Mid-Autumn Festival Taiwan 2025: Where to Go and What to Do

Taiwan's mid-autumn festival is returning this October!

Also known as the Moon Festival or the Mooncake Festival, it’s a centuries-old celebration rooted in harvest traditions and ancient legends — a time for families to gather under the year’s brightest full moon.

As the weather cools and leaves begin to turn, lanterns light up the streets, parades fill towns, and Taiwan’s unique festive twist — family BBQs sizzling with meat and seafood — fills the air.

Ready to join the fun in Taiwan? From time-honoured customs to the biggest festival highlights of the year, here’s your guide to making the most of the festival.

What is the Mid-Autumn Festival?

This centuries-old celebration is one of Taiwan’s biggest holidays, especially for the Han Chinese, and it always falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month — when the lunar orb is at its fullest and brightest.

The festival’s origins are tied to the legend of Chang’e, the moon goddess.

Once a mortal woman, she became immortal after drinking an elixir meant for her husband, the archer Hou Yi. In grief, Hou Yi placed her favourite fruits and cakes beneath the glowing night sky, hoping she would see them from her celestial home.

Over time, this act inspired the tradition of offering mooncakes during the harvest season.

Photo: @foongpc on Instagram

In Taiwan, the tale is still shared with kids during the festival, often alongside glowing lantern displays and the quirky pomelo-hat tradition. These days, it’s all about gathering with loved ones for lunar viewing, swapping mooncakes, firing up the BBQ, and soaking in the lantern-lit night sky.

When is the Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan & How To Get Around

For 2025, the mid-autumn festival will be on Monday, 6 Oct 2025.

So mark your calendars – there will be a long weekend as the festival day is a public holiday in Taiwan.

Schools, offices and banks will be closed for the day so locals can travel home or have a mini-vacation.

The good news?

Taiwan’s public transport runs as usual during the festival — and in some cases, there are even extra train services or carriages to handle the crowd. However, take note that popular routes and attractions get busier than usual so timing matters.

Taipei MRT train

Here are some key things to keep in mind when traveling during this peak festive season.

• Avoid peak hours: Early mornings (before 9am) and late evenings are best for trains and popular attractions. Midday to early evening is usually the busiest.

• Book in advance: Flights into Taiwan and high-speed train tickets within Taiwan may be fully booked as locals take advantage of the long weekend. Hotels in popular areas may also be fully booked around the holiday.

• Check crowd levels: Scenic spots like Jiufen, Shifen and Sun Moon Lake can be packed from late morning to mid-afternoon. Get there early or later in the day for a more relaxed visit.

• Expect most places to stay open: Restaurants, malls, and tourist attractions generally operate as usual during the festival.

• Watch out for smaller eateries closing: Family-run spots may shut for dinner on the day itself so owners can celebrate with their families.

There are two passes you should consider getting while in Taiwan. One is the EasyCard Taiwan, while the other is the Taipei Metro Unlimited Travel Pass.

How Taiwan Celebrates the Mid-Autumn Festival

From time-honoured customs to fun new twists, Taiwan’s Moon Festival has plenty of traditions that keep the celebrations buzzing year after year.

Traditional Customs

The most beloved tradition is gathering with family and friends to share mooncakes. These round pastries symbolise unity, and it’s customary to gift them to neighbours and loved ones. Classic varieties feature red bean, lotus seed paste, and egg yolk, while modern twists include matcha and milk tea.

Taro is another festive favourite. In Taiwanese folklore, its name (yùtóu) sounds like “to protect” or “to guard,” so eating it during the holiday is thought to ward off bad luck. Families once placed taro alongside offerings to the lunar goddess to safeguard the household; today, it appears in mooncakes, pies, or simply steamed.

Pomelo is another must-have. These sweet, grapefruit-like fruits ripen just in time for the festival, and their name (yòu) sounds like “blessing” or “protection.” Families place whole pomelos on offering tables for good fortune, while kids turn the rinds into “pomelo hats” — a playful nod to the belief that Chang’e will bless those she spots wearing them.

Photo: @_chen.qq_ on Instagram

Osmanthus also takes centre stage, with its fragrant yellow blooms symbolically linked to the lunar harvest. Tea houses and markets sell osmanthus tea, jelly, and desserts as a seasonal treat. Beyond food, the festival’s magic lies in simple pleasures — kids making paper lanterns with their parents, or families heading out for nighttime viewing on the year’s brightest night. Some set up special altars with tea, mooncakes, and pomelos to thank Chang’e and make wishes.

Photo: @taiwanwalker on Instagram

In Taipei, popular moon-gazing spots include:

• Elephant Mountain – for sweeping views of the city skyline.

• Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall – where the large open plaza offers unobstructed views.

• Yangmingshan’s highland lookouts – offering wide, open vistas of the stars.

Modern Ways To Celebrate

In recent years, the Moon Festival barbecue has become Taiwan’s signature way to celebrate. It began in the 1980s with a soy sauce ad from Kikkoman featuring the now-famous slogan:

一家烤肉萬家香 (yī jiā kǎo ròu, wàn jiā xiāng) “One family barbecues, ten thousand homes smell it.”

The phrase struck a chord with families and helped ignite the tradition we see today.

Now, the entire island fills with smoky, savoury aromas as friends and families fire up grills under the moon—on sidewalks, patios, parks—wherever there’s space. Expect laughter, storytelling and plenty of “add more charcoal!”

But the festival scene in Taiwan doesn’t stop at BBQs. Major cities also host lantern exhibitions and free cultural shows. Past years have seen stunning lantern displays in places like Daan Forest Park, complete with creative light sculptures pressed with festival motifs.

Looking for evening entertainment?

Taipei often stages public performances and mini-concerts in plazas or cultural venues during the long weekend.

If you’re sticking around a bit longer, the celebrations don’t stop there — one of the biggest post-festival events is The Chill Out Festival, happening 11–12 October in 2025. It features independent bands, rap and R&B artists and DJs like FunkyMo, Banyan Gang, and Night Keepers, performing across both outdoor and indoor stages.

Pro tip: Want to score some smiles? Greet locals with Zhōngqiū jié kuàilè (中秋節快樂)—the Taiwanese way of saying “Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.” It’s the kind of simple gesture that brings instant warmth.

Best Places to Experience the Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan

Taiwan truly comes alive during this time, with cities and towns hosting special attractions and events to mark the holiday.

Here are some of the best places to fully immerse yourself in the festivities this October 2025.

1. Taipei 101

If you’re in Taipei for the festival, head up to Taipei 101's observation deck for some of the best moon-gazing in the city.

Not only will you get a perfect view of the night sky, but the building’s facade often lights up with festive greetings — think giant lunar motifs or a glowing greeting beaming across the skyline.

From the 89th floor, you’ll have a full 360-degree view of Taipei sparkling below, so you can watch the city come alive for the mooncake festival from one stunning vantage point.

• Best time to visit: Go in the early evening to catch the sunset, then stay as the city lights and lunar glow illuminate the skyline.

• How to get there: Ride the MRT Tamsui–Xinyi Line (Red Line) to Taipei 101/World Trade Center Station. Use Exit 4 and it’s a short walk to the tower entrance.

2. Maokong

Photo: @gmcadpix on Instagram

Looking to celebrate without the city crowds? Try Maokong and Shenkeng, a hillside tea haven paired with a charming old town famed for its stinky tofu — the perfect mix of sweeping mountain views and foodie adventures.

It’s a popular nighttime spot, thanks to its cooler evening air and clear vistas over the city. Spend your trip sipping osmanthus tea at one of its many tea houses while the full moon rises above the hills.

To get to the peak, ride the Maokong Gondola. As you wait to reach the top, take in the sights of the softly lit city. As you glide past surrounding tea hills, relish in the views of Taipei Basin and Taipei 101.

• Best time to visit: Go in the late afternoon to enjoy the mountain scenery in daylight, then stay for sunset over Taipei.

• How to get there: Ride the MRT Wenhu (Brown) Line to Taipei Zoo Station, then transfer to the Maokong Gondola. The ride takes about 20–30 minutes.

3. Shilin Night Market

Looking for some authentic treats? Head to Taipei’s most famous night market, Shilin.

Shilin Night Market is always lively, but especially during this occasion. Stalls are filled with seasonal goodies like mini-mooncakes, pineapple cakes and other festival snacks.

Sure, you could wander Shilin Night Market on your own.

But with dozens of stalls and unfamiliar dishes, it’s easy to get overwhelmed or miss the real gems.

On a guided food tour, you’ll head straight to the must-try vendors, sample signature bites like pepper pork buns or oyster omelettes, and hear the stories behind them from someone who knows the market inside out.

It’s the difference between just eating and truly tasting the market.

• Best time to visit: Arrive around 5:00pm, just as the market starts to get lively.

• How to get there: Ride the MRT Tamsui–Xinyi Line (Red Line) to Jiantan Station. Use Exit 1, and the market entrance is a short walk across the street.

4. Taipei Zoo

For something a little different this festival season, combine a visit to Taipei Zoo and Maokong Gondola day tours — the perfect mix of wildlife encounters and scenic vistas.

During the season, Taipei Zoo often holds a mid-autumn festival lanterns exhibition perfect for families.

This exhibit allows lantern artists to showcase their work. You can see a variety of lanterns here, from traditional paper lanterns to high-tech light displays.

Besides the lantern viewing, families can spot everything from flamingos and giant pandas to koalas, Formosan black bears, and the rare Malayan tapir. A day in the zoo is guaranteed to keep both kids and adults entertained.

• Best time to visit: Go in the late afternoon so you can enjoy the zoo’s exhibits in chillier weather, then catch the lantern displays as dusk falls.

• How to get there: Ride the MRT Wenhu (Brown) Line to Taipei Zoo Station. The zoo entrance is just a short walk from the station.

5. Raohe Night Market

Photo: @taezzzz on Instagram

Raohe Night Market is a must during the holiday — and the best part is you can turn it into a full-day adventure.

Smaller and more manageable than Shilin, Raohe is less crowded so you won’t be shoulder-to-shoulder with other tourists. The entrance, right by Songshan Ciyou Temple, has a traditional red arch and rows of glowing lanterns. Grab a mini-mooncake from one of the stalls and stroll under the lights — it’s peak festival vibes.

If you’re not ready to call it a night, take a short walk to the Rainbow Bridge over the Keelung River. It’s a lovely spot for an evening walk and if you’re lucky you’ll see lanterns or city lights on the water.

Do you only have one day to celebrate the event? Then a tour might be the best option for you. Start in Shifen releasing sky lanterns, wander through Jiufen’s lantern-lined alleys, and take in the coastal views at Heping Island Park. By the time you get back to Taipei, Raohe will be bustling with lights, smells and energy. It's a lot, but it can be done with careful planning.

Photo: @yeoniii_930

• Best time to visit: Head there around 5pm, just as the stalls start opening.

• How to get there: Take the MRT Songshan–Xindian Line (Green Line) to Songshan Station. Use Exit 5, and you’ll find the market entrance — marked by its famous red arch — right across from Songshan Ciyou Temple.

6. Tamshui Fisherman's Wharf

Over the years, Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf has become one of the most popular spots to celebrate the festival. You can easily combine a visit here with a walk through Tamsui’s old streets or a soak in the nearby Beitou hot springs, making it a great mix of culture, relaxation and waterfront views.

In previous years the wharf has lit up the night with fireworks over the river for the holiday. No word yet if they’ll be back for 2025 but locals are definitely keeping their fingers crossed.

Even without the fireworks, Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf is worth the trip — the nightly water fountain shows every 30 minutes add a fun touch to the waterfront atmosphere.

• Best time to visit: Go in the late afternoon to enjoy the waterfront views in daylight, then stay for sunset over the Tamsui River and the evening’s fountain shows.

• How to get there: Ride the MRT Tamsui–Xinyi Line (Red Line) to Tamsui Station. From there, transfer to Bus R26 or the Tamsui River Cruise to reach the wharf.

7. Jiufen Old Street

Jiufen Old Street is one of Taiwan’s most popular tourist spots, so it’s no surprise it’s busy during the the festive holiday.

The narrow alleys, lined with rows of red lanterns, feel extra magical in autumn — especially when the earlier nightfall lets you enjoy the moonlit atmosphere for longer.

Pop into iconic teahouses like A-Mei Teahouse, where the lanterns will make you feel like you’re in a scene from Spirited Away. Just be prepared for company — Jiufen is a favourite with both tourists and locals and a long weekend means the streets will be packed.

After visiting Old Street, take the time to visit Teahouse Bliss, Gold Museum, and more Jiufen staples.

• Best time to visit: Arrive in the late afternoon so you can explore the shops and teahouses in daylight, then stay as the sun sets and the lanterns light up.

• How to get there: From Taipei, take a train on the TRA Yilan Line to Ruifang Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi for the short ride up to Jiufen Old Street.

8. Shifen Old Street

Photo: @jaicen29

Get up close and personal with the lanterns at Shifen Old Street.

Located in Pingxi, New Taipei, Shifen is famous for its sky lanterns and you can release one any time of year. But during the Mid-Autumn Festival it feels extra special.

Choose your lantern, grab a brush and some ink and write your wishes on all four sides before taking it to the train tracks that run through the street.

Photo: de.laight on Instagram

Light the fuel, let go and watch as your lantern drifts up to the moon. Who knows — maybe the goddess Chang’e will see it and grant your wish.

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon is ideal.

• How to get there: From Taipei Main Station, take a train on the TRA Yilan Line to Ruifang Station, then transfer to the Pingxi Line and ride to Shifen Station. The old street is right outside the station.

9. Lukang Old Street

If you're looking to immerse yourself in Taiwanese culture for the autumn festival, check out Lukang Old Street, which is close to Taichung.

This historic town has old temples, winding alleys and workshops where craftsmen still practice traditional arts like wood carving, lantern making and paper cutting.

During the festival, locals stroll under rows of red lanterns, munching on grilled oysters and crispy water chestnut cakes. Folk performances pop up too — from Southern-style lion dances with their broad-headed, heavy-footed moves to Chinese opera blending Hokkien singing with colourful, locally inspired costumes.

The town's temples, such as Longshan Temple are also worth visiting during the holiday — and if you’re in the mood to explore further, the historic Dadaocheng district is just a short walk away from the temple.

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon for crisper weather and lit lanterns.

• How to get there: From Taichung, take a bus from Taichung HSR or TRA station to Lukang (~1 hr).

10. Sun Moon Lake

What better place to celebrate this day than the aptly named Sun Moon Lake?

Located in Nantou, the lake gets its name from its shape — round like the sun on one side, crescent-shaped on the other. Under the silver glow, it’s every bit as magical as it sounds.

By day you might find boat operators offering special evening cruises timed for moonrise, sometimes with traditional music drifting across the water.

Even if nothing is scheduled, the scenery is worth it. Take a quiet night walk along the shore and watch the night's reflection ripple across the water, framed by mountains — it’s one of the most peaceful ways to spend the festival.

• Best time to visit: Late afternoon for brisk weather, softer light over the lake, and illuminated lanterns or lakeside lights.

• How to get there: From Taichung, take the direct Nantou Bus from Taichung HSR Station or Taichung Gancheng Station to Sun Moon Lake (~2 hours).

Combining the Festival With Other Autumn Experiences

So you’re coming for the mid-autumn festival?

Why not stay a bit longer to enjoy Taiwan in its chillier, post-typhoon season weather? It’s the perfect time for hiking in national parks, taking in the views or just wandering Taipei’s neighbourhoods without the summer heat.

If you’re arriving before the festival, September still has that end-of-summer vibe — warm enough for beach days and boat rides, but with just a hint of the crisp weather to come.

Or perhaps you'd rather stay until after the festival.

By late October, you might be able to catch the first autumn leaves in Taiwan in higher elevation areas like Yangmingshan or Alishan.

If you're planning ahead, prepare for the country's big seasonal highlight after autumn - spring! Some travellers plan return trips to catch the cherry blossoms in Taiwan. If you loved celebrating under the autumn moon, you might love the pink haze of spring blooms.

Why the Mid-Autumn Festival in Taiwan Should Be on Your Bucket List

The mid-autumn festival in Taiwan is going to be great for locals and travellers alike. During the festival, indulge in the traditions and make memories as you enjoy the long weekend.

Whether you’re eating mooncakes in a Taipei high-rise, sharing stories with new friends at a countryside BBQ, or quietly watching the silver orb’s reflection in Sun Moon Lake, you’ll feel the magic of this festival of unity and gratitude.

Here’s to starry nights, full hearts, and delicious bites. Happy Mid-Autumn Festival — and enjoy every moment of your time in Taiwan!