Where to Go for Moon Gazing During Mid-Autumn Festival: Top 10 Popular Spots

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches and the cool autumn breeze begins to blow, besides gathering with family and friends for barbecues, mooncakes, and pomelo peeling, you can also enjoy the serene ambiance of moon viewing at special spots. Here’s a list of ten great scenic spots across Taiwan suitable for moon gazing. Whether you want to climb up hiking trails for a distant view or immerse yourself in forest parks to enjoy the bright moonlight, these are all great choices for celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.

It’s worth noting that this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival does not coincide with the full moon. The actual full moon (known as the “Wang Yue” or “Full Moon”) will occur on October 6th (the 17th day of the eighth lunar month) at 02:40 AM. The moon on the evening of October 5th will actually appear rounder than on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival on October 4th, once again proving the saying, “The moon is roundest on the 16th day of the lunar month.”

1. Taipei City – Hushan Hiking Trail
Located in Xinyi District, the Hushan Hiking Trail not only offers great views for moon gazing, but also lets you admire the beautiful architecture of Taipei 101 and take in the sweeping vistas of bustling Xinyi District and the Taipei Basin. Starting from beside Songshan Cihui Temple, as you climb up the steps accompanied by the sound of a babbling brook, you’ll reach three recommended viewpoints: the Four Beasts Square, Fuxing Garden, and 120 Highland.

2. Taipei City – Beitou Naval Pier Rock
The prominent huge rock perched on the ridge of Beitou Naval Pier juts out among the mountain ranges, resembling a ship sailing at sea at first glance. The night scenery here is also spectacular and breathtaking, offering an exceptional vantage point that’s both calming and uplifting.

3. New Taipei City – Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
Every evening as dusk falls, Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf gathers crowds eager to witness the famous Tamsui sunset. Stroll along the wooden boardwalk along the coastline and enjoy the beautiful sunset, with a row of shops and cafés below. The Lover’s Bridge that spans the harbor area resembles a ship with its sails billowing, and when illuminated by colorful projected lights at night, it becomes especially enchanting—making it a perfect spot for couples to take a romantic stroll.

4. Keelung – Huzi Mountain Trail
Keelung’s most iconic giant “KEELUNG” signboard is located on Huzi Mountain, designed in the style of Hollywood and highly eye-catching. The Huzi Mountain Trail features beautiful scenery along the way, lush with greenery, and offers distant views of the eastern harbor. It's an excellent spot to overlook Keelung Harbor, and you can also see the statue of Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) atop Zhongzheng Park.