Plan your May Day holiday getaway now—hike mountains and explore the seas across Taiwan!

By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
The three-day May Day holiday is just around the corner. If you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, a deep journey that takes you both up the mountains and out to the sea seems like a great choice. The Chinese Green Lifestyle Leisure Development Association will host a variety of outdoor activities during the three-day holiday, offering travelers who want to get out but don’t want to bother planning a new option.
 
● [Bailan Tribe – Dance with Fireflies & Explore Ancient Trails on an Eco Adventure]

Trip Dates: May 16 & 17

Activity Details: The “Bailan Tribe” is located in the mountainous southwest of Wufeng Township, Hsinchu County, at an altitude of about 800 to 1,600 meters. It is a traditional Atayal tribe nestled among towering peaks. Surrounded by mountains, Bailan is often shrouded in mist that shifts like a scene from a fairyland—especially when the air is moist and temperatures are low, making it the perfect time to view the sea of clouds. The ever-changing scenery is truly unforgettable, and walking through the mist feels like stepping into a dream.

The primitive forests and babbling streams of Bailan naturally nurture a rich diversity of flora and fauna. In the early morning and afternoon, you can hear the pleasant chirping of birds and insects, while at night, frogs and bugs compete in a symphony of sounds. In early summer evenings, you can dance with the little firefly sprites. The area boasts a wealth of plant species such as the common high-mountain tree fern, Taiwan tree fern, and Taiwan cryptomeria. The ancient trails of Bilin Mountain and Bird Beak Mountain offer stunning scenery. Wandering through the cedar forests, bathed in negative ions and phytoncides, you’ll find it hard to leave—a perfect escape from urban worries and dust.

Due to its higher elevation, Bailan Tribe has cooler temperatures and a later thaw, so fireflies appear in summer from April to May. The itinerary includes experiencing tribal scenery, exploring indigenous hunting trails, sampling local produce, enjoying a forest spa at Wulai, and nighttime firefly viewing.
 
● Unveil the Mysteries of [Guishan Island]
Trip Dates: May 1 (May Day Holiday); June 19 & 20 (Dragon Boat Festival Holiday)
Activity Details: Uncover the mysteries of Guishan Island, go whale and dolphin watching → Enjoy guided tours explaining the island’s natural ecology, cultural history, and the Eight Scenic Spots of Guishan, and challenge yourself with a hike up to 401 Heights for sweeping views of sea and mountain.

※ Only 40 people are allowed to climb 401 Heights each day. Sign up and enter the lottery 25 days in advance!

● [Yuantan & Ruitai – Taiwan’s Dunhuang Grottoes] Firefly Watching
Trip Dates: Two sessions on May 2–3 and May 30–31
Activity Details: Take visitors to the Yuantan Ecological Scenic Area to enjoy mountain serenity, visit the Ruitai Ancient Trail—known as a hidden gem filming location—and explore world-class national landscapes like the Thousand-Year Bat Cave and Swallow Cliff.

● [Zhengxibao Sacred Tree Grove –Hinoki Forest Mind & Body SPA]
Trip Dates: April 18–19 / May 2–3
Activity Details: Visit the “Tribe of God”—Smangus—to admire the majestic Zhengxibao sacred trees and wander through vast forests of massive red cypress trees.