Sun Moon Lake Swimming Carnival
Usually around mid-Autumn Festival, The impressive Sun Moon Lake is Taiwan’s largest freshwater lake and a must-visit destination for many tourists that come to the island. However, while swimming is usually prohibited, the waters are open for one day of the year when one of the world’s largest swimming festivals takes place. Anyone over 10 years of age and who is a capable swimmer can enter and try to complete the 3,000m course. There are plenty of lifeguards on hand to make sure everyone is safe and it’s an interesting way to take in the beauty of Sun Moon Lake. Be warned though, accommodation may be hard to come by during the carnival.
Moon Festival
Also known as the mid-Autumn Festival, this is a traditional holiday that is also a public holiday. There are many customs and traditions associated with the day, chief of which is the eating of both moon cakes and pomelos. There’s a more recent tradition of enjoying a barbecue that evening under the full moon. Although it has commercial roots, it’s a tradition that brings families and friends together for this holiday.
Double Ten Day
Double Ten Day is the national holiday on which everyone celebrates all things Taiwan. It’s a day for enjoying the parade in front of the Presidential Palace and no, despite what you might think, the entire island does not grind to a halt. In fact, it’s one of the busiest days of the year for both shopping and dining out. The government will sometimes arrange fireworks displays but they don’t happen every year. However, there’s always something interesting going on in one of the city’s many bars and music venues.
Yunlin International Puppets Arts Festival
Early October Puppetry has a long and storied history here in Taiwan and it’s only fitting that one of the world’s most renowned festivals of traditional puppetry would take place here. Since its inception in 1999, Yunlin International Puppets Arts Festival has built itself a reputation as a stage for some of the world’s most talented puppeteers to showcase their work. Here you can enjoy shows and exhibitions that explain the history of the craft and give you a taste of what life was like back when puppetry was the main form of entertainment on the island.