Where to admire the moon 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, in addition to gathering with family and friends for barbecues, eating mooncakes, and peeling pomelos, you can also head to places with a great ambiance to quietly enjoy the moon. Here’s a list of ten great scenic spots across Taiwan for moon viewing. Whether you want to climb up a hiking trail for a distant view or immerse yourself in a forest park 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 (the “full moon phase”) will occur at 02:40 on October 6 (the 17th day of the 8th lunar month). The moon on the evening of October 5 will be rounder than the one on the evening of October 4, the Mid-Autumn Festival, once again proving the saying that “the moon is roundest on the 16th day of the lunar month.”

1. Taipei City – Hushan Hiking Trail
The Hushan Hiking Trail in Xinyi District not only offers great views for moon gazing but also allows you to see the beautiful architecture of Taipei 101, and take in the bustling Xinyi District and Taipei Basin. Starting from beside Songshan Cihui Temple and climbing up the steps, accompanied by the sound of babbling brooks, you’ll reach three recommended spots: the Four Beasts Square, Fuxing Garden, and the 120 Heights.

2. Taipei City – Beitou Naval Pier
The prominent huge rock standing on the ridge of Beitou Naval Pier looks like a ship at sea at first glance. The night view from here is also breathtaking, offering an excellent vantage point that is both awe-inspiring and refreshing.

3. New Taipei City – Tamsui Fisherman’s Wharf
The Fisherman’s Wharf always gathers many people at dusk, all just to admire the famous Tamsui sunset. Strolling along the wooden boardwalk along the coastline, you can still enjoy the beautiful sunset, while below lies a row of shops and cafes. The Lover’s Bridge that spans the harbor area resembles a ship with sails billowing, and at night it becomes especially beautiful under the colorful lights, making it a great place for couples to take a romantic stroll.

4. Keelung – Huzihshan Hiking Trail
Keelung’s most iconic giant “KEELUNG” signboard is located on Huzihshan, designed to mimic Hollywood’s signage, which is quite eye-catching. The scenery along the Huzihshan Hiking Trail is beautiful and lush with greenery, and you can also enjoy distant views of the eastern harbor. It’s an excellent spot to overlook Keelung Harbor and also offers a view of the Guanyin Bodhisattva statue on Zhongzheng Park.