In the early 17th century, Chen Di visited Taiwan during an expedition against the Wokou pirates.^[21] Following a confrontation, General Shen of Wuyu overcame the pirates, and the indigenous chieftain Damila offered gifts in gratitude.^[22] Chen meticulously documented his observations in Dongfanji (An Account of the Eastern Barbarians),^[23] providing insights into Taiwan's indigenous inhabitants and their way of life.

Chen described the indigenous people, known as the Eastern Barbarians, as residing in various regions of Taiwan such as Wanggang, Dayuan, and Yaogang. These communities, ranging from 500 to 1000 individuals, lacked a centralized leadership, often respecting and following the individual with the most offspring. The inhabitants were athletic and swift, capable of running vast distances at horse-like speeds. They settled disputes through agreed-upon combat, practicing headhunting,^[24] and dealt with thieves through public execution.^[25]

The region's climate was warm, leading the locals to wear minimal clothing. Men sported short hair and pierced ears, while women kept their hair long and adorned their teeth. Notably, the women were hardworking and the primary breadwinners, while the men tended to be idle.^[25] The indigenous people lacked a formal calendar system, resulting in them losing track of time and their ages.^[24]

Their dwellings were constructed from bamboo and thatch, materials abundant in the region. Tribal communities had a "common-house" for unmarried males, which also served as a meeting point for discussions. Marriage customs were unique; upon choosing a partner, a boy would gift agate beads to the girl of interest. Acceptance of the gift would lead to musical courtship, followed by the boy moving in with the girl's family post-marriage, a reason why daughters were more favored.

Agriculturally, the natives practiced slash-and-burn farming. They cultivated crops such as soya bean, lentil, and sesame, and enjoyed a variety of vegetables and fruits, including sweet potatoes, citron, and sugarcane. Their rice was described as superior in taste and length compared to what Chen was familiar with. Banquets involved drinking liquor made from fermented rice and herbs, accompanied by song and dance.^[26] Their diet included deer and pig meat but excluded chicken,^[27] and they engaged in hunting using bamboo and iron spears.

Interestingly, despite being island inhabitants, they did not venture into the sea, limiting their fishing to small streams. Historically, during the Yongle period, the famous explorer Zheng He tried to establish contact with these indigenous tribes, but they remained elusive. By the 1560s, after attacks from the Wokou pirates, the indigenous tribes began interacting with China. Chinese traders from various harbors established trade links, exchanging goods for deer products. The indigenous people treasured items like Chinese clothing, wearing them only during trade interactions. Chen, reflecting on their lifestyle, appreciated their simplicity and contentment.