While Taiwanese history begins 5,500 years ago with Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, the past 400 years of tumultuous history have created a vibrant and modern democracy and is one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world. Today, the Amis, Atayal, Paiwan, and Bunan are the most populous indigenous ethnic groups, and their remote villages are still the gateways to Taiwan’s wilderness and mountain areas. Meanwhile, the modern and lively cities of Taiwan boast world-renowned film festivals, funky contemporary art festivals, and Michelin-starred restaurants as well as traditional markets and thousands of mom-and-pop shops and cafes. In fact it was only several years ago that Taipei City was designated World Design Capital. Temples, each worshiping different pantheons of gods, are ubiquitous, appearing everywhere from narrow fire alleys between apartment complexes to on the side of high-mountain forestry roads.