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If you’re planning a trip to Taiwan, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in its culture, history, and atmosphere than by diving into some of the country’s best fiction. Whether you’re curled up at home or reading on the go, these novels will transport you straight to Taiwan’s bustling night markets, tranquil temples, and stunning coastal towns.
All of these books are either written by Taiwanese authors or set in Taiwan, offering a rich mix of perspectives, storytelling styles, and unforgettable characters. They’re perfect for anyone wanting to connect more deeply with Taiwan before visiting or for those who simply love a great read set in an intriguing destination.
Fiction Books Set In Taiwan
Taiwan Travelogue by Yang Shuang-zi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.4)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2024
Setting: Colonial-era Taiwan, 1938
Taiwan Travelogue is a recent hit. It is written by Yang Shuang-zi, a well-known Taiwanese author from Taichung, and set in 1938 when Taiwan was under Japanese rule. The story follows a Japanese writer travelling the island with her Taiwanese interpreter and gives a vivid sense of the food, the scenery and the mix of cultures at the time. It was first published in Taiwan in 2020, won major literary awards there, and the English version in 2024 went on to win the National Book Award for Translated Literature. I chose it for this list because it is both a brilliant read and a book worth keeping. The hardback edition is beautifully made and feels like something special to own.
2. The Stolen Bicycle by Wu Ming-yi
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.1)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2017
Setting: Taiwan, World War II era
The Stolen Bicycle begins with a missing bike and unfolds into a moving story about family, memory and how the past shapes the present. Wu Ming-yi, one of Taiwan’s most celebrated authors, weaves together personal history with Taiwan’s experience during the Japanese occupation and the Second World War. The detail is rich, from the mechanics of bicycle making to the landscapes and wildlife of Taiwan, giving the story a depth that stays with you. First published in Taiwan in 2015 and translated into English in 2017, it went on to be longlisted for the Man Booker International Prize and was named one of the best Chinese novels of the last century by Time Out Beijing. I chose it for this list because it is an internationally acclaimed book that works both as a gripping novel and a beautiful keepsake in hardback.
3. Green Island by Shawna Yang Ryan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.1)
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: 2016
Setting: Taiwan, 1940s–1980s
Green Island tells the story of a Taiwanese family whose lives are shaped by the political unrest and repression that followed the 228 Incident in 1947. Shawna Yang Ryan captures both the personal and political sides of Taiwan’s modern history, moving from the violence of the uprising through the decades of martial law that followed. Her research and attention to historical accuracy make the novel feel authentic, but it is the family relationships at its heart that make it unforgettable. Published by Knopf in 2016, it won the American Book Award the following year. I picked it because it offers a sweeping view of Taiwan’s recent past while remaining a deeply human story, and the hardback edition has the kind of quality that makes it a permanent part of your bookshelf.
4. Notes of a Crocodile by Qiu Miaojin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.1)
Genre: Literary Fiction
Published: 2017
Setting: Taipei, late 1980s
Notes of a Crocodile is a cult classic of Taiwanese literature, following a group of queer university students as they navigate love, friendship and self-discovery in post-martial law Taipei. Written by Qiu Miaojin, one of Taiwan’s most influential modern authors, it uses the metaphor of the crocodile to explore the feeling of hiding one’s true self. First published in Taiwan in 1994 and later translated into English in 2017, it has been praised for its honesty and emotional impact. I included it in this list because it captures a unique slice of Taiwan’s cultural history and remains just as relevant today, with editions available that make it a standout on any shelf.
The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R. Pan
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(4.4)
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Published: 2018
Setting: Taiwan and United States
The Astonishing Color of After follows Leigh, a teenage artist who believes her mother has turned into a red bird after her death. Travelling to Taiwan to meet her grandparents for the first time, she discovers family secrets and a deeper connection to her heritage. Emily X. R. Pan blends themes of grief, identity and cultural belonging into a story that is heartfelt and beautifully told. Published in 2018, it has been widely praised and was named one of the best young adult books of all time by Time magazine. I chose it because it brings Taiwan vividly to life while exploring universal themes, and the hardback edition has striking cover art that makes it a book worth owning.
