Central Taiwan Events

Central Taiwan hosts the largest religious event in the country and a calendar shaped by the mountains.

The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage — third lunar month, usually March or April

The single biggest event in Taiwan and one of the largest religious processions anywhere. The palanquin of the sea goddess Mazu leaves Jenn Lann Temple in Dajia and travels roughly 340 kilometres over nine days and eight nights, visiting scores of temples through Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin and Chiayi before returning. Millions take part at some stage. Households along the route set up tables and feed every passing pilgrim without charge, firecrackers are set off continuously, performance troupes and spirit mediums accompany the palanquin, and believers kneel in the road so it passes over them. The departure time is decided by divination and is often after midnight. It is listed as national heritage and is genuinely extraordinary to witness, though it is crowded, loud and exhausting.

Alishan cherry blossom — March and April

The forest recreation area’s Yoshino cherries, planted in the Japanese period, bloom for a few weeks and fill every train and hotel. Book far ahead or visit midweek.

Lantern and harvest festivals

Lukang holds a major Lantern Festival in the first lunar month, reflecting its lantern-making trade. Bunun communities hold the ear-shooting festival in April, and the millet harvest rituals through the summer, which are community events rather than public spectacles.

Sun Moon Lake swim — September

An annual mass open-water crossing of the lake, with tens of thousands of swimmers, on the only day of the year swimming is permitted there.