Taiwan
Night markets, temple festivals, and the Taipei International Dragon Boat Championship
Taiwan's live events are rooted in its vibrant folk traditions — from the Lantern Festival sky lanterns and Dragon Boat races to the night markets and temple festivals that fill the calendar year-round.
Top Taiwan Events
The must-attend taiwan events for every fan
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Thousands of sky lanterns floating into the night sky — one of Asia's most magical sights
The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is one of the most magical events in Asia — held on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, thousands of sky lanterns are released simultaneously into the night sky above the mountain town of Pingxi, each carrying wishes and prayers.
Event Highlights
- Thousands of sky lanterns released simultaneously
- Wishes written on lanterns before release
- Mountain setting above Pingxi
- One of the most photographed events in Asia
- Marks the end of Chinese New Year celebrations
What to Do There
- Release a sky lantern with your wishes
- Watch the mass lantern release
- Explore Pingxi Old Street
- Visit Shifen Waterfall nearby
- Ride the Pingxi Branch Line train
Event Info
Next Event
February annually (15th day of Lunar New Year)
Location
Pingxi, New Taipei City, Taiwan
Duration
Evening event; lantern releases throughout the evening
Ticket Price
Sky lanterns: NT$150–200 (approx. £4–5); train from Taipei: NT$50
Travel Tips
- ·Arrive in Pingxi by 15:00 to secure a good spot
- ·Take the Pingxi Branch Line train from Ruifang (45 minutes from Taipei)
- ·Dress warmly — February evenings in the mountains are cold
- ·Book accommodation in Taipei (not Pingxi) and travel on the day
Taipei International Dragon Boat Championship
Taiwan's most exciting water festival — dragon boat races on the Keelung River
The Taipei International Dragon Boat Championship is one of the most competitive dragon boat racing events in Asia — held on the Keelung River in Taipei during the Dragon Boat Festival (June). Teams from across Asia compete in long, narrow boats decorated with dragon heads, paddled to the beat of a drum.
Event Highlights
- International teams from across Asia
- Dragon boats decorated with dragon heads and tails
- Racing to the beat of a drum
- Keelung River setting in central Taipei
- Traditional zongzi dumplings at the festival
What to Do There
- Watch the dragon boat races from the riverbank
- Try zongzi dumplings at the festival stalls
- Cheer for the Taiwanese teams
- Explore the riverside parks
- Combine with a visit to Shilin Night Market in the evening
Event Info
Next Event
June annually (Dragon Boat Festival — 5th day of 5th lunar month)
Location
Keelung River, Taipei
Duration
1–2 days
Ticket Price
Free to watch
Travel Tips
- ·Arrive early for the best viewing spots along the riverbank
- ·The races start in the morning — check the schedule online
- ·The festival is a public holiday in Taiwan — most businesses are closed
- ·Combine with a visit to Beitou Hot Springs for a relaxing end to the day
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