There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Taipei each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1: New Year's Day (national) January or February: Chinese New Year (national)For three days, celebrations involve merrymaking and entertainment of many kinds, both at home with family members and outside in the streets of Taipei: firecrackers to ward off evil spirits and demons, fireworks, etc. No effort is spared to celebrate the start of the new lunar year in style.
February or March, depending on the lunar month: Lantern Festival (Yuanxiaojie, national)Around the 15th day after the Chinese New Year, festivities mainly take place around the Chiang Kai-shek memorial, but have spread through the entire island over the years. Colourful paper lanterns line the streets of Taipei on this day. Children and adults parade through the city carrying long bamboo poles hung with smaller lanterns.
May 1: Labour Day (national) May, depending on the lunar month: Buddha's anniversary (national)In Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, on the 8th day of the 4th lunar month, the faithful celebrate the birth of Buddha. Processions carry statues and crowds gather around temples, as Buddha's images are being submerged.
September or October – Fifteenth day : Mid-Autumn Festival (Zhongqiujie, national)Also known as the Moon Festival, it takes place on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the day in the year when the moon is particularly round and bright, a symbol of unity and familial happiness. The main feature of this traditional celebration is the sharing of cakes with family and friends.
October 10: National Day (national)Known as “Double-Ten”, this holiday celebrates the anniversary of the October 10th, 1911 uprising that brought forward the fall of the Qing dynasty and the end of the Empire. A military parade takes place in front of the presidential building, as well as popular dances, acrobatics, martial arts displays and traditional dance performances on the streets of Taipei.
December 25: Christmas (national)| Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13/55 | 18/64 | 24/0.9 | Good period to go
|
| February | 13/55 | 18/64 | 36/1.4 | Good period to go
|
| March | 15/59 | 20/68 | 55/2.2 | Good period to go
|
| April | 19/66 | 24/75 | 57/2.3 | Good period to go
|
| May | 22/72 | 27/81 | 111/4.4 | Not the best period to go |
| June | 25/77 | 30/86 | 100/3.9 | Not the best period to go |
| July | 26/79 | 32/90 | 63/2.5 | Not the best period to go |
| August | 26/79 | 32/90 | 81/3.2 | Not the best period to go |
| September | 24/75 | 30/86 | 91/3.6 | Not the best period to go |
| October | 22/72 | 27/81 | 68/2.7 | Good period to go
|
| November | 18/64 | 23/73 | 31/1.2 | Good period to go
|
| December | 15/59 | 20/68 | 22/0.8 | Good period to go
|
The Taiwan-Taoyuan International Airport is located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) west of Taipei, in the Taoyuan district.
Taiwan's main industrial centre, Taipei is very well connected with public transportation. Railroad, metro and bus lines allow you to easily visit Taipei and also get around the entire island.
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the city's underground train system, connecting most tourist areas, and generally the best option to get around. Tickets can be purchased in train stations at the various ATMs. Prices range from TWD 20 to TWD 65 according to the destination. You can purchase city passes for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days (from TWD 180 to TWD 700). The EasyCard can be used for metro and bus. It can be recharged in metro stations and convenience stores, and happens to be a practical solution for travellers staying for several days.
Cheap way to get around, buses can also be difficult to use for foreigners, as signage is entirely in Chinese. TWD 15 for a single trip in Taipei.
Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap in Taipei, using various price fares: daytime, nighttime from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., luggage service… Vehicles are generally equipped with a meter. However, since drivers rarely speak English, it is best advised to show them your destination in written Chinese form. There is an initial charge of TWD 70, to which you add TWD 25 per kilometre.
Driving in Taipei may be complicated for newcomers: heavy traffic, difficulties to find a parking spot, closeness with bikes and scooters. However, cars are an excellent way to get around the rest of Taiwan. Please note: you will need a valid international driver's license in Taiwan.
The city of Taipei has developed a large network of bike lanes, and it is easy to safely move around town. YouBike, an easy to use self-service bike rental system, has been set up. You will find multiple stations spread around the city. TWD 20 per hour. For more information, please visit https://taipei.youbike.com.tw/station/map
Upon your arrival in Taipei, you can get in touch with local tourism professionals for further information and to help organise your stay.
Visitor information centresOffer practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).
All over the island, the visitor information centres will offer information and recommendations for your stay in Taipei. Listed below are the main addresses:
Website: www.travel.taipei/en
Taiwan Tourism BureauTaiwan's official tourism provides a wealth of information on Taipei.
Website: https://www.taiwan.gov.tw/content_12.php
The currency used in Taipei is the New Taiwan Dollar (TWD).
EUR 1 = TWD 33,36
TWD 1 = EUR 0,03
The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.
See your doctor before you travel. It is recommended that you obtain insurance covering health care expenses as well as medical evacuation or repatriation before you leave home. Taipei counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
Upon arrival at the Taiwan-Taoyuan International Airport, thermal sensors check your temperature. If it is considered high, you may be requested to step aside for secondary screening.
Except for citizens and nationals of certain countries, a visa is required to enter and stay in Taiwan.
For further information, visit the website of the Taiwan Immigration Department: https://www.immigration.gov.tw/5475/
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Taipei, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Here are a few basic Chinese phrases that will make your stay in Taipei a little easier:
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Nǐ hǎo
Good evening: Wǎnshàng hǎo
Goodbye: Zàijiàn
Yes: Shì
No: Bùshì
No, thank you: Bù, xièxiè
Thank you very much: Fēicháng gǎnxiè
Please: Qǐng
I don't understand: Wǒ bù míngbái
Could you repeat ?: Máfan nín zài chóngfù yībiàn
What time is it ?: Qǐngwèn xiànzài jǐ diǎn ?
Sorry / Excuse me: Bù hǎoyìsi
Airport: Jīchǎng
Train station: Huǒchē zhàn
Taxi: Jìchéngchē
Hotel: Jiǔdiàn
Hospital: Yīyuàn
Bank: Yínháng
Telephone: Diànhuà
I'm (…): Wǒ shì (…).
I'm looking for (…): Wǒ zhǎo (…).
How much is (…)?: Qǐngwèn duōshǎo qián (…) ?
Do you have (…)?: Qǐngwèn nín yǒu ma (…) ?
Where can I find (…)?: Qǐngwèn nǎlǐ kěyǐ zhǎodào (…) ?
Where can I buy (…)?: Qǐngwèn nǎlǐ kěyǐ mǎi dào (...) ?
I'd like (…): Wǒ xīwàng (…).
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Taipei's restaurants and cafés. On the other hand, it is quite common to thank tour guides and drivers by offering a small gratuity. Of course, the amount you choose to give is entirely up to you.
