The period from 1874 to the end of the Qing rule in Taiwan was marked by significant efforts to exert control over the island and modernize it. Following Japan's temporary invasion in 1874, the Qing administration aimed to strengthen its hold over Taiwan, especially in the territories inhabited by aborigines. Infrastructure projects, including mountain roads and telegraph lines, were initiated, and aboriginal tribes were formally brought under Qing rule. Despite these efforts, the Qing faced challenges such as the Sino-French War, which saw the French temporarily occupying parts of Taiwan.

Taiwan underwent various changes in governance and infrastructure under Qing rule. Liu Mingchuan, the Taiwan defense commissioner, was particularly active in modernization efforts, including the introduction of electric lighting, railways, and industrial machinery. However, these efforts met with limited success and drew criticism for their high costs relative to their benefits. Liu eventually resigned in 1891, and active colonization efforts ceased.

By the end of the Qing era, the island had around 2.5 million Chinese inhabitants concentrated in the western plains, while the mountainous areas remained largely autonomous and inhabited by aborigines. Although efforts were made to bring the aborigines under Qing control, with about 148,479 formally submitting, the cost of these efforts was high and not entirely effective. Moreover, acculturation had made significant inroads, eroding the cultural and land ownership status of the plains aborigines.