Taipei

Following the Chinese Civil War, the Republic of China (ROC) government retreated to Taiwan after being ousted from mainland China by the Chinese Communist Party. On December 7, 1949, Chiang Kai-shek's ROC government declared Taipei as the temporary capital of the Republic of China. This was a significant change, as the official capital was formerly Nanjing. Since then, Taipei has functioned as the political, economic, and cultural center of Taiwan, hosting the headquarters of the ROC government, as well as several key institutions and monumental national structures.

The Wild Lily student movement was a pivotal political protest in Taiwan's democratization process. Starting on March 16, 1990, students gathered in the square in front of Taipei's presidential office, demanding direct elections for the President and Vice President of the Republic of China, as well as a new national assembly. These demands reflected broader calls for democratic reforms in Taiwan, which was transitioning from martial law to a more open political system. The movement lasted until March 22, 1990, and left an indelible mark on Taiwan's political landscape by accelerating the democratization process.

The Taipei Metro, also known as the Taipei MRT, opened its first line on March 28, 1996, with the official start of operations for the initial segment in 1995, marking the beginning of a new era in the city's public transportation system. The development and implementation of this metro rail system was pivotal for Taipei's infrastructure, greatly improving urban transit and reducing traffic congestion in Taipei City. Over the years, it has expanded to form an extensive network across Taipei and New Taipei City, becoming a model for efficient urban transport in the region.

On March 19, 2004, on the eve of the 2004 Taiwan presidential election, an assassination attempt was made on President Chen Shui-bian and Vice President Annette Lu while they were campaigning in Tainan, Taiwan. Both were injured but survived. This incident had major implications for the election, stirring public emotion and debate. Some claim it influenced the election's outcome, as Chen narrowly won reelection the following day. This significant political event emphasized the divisions and complexities within Taiwan's electoral politics during that period.

Typhoon Morakot, which struck Taiwan on August 8, 2009, was one of the deadliest typhoons to impact the island in recorded history. The natural disaster resulted in catastrophic damage, including massive mudslides and floods, particularly in southern Taiwan. Entire villages were buried, and over 600 people lost their lives. In response to the severe impact, national rescue operations were mobilized, and international assistance was provided to address the disaster's aftermath. This event highlighted the vulnerabilities of Taiwan to natural disasters and the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and response strategies.

On January 1, 2011, Taipei 101 was awarded the LEED Platinum certification, becoming the tallest green building in the world at that time. Taipei 101, once the world's tallest building, underwent a series of modifications to enhance energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, positioning itself as a leader in the global green building movement. These upgrades included smarter energy usage, improved water efficiency, and indoor environmental quality. Taipei 101's achievement in sustainable architecture has set a precedent for skyscrapers around the globe in integrating green innovations.

The Sunflower Student Movement was a student-led protest in Taiwan that began on March 18, 2014, in response to the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA) with China. Protestors seized the Legislative Yuan, Taipei, expressing concern that the agreement would undermine Taiwan's democracy and economic sovereignty. The movement lasted over 20 days, drawing attention to Taiwan's relationship with China. Widely covered by international media, the movement was a crucial event in Taiwan's modern history, influencing public discourse on democratic governance and cross-strait relations.

On June 27, 2015, Taipei celebrated what was then the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride parade in Asia, reflecting Taiwan's growing reputation as a beacon for LGBT rights in the region. The event culminated in vibrant festivities that highlighted the increasing acceptance of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities in Taiwanese society. This parade was a testament to the island's progressive social policies and the strong support for equality and human rights, paving the way for Taiwan to become the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage in 2019.

In the local elections held on November 24, 2018, in Taiwan, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) suffered significant losses against the opposition Kuomintang (KMT), leading to substantial political changes in several key cities, including Taipei. These elections were seen as a major political shift in Taiwan, influencing future national policies and the political landscape leading up to the 2020 presidential election. The results underscored the dynamic nature of Taiwan's democracy and the voters' shifting preferences, reflecting public opinion on economic performance, local governance, and relations with China.

On May 24, 2019, Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriages. The landmark decision followed years of advocacy and legal battles for marriage equality, culminating in the legislative vote that amended marriage laws. The enactment marked a major milestone in the global movement for LGBT rights and was met with exuberant celebrations. The decision further enhanced Taiwan's image as a leader in human rights and progressive societal change, drawing international attention to its commitment to equality and diversity.