated with the development of China Steel Corporation, established in 1971. Prior to this period, Taiwan relied heavily on imported steel products, limiting domestic heavy manufacturing capacity. The expansion of steel production became central to broader industrial policies that supported shipbuilding, machinery production, petrochemicals, and export manufacturing. Kaohsiung itself developed into Taiwan’s principal heavy industrial and port city during these decades, with large-scale state-led projects reshaping much of its urban and coastal landscape.

1978 - Taiwan 6 Dollar - Taoyuan International Airport

First issued: 31 Oct 19786 Taiwanese New Dollar9 Major Construction Projects SeriesChina Color Printing Co. Ltd, Designed by Wan Hsueh-ju & Yen Ki-shihSG: TW 1150a Colnect Link
The design depicts Taoyuan International Airport with its terminal complex, control tower, runways, and surrounding road network. An aircraft in flight reinforces the airport’s role as Taiwan’s principal gateway for international travel and commerce.Originally opened in 1979 as Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, the facility was constructed to replace the increasingly congested Taipei Songshan Airport for long-distance international traffic. The airport became one of the most significant transportation projects of the era, supporting Taiwan’s expanding trade links and overseas business connections during the height of the island’s export-led industrial growth. Following democratization, the airport was renamed Taoyuan International Airport in 2006.

1978 - Taiwan 8 Dollar - Kaohsiung Petrochemical Plant

First issued: 31 Oct 19788 Taiwanese New Dollar9 Major Construction Projects SeriesChina Color Printing Co. Ltd, Designed by Wan Hsueh-ju & Yen Ki-shihSG: TW 1152a Colnect Link
The design depicts the petrochemical complex at Kaohsiung, represented in a simplified industrial style. Petrochemical development became a central component of Taiwan’s industrial strategy during the 70s. Large refining and chemical-processing facilities around Kaohsiung supported plastics, synthetic fibres, fertilizers, and manufacturing industries that were increasingly important to Taiwan’s export economy. The growth of heavy industry also transformed Kaohsiung into the island’s principal petrochemical and port city, although the concentration of refineries and industrial plants later became associated with severe environmental pollution and urban health concerns in the 1980s and 1990s.

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