April is the perfect time to explore Taiwan, as spring is in full bloom! While we’ve previously shared the best flower-viewing spots in Taiwan, this time, we’re diving into unique experiences and must-do activities that make Taiwan in April an unforgettable destination.
One of the biggest events of the month is the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage—more than just a religious tradition, it’s a vibrant cultural festival that attracts visitors from around the world. If you love the outdoors, the mild spring weather in central and southern Taiwan makes it a great time for beach camping by the coast or cycling along Taiwan’s scenic coastal routes. And for food lovers, don’t leave without trying spring bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy that’s at its freshest in April!
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Things to Do in Taiwan in April
Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage (Festival)
Date: Lunar March (usually in April or May)
Mazu, the most revered sea goddess in Taiwan, is believed to calm storms and protect sailors from maritime dangers. Given Taiwan’s close connection to the ocean, Mazu worship is deeply ingrained in local culture. Today, she is seen as a guardian deity, bringing peace and blessings to her followers.
The Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, known as “Taiwan’s largest religious festival,” is an awe-inspiring event lasting nine days and eight nights, covering over 300 kilometers on foot. The journey begins at Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung and passes through Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, and Chiayi. This pilgrimage serves both as an expression of gratitude for Mazu’s blessings and as a way to seek good fortune. Every stop along the route is filled with lively celebrations, making it a must-see cultural experience.
One of the most unique aspects of this pilgrimage is the hospitality of locals along the route. Many households and businesses provide free meals, drinks, and even protective talismans to participants, welcoming both devoted followers and curious travelers. The event also features traditional performances, including dragon and lion dances, martial arts troupes, and elaborately costumed performers, adding to the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
How to Join the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage
Walk with the Pilgrimage: For the most immersive experience, consider joining part of the journey. Various rest stops along the route offer free food, drinks, and even medical assistance. For a unique experience, try walking at night, when the atmosphere is quieter and more spiritual.
If you want to experience the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage without the hassle of planning, I will recommend to
join a guided day tour from Taipei to get convenient transportation, expert insights, and front-row access to this incredible cultural event!
Whether you’re interested in the festival’s deep-rooted history or just want to soak in the lively atmosphere, this tour is the best way to experience Taiwan’s most famous religious procession.
Watch from Key Locations: If you prefer to observe, Dajia Jenn Lann Temple is the best place to witness the grand departure ceremony. Another major highlight is the arrival at Beigang Chaotian Temple, where you can watch the pilgrimage’s welcome procession and enjoy local folk performances.
Enjoy Scenic Cycling in Taiwan
April is the perfect month for cycling in Taiwan—warm but not too hot, making it an ideal time to hit the bike trails. Many people even take on the challenge of cycling around the entire island during this season! Of course, not every ride has to be a hardcore endurance test. Whether you’re a casual rider, a family looking for a fun outing, or a seasoned road cyclist, Taiwan has something for everyone.
This guide focuses on leisure-friendly cycling routes, all under two hours, with well-paved, easy-to-ride paths that let you soak in stunning scenery at a relaxed pace. Plus, bike rentals are hassle-free—tourists can rent a YouBike or find bike rental shops at major attractions. (Check out Ultimate Taiwan Travel Guide: 10 Types of Taiwan Transportation and How to Use Them for a step-by-step YouBike rental guide!)
Top 5 Leisure Cycling Routes in Taiwan
1. Liyu Lake Cycling Path (Hualien East Rift Valley)
A scenic 5 km loop around Liyu Lake, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains. The fresh air and tranquil views make it a perfect ride for families.
- Location: Shoufeng Township, Hualien
- Route Condition: Flat, spacious, and kid-friendly. E-bike rentals are also available for extra ease.
2. Taitung Forest Park – Black Forest Cycling Trail
A 6 km path winding through lush greenery, including the famous “Black Forest” (a mesmerizing grove of Casuarina trees). The dense shade keeps the ride cool and refreshing. Along the way, you’ll pass beautiful lakes like Pipa Lake and Huoshui Lake.
- Location: Taitung Forest Park, Taitung City
- Route Condition: Smooth and beginner-friendly—perfect for families with kids.
3. Qixingtan (Chihsingtan) Coastal Cycling Path
This 5 km route runs along Taiwan’s stunning east coast, offering breathtaking ocean views and pebble beaches. It’s also a great spot for kids to explore nature, fly kites, or just play by the shore.
- Location: Xincheng Township, Hualien
- Route Condition: Well-maintained and fully paved with a designated bike lane—safe and stress-free for young riders.
4. Meinong Dongmen Creek Bike Trail (Kaohsiung)
A peaceful 4.5 km countryside route passing through rice fields, Hakka villages, and the scenic Dongmen Creek. If you visit in spring, you’ll also see golden fields of blooming rapeseed flowers!
- Location: Meinong District, Kaohsiung
- Route Condition: Quiet, smooth, and great for families, with multiple rest stops along the way.
5. Anping Coastal Cycling Path (Tainan)
Starting from Anping Old Street, this 5 km ride takes you along the coast, letting you enjoy sea breezes, open ocean views, and a stunning sunset at the Guanxi Viewing Platform. You can even extend your ride to Sicao Wetlands for a glimpse of the lush mangrove forests.
- Location: Anping District, Tainan
- Route Condition: Mostly flat with some shaded areas—ideal for sightseeing and photography.
When cycling with kids, it’s recommended to equip them with helmets and other safety gear to ensure a safer ride. Plan your ride for the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat, and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. These easy and scenic cycling routes are perfect for families and casual riders looking to enjoy Taiwan’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace.
Coastal Camping in Southern & Eastern Taiwan
Taiwan’s southern and eastern coastlines are a paradise for outdoor lovers, offering breathtaking scenery and unforgettable camping experiences. The best time to camp? Spring (March–May) and Fall (September–November)—with pleasant weather and stunning landscapes.
In the south, spots like Baisha Bay and Longpan Grassland in Kenting are top choices. Spring brings sunny skies and gentle waves, perfect for relaxing, while fall is ideal for stargazing and photography. Over on the east coast, Shitiping and Sanxiantai attract campers with their dramatic coastal rock formations and peaceful ocean views.
When camping, consider the weather and gear. April is ideal for the south, as summer is hot and stormy, while the east coast can be windy, so pack warm layers. Bring a wind-resistant tent, water, and light cooking gear, and stay eco-friendly for a more enjoyable trip!
More details in Ultimate Guide to Camping in Taiwan: 13 Best Locations, Packing Tips, and Everything You Need for a Memorable Experience
Best Coastal Camping Spots in Southern Taiwan
1. Baisha Camping Area (Kenting)
Just minutes from Baisha Bay’s white sandy beach, this spot is perfect for seaside camping and stargazing. Spend your day surfing or swimming, then enjoy the night under a sky full of stars.
- Location: Baisha Village, Hengchun Township, Pingtung
- Facilities: Tent rentals, electricity, showers, restrooms.
2. Jialeshui Camping Area
Nestled within the Jialeshui Scenic Area, this spot offers coastal rock formations, hiking trails, and adventure routes.
- Location: Near Jialeshui Scenic Area, Manzhou Township, Pingtung
- Facilities: Basic showers and restrooms, best for car campers.
3. Longpan Grassland Camping
A vast, open grassland with zero light pollution, making it one of the best spots for stargazing. Located along the dramatic East Coast cliffs, the views are unbeatable.
- Location: Longpan Grassland, Hengchun Township, Pingtung
- Facilities: No facilities—bring your own camping gear for a raw, immersive experience.
Best Coastal Camping Spots in Eastern Taiwan
1. Shitiping Camping Area
Camp right next to a geological wonderland, surrounded by coastal rock formations and the vast Pacific Ocean.
- Location: Shitiping, Fengbin Township, Hualien
- Facilities: Public restrooms, BBQ areas, parking, tent rentals.
2. Chenggong Fishing Harbor Camping
A unique harbor-side camping experience where you can explore a quaint east coast fishing village during the day and enjoy the quiet seaside vibes at night.
- Location: Near Chenggong Fishing Harbor, Taitung
- Facilities: Basic camping facilities, with local shops nearby for supplies.
3. Sanxiantai Camping Area
Camp right by the famous Sanxiantai Arch Bridge, with unobstructed ocean views and gorgeous sunrise scenery.
- Location: Sanxiantai Scenic Area, Chenggong Township, Taitung
- Facilities: Minimal facilities—bring your own gear.
4. Dulan Coastal Camping
Near the artsy Dulan Village, this site offers a mix of beachside tranquility and cultural experiences. Enjoy the laid-back vibe while camping with a front-row seat to the ocean.
- Location: Dulan Coast, Donghe Township, Taitung
- Facilities: Basic facilities; you can also join local craft workshops in Dulan.
Spring Bamboo Shoots: A Seasonal Delicacy in Taiwan
From March to May, Taiwan’s spring bamboo shoots are at their peak—crisp, sweet, and incredibly juicy. This seasonal delicacy is a must-try for food lovers, as it’s also one of the most iconic ingredients in Taiwanese cuisine. Thanks to Taiwan’s diverse climate and terrain, different regions produce their own unique varieties of high-quality bamboo shoots, with the most famous ones coming from Zhushan (Nantou), Sun Moon Lake, and Yangmingshan (Taipei). These bamboo shoots are prized for their tender texture and rich aroma.
How Taiwanese People Enjoy Spring Bamboo Shoots & Where to eat
The natural sweetness and versatility of bamboo shoots make them a springtime favorite in many Taiwanese dishes:
Hakka Stir-Fried Bamboo Shoots – A fragrant stir-fry with pork belly, dried tofu, and dried squid, bringing out the bamboo shoots’ natural sweetness.
Spring Bamboo Shoot Chicken Soup – A light yet flavorful soup where the sweetness of the bamboo shoots perfectly complements the richness of the chicken.
Sesame Oil Bamboo Shoots – Thinly sliced and stir-fried with sesame oil and rice wine, simple yet incredibly aromatic.
Three-Cup Bamboo Shoots – A twist on the classic three-cup chicken, featuring bamboo shoots braised in garlic, soy sauce, and basil for an irresistible umami-packed dish.
From quick home-cooked stir-fries to banquet-style delicacies, these bamboo shoot dishes are a true taste of Taiwan’s spring season.
1. Zhushan Bamboo Shoots (Nantou)
Location: Zhushan Township, Nantou
Zhushan is Taiwan’s most famous bamboo shoot-producing area, thanks to its mild climate and abundant rainfall. The bamboo shoots here are naturally sweet and extra crunchy, making them a favorite for dishes like bamboo shoot chicken soup and three-cup bamboo shoots.
Every spring, the Zhushan Bamboo Shoot Festival draws visitors who want to taste fresh bamboo shoot dishes and even try harvesting their own. The experience involves heading into bamboo forests or farms—mostly flat farmland, but you’ll still need comfortable outdoor clothing. If you’re not a fan of outdoor activities, this might not be the best choice for you.
2. Yangmingshan Bamboo Shoots (Taipei)
Location: Yangmingshan National Park, Taipei
What makes Yangmingshan’s bamboo shoots special? They grow in volcanic soil rich in minerals, which gives them an even more delicate and tender texture. These bamboo shoots are perfect for stir-frying or making soups, bringing out their naturally sweet flavor.
Many farm-to-table restaurants around Yangmingshan offer bamboo shoot picking and cooking experiences, where visitors can harvest fresh bamboo shoots and learn to cook them the traditional way—a great way to enjoy authentic Taiwanese farmhouse cuisine.
Tips:
- Spring bamboo shoot picking requires advance booking—contact local farmers or join spring bamboo shoot festivals.
- To prepare fresh bamboo shoots, peel and blanch them to remove oxalic acid and bitterness for a crisper, sweeter taste.
Spring Scream Music Festival / Taiwan Festival
📅 Time: Spring (usually early April)
“Spring Scream” is one of Taiwan’s biggest outdoor music festivals, held in Kenting every spring. Although it was discontinued after the pandemic, it has since been rebranded as “Taiwan Festival”, keeping the same spirit and vibe. The event brings together local and international artists, along with indie and underground bands, creating a free-spirited, rock-and-roll atmosphere that young music lovers adore. Many well-known bands and artists actually got their start here! So if you’re into discovering the next big thing, or just love the energy of a festival by the beach, this is definitely worth checking out.
If you’re planning to go, get your tickets early—popular shows sell out fast! Keep an eye on the official website and ticket platforms for updates. As for transportation, it depends on where you’re coming from. If you’re traveling from northern Taiwan, take the high-speed rail to Zuoying Station, then hop on Bus 9189 to Kenting. If you’re coming from a regular train station, Buses 9188 or 9117 will get you there.
A few festival tips: bring sunscreen, a raincoat, and a portable chair—the weather can be unpredictable, and packing light makes everything more enjoyable. Before you go, check out the festival schedule, pick a few must-see acts, and leave some time to just wander around and soak up the atmosphere.
Check out the details via the Official Website !
Summary for Taiwan in April
With pleasant weather and exciting events, April is one of the best months to experience Taiwan. Whether you’re here for the music, food, or culture, there’s always something happening.
Quick tip: If you’re traveling to southern Taiwan, winter and early spring are the best times to visit. From June to September, the heat can be intense, making outdoor activities less enjoyable. If you’re heading south during summer, stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and plan more indoor activities to beat the heat!
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