This is how you should enjoy summer – A lazy guide to Taiwan’s hottest summer activities

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department | Photos by Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications

The most vibrant summer has arrived, and from July onwards, there will be plenty of exciting events across Taiwan worth checking out, such as the Taiwan Culinary Exhibition, New Taipei City’s Fulong Sand Sculpture Art Festival, Gongliao International Marine Music Festival, Taoyuan City National Anime Festival, Yilan County International Children’s Folklore and Folkgame Festival, Hualien County Indigenous Peoples’ Joint Harvest Festival, Xiuguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon, Taitung County SL Midsummer Formosa Regular Train Service, Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Festival, Taiwan Summer Solstice 235, and Taiwan Cycling Festival. These are all unmissable calendar events. Visitors might want to gather friends or bring their families during the summer vacation to explore all corners of Taiwan together.

Hualien County Indigenous Peoples’ Joint Harvest Festival
 
To promote sustainable development and to continue showcasing the unique cultural essence and performing characteristics of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, Hualien County Government once again combined talent in song and dance performances, promotional marketing, and large-scale stage facilities and other software and hardware resources in 2017 to organize a large-scale and distinctive “Indigenous Peoples’ Joint Harvest Festival.” Through performances of highly distinctive rituals and songs and dances, the event aims to treat the public to a cultural feast. The event will also feature an indigenous food zone and a handicrafts exhibition and sales area to revitalize and create tribal business opportunities.
 
[Info]
Venue: Meilun Stadium, No. 40, Minquan Road, Hualien City, Hualien County
Dates: July 21–23, 2017 (106/07/21 - 106/07/23)

Taiwan Culinary Exhibition
 
The Taiwan Culinary Exhibition has evolved from showcasing just ingredients and dishes in its early days to including tableware, culture, and the overall dining atmosphere. The art of food now combines celebrity chef creations and local specialty ingredients into regional cuisines, offering increasingly diverse styles and venturing further into the internationalization of Taiwanese cuisine. In addition to delicious dishes that appeal to the senses, there are also dynamic cooking competitions featuring world-renowned chefs from various countries, adding to the event’s international flair.
 
[Info]
Dates: July 21–24, 2017 (106/07/21 - 106/07/24)
Venue: Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1

Xiuguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon
 
The annual summer “Xiuguluan River International Canoeing Triathlon” is the only triathlon event in Taiwan that combines canoeing, running, and cycling – three extreme sports. It aims to satisfy adventurers who love variety, physical challenges, and thrills. This summer, come to Xiuguluan River in Hualien to experience a unique water playtime.
 
[Info]
Dates: July 23, 2017 (106/07/23)
Venue: Xiuguluan River Canoeing Center (No. 215, Section 3, Zhongshan Road, Ruisui Township, Hualien County)

New Taipei City Gongliao International Marine Music Festival
 
The main theme of the event centers around the “Marine Indie Music Awards” – an indie band competition – as well as performances by creative musical acts from both Taiwan and abroad. The chemistry between the bands’ electrifying performances and the enthusiastic audience is one of the highlights of the festival. This summer, let music set your soul free, indulge in its enchanting magic, and let the Gongliao International Marine Music Festival ignite the energy you’ve been holding back all year, as you open your arms to welcome this annual sacred rock festival.
 
[Info]
Dates: July 28–30, 2017 (106/07/28 - 106/07/30)
Venue: Fulong Beach