Not just hot air balloons and golden needle flowers in bloom—summer travel activities cheat sheet

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

As we enter the summer solstice, the scorching summer heat and bright sunshine are perfect for travel. Below is a roundup of summer activities across Taiwan, including not only water activities by the sea but also mango festivals, golden needle flower seasons, Harvest Festivals, and more—from the main island to outlying islands. Travelers might want to jot these down.

New Taipei – Fulong International Sand Sculpture Festival: April 21 – July 15
The Fulong Sand Sculpture Art Festival is a major summer highlight. This year’s edition runs from April 21 to July 15, featuring no fewer than 76 domestic and international sand sculptures. It also debuts an unprecedented “underground sand sculpture” experience where visitors can hide inside or even touch the sculptures, offering a deeper interaction with sand art.
 
New Taipei – Gongliao International Marine Music Festival: July 27 – July 29
The highly anticipated summer music event “New Taipei City Gongliao International Marine Music Festival” will take place from Friday, July 27 to Sunday, July 29, at Fulong Beach in Gongliao, for three days of non-stop live music. This year marks the 18th edition of the festival, themed “18 Beats,” bringing fans a richer and more diverse selection of original music.

Hsinchu – Xueshan Blueberry Season: July to September
At the Xueshan Leisure Farm, the blueberry season offers the fun of picking your own berries—a big hit with families and kids.
 
Taichung – Xinshe Golden Needle Flower Season: July to August
Want to see fields of golden needle flowers without going to eastern Taiwan? Try Xinshe District in Taichung. Among the highlights is the Muchin Spring Farm, a well-known spot for golden needle blooms in Xinshe. When the hillsides are covered in golden blossoms, the view is truly spectacular.

Nantou – Qingjing Windmill Festival: June 30 – September 30
The Qingjing Windmill Festival is a major annual summer event at Qingjing Farm. Colorful windmills create a 500-meter rainbow-themed walking trail in the mountain pasture area. During the festival, there are also rainbow grassland concerts and dance performances for a unique musical experience. Additionally, visitors can join a DIY painting workshop where 100 people collaborate to paint musical windmills under expert guidance.
 
Tainan – Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan “One Sight, Two Sculptures” Art Festival: July 15 – August 31
The “One Sight, Two Sculptures” Art Festival combines creative salt products, salt industry culture, and beachside waterscape charm. It integrates the two key tourism resources of salt and sand, using art and tourism activities to spark new inspiration and showcase the tourism highlights of Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan. The event establishes the brand identity of “Salt Sculptures in the South, Sand Sculptures in the North.”
 
Tainan – Tainan Yujing Mango Season: June to August
Summer is peak tourist season in Yujing. Aside from sampling various mango dishes at the International Mango Festival, visitors can also enjoy DIY experiences. This year’s most special event is the Guinness World Record attempt for the world’s largest shaved ice, where seven local shops collaborate to make a 1,500 kg mango ice.

Pingtung – Sleepover at the Aquarium Seasonal Event: April 1 – August 31
The Sleepover at the Aquarium lets visitors explore marine life without getting wet, enjoying an ocean-themed indoor camping experience as if sleeping under the sea. There are also plenty of night-time activities, guided by expert interpreters who introduce marine ecology and the secrets of the aquarium.

Yilan – International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival: July 7 – August 19
The annual Yilan International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival runs from July 7 to August 19 at the Toucheng Riverside Park, spanning 44 days. This year, a special NT$100 Play Passport is available for children born between September 1, 2002, and July 6, 2012, allowing unlimited play within the park. The passport is also available to residents of Yilan County or those whose ID starts with the letter G.
 
Hualien – Liushishi Mountain Golden Needle Flower Season: August to September
The annual Hualien Golden Needle Flower Season takes place from August to September, with vibrant blooms on both Mt. Chikuo in Yuli and Mt. Liushishi in Fuli. The flower fields span over 60 hectares. In addition to daytime flower viewing and nighttime stargazing, limited-edition local produce is available for purchase during the season.