Taiwan Holiday Travel Guide: It’s More Fun When You Dodge the Crowds! Must-Know Tips Before You Visit

Taiwan Holidays: Guide to Taiwan’s Major Public Holidays

Most of Taiwan’s public holidays are tied to traditional culture and history. Some follow the lunar calendar, so dates vary slightly each year. Below are the key holidays foreign travelers should pay the closest attention to when planning a trip to Taiwan.

Lunar New Year (Spring Festival)

Lunar New Year is the most important celebration of the year in Taiwan, typically falling on the first day of the lunar year (around late January or early February). People return to their hometowns, creating a massive wave of travel. Train and high-speed rail tickets sell out the moment bookings open, and accommodations fill up quickly. At the same time, it’s the best season to experience Taiwanese culture: many temples host blessing ceremonies, and red lanterns hang along streets and alleys, filling the air with a festive spirit. If you choose to visit during this period, plan transportation well in advance and try joining a local reunion dinner or “Welcoming the God of Wealth” activity for a rare cultural experience.

228 Peace Memorial Day

Peace Memorial Day is an important public holiday in Taiwan, observed annually on February 28. It commemorates the “228 Incident” of 1947, which had a profound impact on Taiwan’s history and symbolizes the development of democracy and human rights. This holiday often creates a 3-day long weekend, and many people travel, so popular attractions and transportation systems may become crowded. If you plan to visit during this time, be sure to book accommodations and transportation tickets in advance.

Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qingming Festival) & Dragon Boat Festival

Tomb-Sweeping Day usually falls in early April, when people return to their hometowns to tend ancestral graves. Some routes experience heavy traffic. While attractions are not overly crowded during this period, do pay attention to road conditions. Dragon Boat Festival arrives on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month (around June), best known for dragon boat races and eating zongzi (rice dumplings). Lively races take place across Taiwan and are great for travelers to experience. If you want to watch, Taipei, Greater Taichung, and Kaohsiung typically host the largest events.

Mid-Autumn Festival & National Day

Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month (around September–October). People in Taiwan like to barbecue and enjoy mooncakes and pomelos. If you visit during Mid-Autumn, you’ll smell barbecue along entire streets and find a strong moon-viewing atmosphere at night. National Day is on October 10, with large-scale ceremonies and performances in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei, attracting many visitors. It’s an excellent time to observe Taiwan’s culture and public spirit.

For Official Announcements See the Calendar of the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration (DGPA)

If you want the most accurate holiday dates for Taiwan, refer to the annual calendar published by the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration. Each year, the official calendar is released around mid-year for the following year, covering all national holidays and make-up work/leave arrangements with detailed date planning.

Overview of Taiwan’s Public Holidays in 2025

Overview of Taiwan’s Public Holidays in 2026

Travel Challenges During Taiwan’s Long Weekends

For foreign travelers, Taiwan’s long weekends aren’t just “days off”—they’re peak crowd periods. The most common issues include:

Crowds and Packed Hotspots

Popular destinations like Jiufen, Sun Moon Lake, and Alishan are packed during long weekends. You might spend hours in line for a single snack, or find every photo you take filled with people in the background.

Higher Prices for Hotels and Transportation

Hotel prices rise significantly during long weekends, especially in hotspots like Taipei, Hualien, and Kenting. Train and HSR tickets sell out as soon as sales open. If you book late, it’s almost impossible to find ideal options. Especially for the HSR—don’t try your luck during long weekends. Locals start snapping up tickets as early as 29 days before departure, and trains can be standing-room-only.

Changes in Restaurant and Store Hours

While large department stores and chain restaurants mostly operate as usual, some food stalls and local eateries may close for the holidays. Travelers who aren’t prepared may arrive to find places shut. This is particularly true during Lunar New Year—many Google Maps hours are only for reference.

How Can Foreign Travelers Avoid Taiwan’s Holiday Crowds?

Although holidays can pose challenges, with a bit of planning you can still enjoy a smooth trip. Here are some tips:

Visit on Weekdays or in the Off-Season

Weekday travel in Taiwan is far more relaxed than during long weekends. At classics like the National Palace Museum, Jiufen, and Sun Moon Lake, you can take your time to explore and take photos. We suggest avoiding Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival and coming on weekdays in spring or fall. Even better, weekday hotel rates are much cheaper—an editor-approved money saver!

Book Accommodations and Transport Early

If your trip overlaps with a national long weekend, calculate the ticket sales date and secure hotels and HSR seats as early as possible. Many international visitors overlook this and end up with only overpriced hotels—or no train tickets at all. (If you can’t get tickets, tripool’s custom charter service can still solve your transport needs!)

Explore Underrated Spots or Local Experiences

Instead of squeezing into Jiufen Old Street, consider Tainan’s historic quarters, small villages in Alishan, Chiayi, or coastal towns in Hualien and Taitung. These places better capture Taiwan’s slow-living vibe and are less crowded. Taiwan has plenty of people—so on holidays, try some non-mainstream destinations for a different flavor.

Smart Ways to Make the Most of Taiwan’s Holidays

1. Join Traditional Festivals (e.g., Lantern Festival): Taiwan hosts large-scale Lantern Festival events every year, featuring a main lantern several stories high, traditional lantern displays, and modern light shows—truly spectacular. In the south, don’t miss Yanshui Beehive Fireworks and Bombing of Lord Handan. These are must-see experiences for international visitors.
   

2. Watch Temple Fairs and Folk Performances: Temples across Taiwan host lively processions and performances during festivals, such as Mazu pilgrimage processions or dragon and lion dances. These events offer deeper insight into local folk beliefs.

3. Taste Night-Market Favorites and Holiday-Only Treats: Night markets are even livelier during holidays. Enjoy New Year’s rice cakes during Lunar New Year, mooncakes and barbecues for Mid-Autumn, and zongzi for Dragon Boat Festival. It’s the perfect chance to sample Taiwan’s seasonal food culture all at once.

RTR Editor’s Picks: What to Do If You Hit a Taiwan Long Weekend

Use tripool chartered cars to dodge the crowds

While Taiwan’s public transport is convenient, it can be packed during long weekends. tripool’s private car service lets you design your schedule freely, without worrying about sold-out tickets or standing-room-only trains. It’s especially suitable for families or groups of friends traveling together.

Local travel ideas for seasoned explorers

If your visit coincides with a holiday, choose lesser-known spots or go deeper. Consider a sunrise at Hehuanshan in Nantou, hidden coastal gems in Taitung, or hot-spring towns in Yilan. You’ll avoid the crowds and experience Taiwan at its most authentic.

✈️ In Summary: For foreign travelers, understanding Taiwan’s holidays helps you avoid hassles and unlock the most authentic cultural experiences. Whether you want to steer clear of crowds or dive into the festive energy, you can craft your perfect journey.