Taipei was first designated as capital in 1875. At that time, Taipei Basin was part of Tamsui County in Taipei Capital. After the 1949 great retreat, Taipei city was then designated as provincial city under Taiwan Providence. In 1990, Taipei City administrative districts were consolidated from the original 16 districts into 12 districts
Having witnessed several ethnic amalgamations, abundant historical relics and diverse city view can be seen in Taipei. Taiwan has gone through five eras. Pingpu aboriginals, Ketangalan dominated the initial era. Then came the Spanish and Dutch development, Qing dynasty rule, Japanese colonial rule and Nationalists retreat to Taiwan. Roaming in the streets and alleys in Taipei, the changes tell of the story of Taipei’s historical development.