The research presented in this paper is relevant because of the growing interest in studying the history and ethnography of Mainland China and Taiwan, especially given strained relations between them, debates around their common ethnic roots, and an increasingly large number of Chinese studies suggesting that both countries have a common history. Some questions about the origins, everyday life and traditions of Taiwanese indigenous peoples can be answered by studying the Chinese historical and ethnographic woodblock book Illustrated Tributaries of the Qing Dynasty (Huang Qing zhi gong tu) dating back to the second half of the XVIII century. One of the volumes (juans) comprising this book tells about the indigenous peoples living in Taiwan at the time when Huang Qing zhi gong tu was compiled. The analysis of this source gives an idea of these peoples’ appearance, way of life and traditions; it also provides insight into Qing imperial court’s attitude towards the “eastern barbarians” (as Taiwanese inhabitants w