Ghost Month Begins: Nantou’s “Monster Express” Hits the Road

Reported by You T-Ru / Taipei

Yesterday (28th) marked the first day of the seventh lunar month, commonly known as Ghost Month’s opening, or “Ghost Gate Open.” Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Xitou Line partnered with Xitou Monster Village — the place with the most monsters — to launch the Ghost Tour Shuttle. At noon, all passengers on the Ghost Tour Shuttle dressed up in their most unique and creative monster costumes, boarding along the way to head to Xitou Monster Village for the annual Monster Carnival – the Oni Festival. Guangling’s Electronic Music Three Princes from Nantou also joined in to liven up the festivities.


▲ Passengers on the Ghost Tour Shuttle all dressed up in their most unique and creative monster costumes. (Photo / Provided by Nantou County Government)

To give the public a chance to experience the convenience of the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Xitou Line, Nantou County Government hosted the “Ghost Tour Shuttle,” featuring the most popular attraction on the route — Monster Village. On the first day of Ghost Month, a shuttle packed with monsters set off from Taichung. Participants dressed up as spooky ghosts and ghouls, and even the driver got in on the fun by dressing as a vampire with sharp fangs, scaring many passersby along the way. A family of four also turned heads with their skull-themed costumes, especially the three-year-old little monster, who was a big hit. Some young women also joined in, dressing up as female ghosts from Japan, Korea, and China — their terrifying makeup attracting lots of photo requests.

Monster Village has also prepared a series of exciting activities to welcome monsters coming to celebrate from all over, including Japan’s Hyakki Yagyō (Night Parade of One Hundred Demons), ninja martial arts demonstrations from Iga Ueno, and joint performances by the “Nine Heavens Art Dance Troupe,” which starred in the movie “Zhen Tou,” and the “Tianxiang Taiko Drum Troupe,” which has represented Taiwan in competitions in Japan. Together, they will deliver a feast for the eyes and ears.


▲ The driver also dressed up as a monster for the ride. (Photo / Provided by Nantou County Government)

The celebrations at Monster Village will continue until August 10th. The public can take advantage of summer vacation to ride the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Xitou Line, travel to Xitou, and have fun with the monsters. There are also plenty of attractions along the route worth visiting, such as the DIY-friendly Zhushan Industrial Zone Sightseeing Factory, Taiwan’s most beautiful forest elementary school — Neihu National School, or stopping by Lugu Tea Country for a cup of quality tea.