In 1863, British adventurer William Alexander Pickering arrived in Taiwan to explore its unknown regions. In his memoir “Pioneering in Formosa”, Pickering said he was especially impressed by bamboo rafts, which, although appearing fragile, were actually sturdy and safe. Propelled by paddles or small sails, the rafts were constructed from bamboo that once grew all over the island. They were an important means of crossing rivers, making them the equivalent of 19th-century water taxis. 

We welcome you to visit the Evergreen Maritime Museum and see for yourself an example of the Formosan bamboo raft that impressed Pickering so much.