This is how you should spend your summer — a lazy guide to hot events across Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Editorial Team | Photos: Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications

As the most vibrant summer arrives, numerous exciting activities are kicking off across Taiwan starting in July. These include the Taiwan Culinary Exhibition, the Fulong Sand Sculpture Art Festival in New Taipei City, the Gongliao International Marine Music Festival, the Taoyuan National Animation & Comic Show, the Yilan International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival, the Hualien Indigenous Joint Harvest Festival, the Xiuguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon Competition, the regular SL Midsummer Formosa Train events in Taitung County, the Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival, Taiwan Summer Solstice 235, and the Taiwan Cycling Festival. These are all must-see calendar events. Visitors are encouraged to gather friends and family during the summer break to explore all corners of Taiwan.

Hualien Indigenous Joint Harvest Festival
 
To promote sustainable development and preserve and extend the unique cultural essence and performance characteristics of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, the Hualien County Government once again combined dance and music performance talent, promotional marketing, and large-scale stage hardware and software resources in 2017 to organize a sizable and distinctive “Indigenous Joint Harvest Festival.” Through showcasing highly unique rituals and songs and dances, the event treats the public to a delightful feast. The festival will also feature an indigenous food zone and a handicrafts exhibition and sales area to revitalize and create tribal business opportunities.
 
【Info】
Venue: Hualien County Civic Stadium, No. 40, Minquan Rd., Hualien City, Hualien County
Dates: July 21–23, 2017

Taiwan Culinary Exhibition
 
The Taiwan Culinary Exhibition has evolved from featuring just ingredients and dishes in its early days to now encompassing tableware, culture, and dining ambience. The art of food has merged with celebrity chef cuisine, and local specialty ingredients have been combined into regional delicacies, resulting in increasingly diverse styles and even moving into the realm of internationalizing Taiwanese cuisine. In addition to delicious dishes that appeal to the senses, there are also highly dynamic cooking competitions, with world-renowned chefs competing from abroad, adding an international flair to the exhibition.
 
【Info】
Dates: July 21–24, 2017
Venue: Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1

Xiuguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon Competition
 
The annual summer “Xiuguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon Competition” is the only triathlon event in Taiwan that combines canoeing, running, and cycling — three extreme sports. It aims to satisfy adventure-seeking visitors who enjoy variety and physical challenges, offering a unique water experience on the Xiuguluan River in Hualien this summer.
 
【Info】
Dates: July 23, 2017
Venue: Xiuguluan River Canoeing Center (No. 215, Section 3, Zhongshan Rd., Ruisui Township, Hualien County)

Gongliao International Marine Music Festival in New Taipei City
 
The main theme of the event centers around the “Ocean Indie Music Awards” — an indie band competition — as well as performances by domestic and international creative bands. The electrifying chemistry between the bands’ incredible performances and the passionate audience is one of the highlights of the event. This summer, let music liberate your soul and indulge in its enchanting magic. Let the Gongliao International Marine Music Festival ignite the long-suppressed energy within you and open your arms to welcome this annual sacred rock festival.
 
【Info】
Dates: July 28–30, 2017
Venue: Fulong Beach