What to Do in Taiwan in October? October marks the beginning of autumn in Taiwan, bringing a welcome relief from the summer heat. The typhoon season has just ended, making it an excellent time for travel. However, with the changing seasons, the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to prepare for cooler temperatures to avoid catching a cold. While the maple leaves haven’t fully turned red by October, you might catch a glimpse of them toward the end of the month. Generally, November is the best time for enjoying the full beauty of the fall foliage, so if you are targeting this, check out this:”What to do in Nov”. Despite this seasonal transition, October offers a wealth of artistic activities, making it an unmissable season for art lovers.
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Art Tour
National Palace Museum
As the most famous museum in Taiwan, the National Palace Museum in Taipei houses a vast collection of invaluable Chinese art, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to understand Chinese culture and art. With over 698,000 priceless historical artifacts, it’s impossible to see everything in just one visit—it could take days! (However, rather than trying to see as many exhibits as possible, I recommend focusing on one or a few specific items or themes for a deeper exploration.) The museum showcases exquisite porcelain, calligraphy, paintings, jade carvings, and even rare imperial collections. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, which you can check out on its official website.
Address: No. 221, Sec 2, Zhi Shan Rd, Shilin District, Taipei City, Taiwan 111
Art Taipei
Held annually in late October at the Taipei World Trade Center (Hall 1), Art Taipei is a premier event that brings together top-notch artworks from around the world. This exhibition not only displays exceptional art but also serves as a platform for artistic exchange and market transactions. In addition to visual art, it often features performances such as music, dance, and theater, and occasionally offers free lectures. It’s a must-see for art lovers!
Official Website
Taipei Toy Festival
The Taipei Toy Festival (TTF) is a renowned exhibition for trendy toys and artistic designs, typically held in early October at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, a significant cultural hub in Taipei. This festival showcases limited-edition designer toys, action figures, and art dolls—perfect for toy collectors and those passionate about pop culture.
Official Website
Nuit Blanche
Originating from Paris, Nuit Blanche is a global art event, and Taipei hosts its own version on the first weekend of October, running all night from 6 PM to 6 AM. Over these 12 hours, the streets, parks, squares, and various cultural spaces in Taipei come alive with free art exhibitions, installations, performances, and concerts. The charm of Nuit Blanche lies in its openness and inclusiveness—visitors can freely explore different venues, enjoying a sensory feast of visual and auditory delights. It’s an excellent event for tourists, offering a chance to experience contemporary Taiwanese art and culture while taking in the unique nighttime atmosphere of the city.
Official Website
Rainbow Village
Rainbow Village, located in the Nantun District of Taichung, is a vibrant and creative village that has become a free public art attraction. Originally a military village housing soldiers and their families who had moved from mainland China, it was gradually abandoned as residents moved away. Just as the village was on the verge of being demolished, an elderly veteran named Huang Yongfu, later affectionately known as “Grandpa Rainbow,” breathed new life into the area by painting colorful murals on the walls, streets, and rooftops. What started as a hobby to pass the time quickly turned into an art sensation, attracting visitors from all over.
Address: 408, Taiwan, Taichung City, Nantun District, Chun’an Rd Lane 56, No. 25
Tainan Confucius Temple Cultural Park
The Tainan Confucius Temple, built in 1666, is Taiwan’s oldest Confucian temple and an important cultural landmark, representing the spread and establishment of Confucian culture in Taiwan. The temple once served as a school and educated countless individuals. Today, it stands as a heritage site preserving Confucian culture and artifacts. The temple features an elegant, minimalist architectural style with typical palace layouts, including the Dacheng Hall, Chongsheng Shrine, and Minglun Hall. Visitors can also see Confucian ritual implements and musical instruments on display. Surrounding the temple, ancient streets and traditional buildings provide a perfect setting for a stroll through Taiwan’s rich history.
Address: No. 2, Nanmen Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
Pier-2 Art District
Once a warehouse in the old Kaohsiung harbor, the Pier-2 Art District has been transformed into a vibrant and creative space for artists and individuals to showcase their work. It has become a key cultural and creative hub in southern Taiwan. The former railway, which once served as a transport route for goods, now features a waterfront light rail for tourists. The outdoor areas are dotted with large public art installations perfect for photos. In addition, the district frequently hosts concerts, stage performances, and movie screenings, creating a lively atmosphere.
The district regularly holds various art exhibitions, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations, with many showcasing experimental works and contemporary art. The exhibitions change frequently, so be sure to check the latest updates on their official website.
Address: No. 1, Dayong Rd, Yancheng District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Official Website
Seasonal Highlights of October in Taiwan
Chishang Rice Fields
Chishang is renowned for its vast rice fields, which are harvested twice a year, typically in June-July and November-December. In early October, you’ll see lush green rice paddies, signaling the anticipation of a bountiful harvest. By the end of the month, the rice begins to mature, transforming the fields into golden hues, and by November, it’s time for harvest. However, the timing of the harvest can vary depending on the weather (since rice growth isn’t as precise as machines), so the harvest date might not be the same each year. It’s a good idea to check online for updated harvest dates to avoid visiting when the fields are empty.
Around late October or early November, the “Chishang Autumn Rice Harvest Art Festival” is held to celebrate the harvest, showcasing the rice culture and local art. The event takes place in the rice fields and the nearby Chishang Rice Culture Museum, where visitors can explore both the natural beauty and the cultural significance of rice in the region.
Address: Chishang Township, Taitung County, Taiwan 958
Yangmingshan Flower Season
October is the peak season for the blooming of silvergrass on Yangmingshan, a popular mountain in Taipei. The slopes are covered with silvergrass, and when the autumn breeze blows, the flowers sway, creating a dreamy, magical scene. Jinbaoli Avenue, a scenic road that runs through the Yangmingshan National Park, is especially picturesque during this season, with the entire road lined with silvergrass, creating a surreal atmosphere. During this time, Yangmingshan also hosts the “Ancient Trail Silvergrass Tour,” where tour guides provide in-depth explanations and activities to help visitors learn about the mountain’s natural beauty and cultural significance.
Wanli Crab Festival
Fall is also the perfect time to enjoy delicious crabs. Every October, the Wanli Crab Festival is held at the Yehliu Fishing Port in New Taipei City, signaling the start of the crab season. The festival connects various fishing ports in New Taipei and offers a series of events. The highlight of the festival is a two-day celebration at Yehliu, where visitors can enjoy fresh Wanli crabs, book crab-catching experiences, and explore the fishing village. Even if you miss the event, you can still enjoy the seasonal crabs at restaurants across Taiwan.
October Festivals in Taiwan
Halloween
While Halloween is not a traditional holiday in Taiwan, it has become increasingly popular in major cities and at specific attractions in recent years. Many places in Taiwan host special Halloween-themed events during this time.
Taipei
- Taipei 101 Halloween Party: Taipei 101 usually hosts a large Halloween party, inviting everyone to dress up in costumes and participate in interactive games, performances, and photo ops.
- Taipei Zoo Night Adventure: During Halloween, the Taipei Zoo offers a “Night Adventure,” where visitors can explore the zoo at night and experience an eerie yet exciting atmosphere.
- Ximending Street Events: Ximending, a popular area for young people, becomes a hub for street performances, costume parades, and themed parties during Halloween, making it an excellent spot to soak up the Halloween vibe.
Taichung
- Lihpao Land Halloween: Every year, Lihpao Land hosts a large Halloween celebration, featuring night parades, themed games, and haunted house experiences.
- Dream Mall Halloween: Dream Mall in Taichung organizes thrilling performances, haunted houses, and cosplay events during Halloween, making it a favorite for young people.
Kaohsiung
- E-DA World Halloween: E-DA World, the largest theme park in southern Taiwan, offers haunted houses, nighttime attractions, and scary performances during Halloween, perfect for thrill-seekers.
National Day (Double Ten Day)
October 10th is Taiwan’s National Day, marked by grand parades, fireworks, and public celebrations all across the country. Taipei, as the center of the festivities, hosts the main events. However, if you prefer to avoid large crowds, it’s best to avoid traveling around this holiday, as it tends to attract many visitors. Although National Day might not offer much for foreign tourists in terms of direct involvement, there are often discounts and promotional activities during this period, which can be a nice bonus.
Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Festival (Nov 2nd)
The Sun Moon Lake Fireworks Festival is a major event in central Taiwan, with vibrant fireworks displays on specific dates throughout October. These displays are typically held on weekends, with each week featuring a different theme. The fireworks over the lake, surrounded by mountains, create a stunning spectacle. Along with the fireworks, there are cultural performances, music events, and nighttime activities, making it an exciting experience for couples and families.
For the latest details on fireworks dates and activities, check the official Sun Moon Lake website.
Summary
If you’re interested in attending any of these artistic or cultural events, note that the dates can vary each year, although they generally fall in October. Be sure to check for the most up-to-date information online before your trip.
In October, temperatures in Taiwan start to drop, but it’s still generally warm, especially in the south. The north tends to be cooler, so packing light clothes with a thin jacket is recommended. Even though daytime temperatures are still high, there can be a significant temperature drop in the evenings. If you plan to go out at night, a light jacket would be helpful. Since the weather can be unpredictable, it’s a good idea to check the latest weather forecast to avoid overpacking or getting caught in unexpected chilly weather.
