Taiwan in July is insanely hot—I’m not even kidding! Last time my sister visited in July, she didn’t drink enough water and ended up with a nosebleed from the heat. Even locals struggle with the scorching temperatures, so most people avoid outdoor activities as much as possible. That’s why the best thing to do in July is to stay cool inside shopping malls! You can shop to your heart’s content, catch a movie at the in-mall cinema, or just relax at a café—basically, it’s all about chilling out.
But shopping isn’t the only thing on the agenda—July in Taiwan also brings some exciting summer-only events. If you love music and partying, don’t miss the Ocean Music Festival, a beachside event packed with live performances and great vibes. Meanwhile, travelers looking to experience local culture should check out the Indigenous Harvest Festival, a vibrant celebration of Taiwan’s indigenous communities and their traditions.
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Shopping in Taipei: Taipei 101, Xinyi District & East District
Taipei 101, Xinyi District, and East District are all located close to each other, but each has its own unique vibe. If you have time, I highly recommend checking out all three!
Taipei 101: Iconic Landmark & Observation Deck
Taipei 101 is one of Taiwan’s most famous landmarks, towering over the heart of the Xinyi shopping district. It was once the tallest building in the world, and while it has since been surpassed, it remains the most iconic skyscraper in Taipei. If you want a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, head up to the Taipei 101 Observatory—on a clear day, you can see all of Taipei’s bustling skyline from above.
Inside Taipei 101, you’ll find luxury brands, high-end boutiques, and—my top recommendation—Din Tai Fung. Their xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) are absolutely amazing and a must-try!
Xinyi District: The Ultimate Shopping & Fashion Hub
Xinyi District is Taipei’s most vibrant downtown area, surrounding Taipei 101 with a cluster of high-end shopping malls. It’s often referred to as the “yolk district”—just like how the center of a fried egg is the best part, this area is the heart of Taipei. The busiest shopping zone is between Taipei City Hall Station and Taipei 101 Station, where you’ll find luxury department stores like Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, Breeze Nanshan, and Bellavita.
What makes Xinyi even better? The pedestrian-friendly streets! The well-planned walkways make shopping here a seamless blend of style and leisure.
East District: A Mix of Trendy & Artsy Vibes
Located near Xinyi District, East District (東區) stretches around Zhongxiao East Road Section 4 and Dunhua South Road. Compared to the sleek malls of Xinyi, East District has a totally different charm—it’s all about exploring hidden gems in back alleys.
This area is packed with independent designer boutiques, unique cafés, and stylish restaurants, making it a paradise for trendsetters and fashion lovers. If you’re into discovering cool, artsy spots, this is the place to be. But since Taipei summers are ridiculously hot, I’d suggest coming here in the late afternoon or evening when it’s cooler!
Shopping in Taipei: Ximending
Ximending (西门町) is Taipei’s trendiest entertainment and shopping district. Often referred to as the “Harajuku” or “Shibuya” of Taiwan, it’s a vibrant hotspot packed with youth culture, making it the go-to destination for shopping, street performances, and nightlife.
Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of streetwear brands, anime merchandise stores, and trendy fashion boutiques. It’s also a paradise for food lovers—Ximending is lined with street food stalls offering Taiwanese snacks like big sausage wrapped in small sausage (大肠包小肠), salt & pepper fried chicken (盐酥鸡), and oyster omelet (蚵仔煎). And if you’re a bubble tea fan, don’t miss the famous tea shops like Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea (一芳台湾水果茶).
Ximending is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. The Red House (红楼剧场), one of its most iconic landmarks, preserves Taipei’s historical charm while serving as a hub for creative markets and art exhibitions. Meanwhile, Movie Street (电影街) cements Ximending’s status as Taipei’s cinema culture center.
Aside from shopping, entertainment is another highlight—karaoke bars, arcade centers, and escape rooms provide endless fun. Since Taipei’s summer days are scorching, I highly recommend visiting Ximending in the evening, when the streets come alive with street performances and bustling night markets.
Shopping in Kaohsiung: SKM Park Outlets (Taroko Park)
SKM Park Outlets (草衙道) in Kaohsiung is a massive shopping and entertainment complex that seamlessly blends retail, leisure, and dining. Covering 18 hectares, it’s an enormous space where you can easily spend an entire day—a rare sight in Taipei, where land is much more limited!
Beyond fashion, cosmetics, and home goods stores, SKM Park offers family-friendly attractions like a kids’ play area, bowling alley, baseball batting cages, and an archery range. When you need a break, the food court serves a variety of Taiwanese snacks and international cuisine, while the spacious green areas provide the perfect setting for a leisurely walk, relaxation, and photoshoots.
Suzuka Circuit Park: A Must-Visit Theme Park
One of the biggest highlights—especially for families—is the Suzuka Circuit Park, the only overseas theme park officially licensed by Japan’s famous Suzuka Circuit. It features thrilling attractions like: 🎡 Ferris wheel 🎢 Roller coaster 🏎️ Go-karts 🚗 Mini driving experiences for kids 🪂 Bungee tower
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Entry is free, but rides are individually priced, and advance reservations are available.
Address: No. 1-1, Zhong’an Rd., Qianzhen District, Kaohsiung City
Official Website
Summer Carnival – Hohaiyan Rock Festival
Time: Summer (usually in July or August)
Location: Fulong Beach, Gongliao District, New Taipei City, Taiwan
The Hohaiyan Rock Festival is one of Taiwan’s most popular summer music festivals. Alongside the Spring Scream Festival in Kenting, it creates a north-south music festival dynamic, bringing together music lovers from across the country. The festival’s name, “Hohaiyan,” originates from the language of Taiwan’s indigenous Amis tribe, meaning praise for the ocean, highlighting the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
The event features renowned rock bands and singers while also providing a platform for underground and emerging bands. This not only deepens people’s understanding of Taiwan’s local music scene but also nurtures new talent.
With a theme of freedom, youth, and passion, Hohaiyan Rock Festival seamlessly blends music, the ocean, and natural scenery, making it one of the most iconic music celebrations among young people. The performances span a variety of music genres, including rock, pop, electronic, and indie music, attracting both local Taiwanese and international bands.
Whether you come for the music or the beautiful coastal views, Hohaiyan Rock Festival offers an unforgettable summer experience. Beach + Summer + Music = The Ultimate Party!
Summer Carnival – Taiwan Beer Festival
Time: Summer (usually in July or August)
For beer enthusiasts, the Taiwan Beer Festival is the ultimate summer celebration! Major cities such as Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Taoyuan host beer festivals throughout the summer, offering visitors the chance to sample a wide variety of local craft beers, including:
🍺 The classic Taiwan Beer
🍊 Various fruit-flavored beers
🍻 Limited-edition special brews
In addition to Taiwanese beers, the festival also features imported beers from around the world, catering to every beer lover’s taste.
What’s a beer festival without great food? Expect to find stalls serving Taiwanese street food, barbecue, and seafood, creating the perfect pairing for every beer. Many beer festivals also feature live music performances, adding to the vibrant summer atmosphere!
Here are some of Taiwan’s major beer festivals. Note that dates may vary each year, so check official websites for updates before attending.
1. Taipei Tianmu Beer Festival
This festival takes place on a summer weekend and attracts beer lovers from all over to enjoy local and imported beers, delicious food, and a relaxed entertainment atmosphere.
2. Kaohsiung Beer Festival
Held over several days, this festival offers beer tastings, food stalls, and live entertainment, drawing in both locals and visitors from southern Taiwan.
3. Taoyuan Beer Festival
A grand event combining beer, music, and gourmet food, making it a must-visit for beer and food lovers alike.
4. Taichung Beer Festival
This festival blends beer tastings, street culture, and delicious food, drawing large crowds for a lively summer beer and music experience.
Summer Carnival – Indigenous Harvest Festival
Taiwan’s Indigenous Harvest Festival is a significant cultural event celebrating the harvest season and praying for blessings. Different indigenous tribes observe the festival according to their own traditions, with some hosting joint celebrations open to visitors.
However, when attending, it’s important to respect indigenous customs and avoid interrupting or disrupting the ceremonies.
1. Hualien United Harvest Festival
This is Taiwan’s largest and most representative indigenous festival, featuring the Amis, Bunun, Truku, Kavalan, Sakizaya, and Seediq tribes. The event usually spans three days, each showcasing unique tribal performances.
Beyond the traditional singing and dancing, visitors can explore indigenous crafts, specialty foods, and local produce stalls. The highlight? The Grand Circle Dance, where thousands join in a massive dance celebration—a must-try cultural experience!
photo credited from official website
2. Taitung Indigenous Harvest Festival
In contrast to Hualien’s united festival, Taitung’s Harvest Festivals are celebrated separately by different tribes. While smaller in scale, they still offer an authentic glimpse into indigenous traditions, music, and cultural practices.
Travel Tip:
Since the festival dates and locations vary, it’s best to check the latest event updates before planning your trip. Some village festivals are not open to the public, so hiring a local guide can help ensure an immersive and respectful experience.
Useful Links:
Taitung Government Facebook
Calendar of Harvest Festivals for Various Tribes
Local Guided Tours
Credit: 總統府, CC BY 2.0
Credit: 趙守彥, CC BY-NC-ND
Summer Delicacy – Taiwanese Ice Desserts
The summer heat can kill your appetite, but nothing beats a refreshing Taiwanese ice dessert! Whether you prefer traditional shaved ice or a modern café-style dessert, Taiwan has it all.
🍧 Classic Taiwanese Ice Desserts:
- Shaved Ice (剉冰): Finely crushed ice topped with red beans, green beans, taro balls, and syrups—the ultimate summer refreshment.
- Tofu Pudding Ice (豆花冰): Silky tofu pudding combined with crushed ice, sweet syrup, and beans, offering a light and refreshing treat.
- Grass Jelly Ice (仙草冰): Smooth grass jelly served with crushed ice, providing a naturally cooling sensation.
For a trendy and Instagram-worthy experience, visit one of Taiwan’s many chic dessert cafés. These beautifully designed cafés serve aesthetic and creative ice desserts, perfect for cooling off while capturing the perfect summer food shot!
Summer Delicacies – Cold Noodles
Cold noodles are a classic summer dish—refreshing and full of flavor. This dish typically consists of noodles paired with shredded cucumber, radish, egg crepe, and sometimes meat like lean pork slices or ham. Some vendors also have their own unique recipes. The sauce is usually made with a sesame or peanut base, complemented by vinegar, chili sauce, minced garlic, and sugar. This cool and delicious dish is a favorite among Taiwanese people, making it a must-try during the hot summer months.
One highly recommended spot for cold noodles is Hao Peng You Liang Mian at Shilin Night Market, which has been featured in the Michelin Bib Gourmand from 2019 to 2023. What makes their cold noodles special is the addition of lemon to the traditional sesame sauce, giving it a refreshing citrusy touch that balances the richness. You can also enhance the flavor with their special homemade sauce. Don’t forget to pair it with a bowl of Taiwanese miso soup with egg—the most popular combination!
Cold Noodle Recommendation:
📍 Shilin Night Market | Hao Peng You Liang Mian
📍 Address: No. 31, Danan Road, Shilin District, Taipei
⏰ Opening Hours: 16:30–23:30 (Closed on Thursdays)
Final Tips for Taiwan in July
If you’re visiting Taiwan in July, be sure to avoid prolonged outdoor activities between 12 PM and 2 PM—the sun is intense, and heatstroke is a real risk! Sun protection is also a must, and staying hydrated is crucial. Most importantly, listen to your body—if you start feeling unwell, take a break in a shaded area to cool down. The key to enjoying Taiwan’s vibrant energy is to stay comfortable and safe in the summer heat!
Bonus Travel Tip! Did you know that tourists can save money on shopping in Taiwan? Check out How to Get a Tourist Tax Refund After Your Trip to Taiwan: A Complete Guide to make the most of your shopping spree!
