Best of Each Month in Taipei: A Month-by-Month Guide
In the blink of an eye, 2018 is going to come to an end. How’s your 2018? Have you been to wherever you want to go? If the answer is no, don’t be too upset. Here, MyProguide is going to tell you what to expect in Taiwan next year. Moreover, in November, Fodor’s Travel the […]
Taipei has something to celebrate in every season, and Taipei keeps showing up on travel “go lists” around the world. Wondering when to visit, or what is going on while you are here? Here, MyProGuide shares the highlights of each month in and around Taipei. Note that many Taiwanese festivals follow the lunar calendar, so their dates move a little every year — check the exact dates before you plan your trip!
January–February: Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year falls in late January or February, and I’d like to call it the happiest time of the year. All family members get together to have a feast, play Mahjong or poker cards and set off firecrackers. The favorite place people like to hang out during Chinese New Year is New Year Street, where you can feel the festival vibe and buy lots of traditional snacks.
New Year Market – where you really feel the new year’s vibe
Top 5 things to do in Dadaocheng
February–March: Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, usually in February or early March. There will be lantern carnivals, where a wide variety of lanterns will be shown to the public, around Taiwan. Besides, the most exciting thing is to enjoy the breathtaking fireworks with a bright moon.
Jiufen – the golden town
Shifen old street & sky lanterns
February–April: Flower Season
With the spring approaching, mountains become green and flowers blossom. One of the best places to appreciate flowers is Yangmingshan Flower Festival, where MyProGuide promises you would be stunned by the scene forming by countless kinds of blossoms.
April–May: Tung Blossom Season
In late spring, the white tung blossoms fall like “May snow” along the mountain trails of northern Taiwan, especially in Hakka areas such as Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli. The Hakka Tung Blossom Festival is held around this time every year, with hikes, music and Hakka food. Doesn’t it sound lovely?
May–June: Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month, usually in late May or June. During this ancient festival, the elders in our family always pack delicious rice dumplings, also called “Zongzi” in Chinese, for us. After finishing Zongzi, take a walk to the riverside park in Taipei for dragon boat race. Don’t forget to cheer for the contestant!
May–June: Bluefin Tuna Season in Pingtung
As an island, Taiwan is famous for its seafood. Every year around May and June, Pacific bluefin tuna migrate through the waters off Pingtung, and Donggang holds its Bluefin Tuna Cultural Tourism Festival. Countless foodies come for the fresh tuna, and there are many related activities you won’t want to miss!
Summer: Fulong International Sand Sculpture Art Festival
Fulong is selected as the best place to make sand sculptures in Taiwan, and every year, usually from spring into summer, local and international sand sculpting artists come here to create their works. Welcome to appreciate the art of sand!
August: Chinese Valentine’s Day
Chinese Valentine’s Day (Qixi) falls on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, usually in August. Same as Valentine’s Day, it is the couples’ day. This day, couples love to visit the couple bridge with the light show. If you are single, don’t be upset too early. You can also enjoy the events held around the city.
September–October: Moon Festival
The Moon (Mid-Autumn) Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in September or early October. When it comes to Moon Festival, eating moon cakes and having a barbecue feast is a necessity. But do you know where is the best place to watch the big bright moon? I will advise you the Sun Moon Lake and Mt. Ali.
October: Double Tenth Day
October 10 is Taiwan’s National Day, and people wake up early to join the Flag Raising Ceremony right in front of the Presidential Square in Taipei. If you are curious about this activity, please don’t hesitate to visit!
November: Best weather for hiking
In Taiwan, November brings cooler and drier autumn weather, so it’s one of the best months to embrace nature! Hiking and cycling are absolutely the great choices. No matter beside Thousand Island Lake or along Bali Left Bank Riverside, I promise you could totally relieve your tension from daily life.
6 wondrous Taiwan hiking trails
December: Christmas
No matter in Taiwan or in the U.S.A., people love Christmas Day, which brings warmth and brightness in such a freezing winter. Christmasland in New Taipei City, held around Banqiao every year from about mid-November to early January, has become a MUST-GO. The walkways decorated with twinkling lights win everyone’s heart. If you have never been, put it on your list! Want a local to show you the city in any month? Find a Taipei guide on MyProGuide or browse our Taiwan tours.
Cover photo: Pascal Terjan, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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