The speed on the Nangang Connector Road during the Children's Folk Games Festival was just 2.8Km/h. Those departing from Taipei are advised to leave before 6:30 AM.

Planning Center / Reported from Taipei

July 6th, Saturday, marked the opening day of the Yilan Children's Folk Games Festival, and as expected, the national highways were heavily congested. Commuters reported that it took them a full half hour to drive just 1.4 kilometers on the Nangang Connector Road starting at 8:00 AM, translating to an average speed of only 2.8Km/h. The National Freeway Bureau urged travelers heading to Yilan to avoid the most congested period between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM. For those returning northbound on Sunday, congestion is expected between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

▲From 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, speeds on the Hsuehshan Tunnel remained below 40Km/h.

▲The annual Children’s Folk Games Festival drew an overwhelming number of visitors. (Photo / ETtoday archive)

As expected, the highly anticipated opening day of the Yilan Children’s Folk Games Festival brought massive traffic. Commuters said that at 8:00 AM on July 6th, it took them a full half hour to drive just 1.4 kilometers on the Nangang Connector Road. “I had planned to get on Highway 3 and then transfer to Highway 5 to enter the Hsuehshan Tunnel, but I found all the cars in front weren’t moving,” one commuter said, forcing them to turn back in disappointment.

Travel experts suggest that those departing from Taipei should aim to leave at 6:30 AM to arrive at the festival ticket booth by 8:30 AM. For the return trip, it’s recommended to stay a bit later. This year, the Children’s Folk Games Festival closes an hour earlier (at 7:00 PM) in an effort to stimulate consumption and boost the local economy. Visitors might want to extend their stay, explore the night markets, enjoy some snacks, and hit the road north after 8:00 PM.Taking advantage of the buzz around the festival’s opening day, Yilan-based Wei Sister’s Glutinous Taro Balls held a charity event at their new Taichung branch, giving away 1,000 servings of their signature dessert for free. In addition to letting Taichung residents who haven’t made it to Yilan yet try a local specialty, the proceeds will be donated to the Lan Zhi Foundation to establish a “Happy Aging Home” for children with Down syndrome. On the day of the event, the store also provided job opportunities for these children, allowing them to serve customers using their learned skills.

Additionally, to help visitors from other cities reach the festival venue more easily, the organizers have arranged direct buses from Taipei to the Children’s Folk Games Festival area, saving travelers 40–50 minutes of travel time.

▲Direct buses save time, but please pay attention to the first and last departure times. (Table by ETtoday / Eastern News Network)

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