Taiwan’s Traditional Festivals Attract Global Tourists

Intermediate Level | May 1, 2025

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Taiwan’s Festivals Are Gaining Global Attention

From sky lanterns in Pingxi to dragon boat races in Tainan, Taiwan’s traditional festivals are capturing the world’s imagination. Recent reports show a surge in international tourism to Taiwan, especially around major cultural events like the Lantern Festival and Ghost Month ceremonies.

According to Taiwan’s Tourism Administration, there’s been a 40% increase in foreign visitors during festival seasons compared to the same time last year. Travelers from Japan, South Korea, and Europe are particularly interested in Taiwan’s unique blend of religious rituals, street food, and community performances.

A Rich Cultural Experience

What makes Taiwan’s festivals so appealing? It’s the mix of color, tradition, and local warmth. At the Lantern Festival, visitors write wishes on paper lanterns and release them into the sky—a symbol of hope. During Dragon Boat Festival, teams race on rivers to the beat of drums, while audiences cheer and eat sticky rice dumplings called zongzi.

Even less flashy festivals, like Ghost Month, offer a look into Taiwan’s deep spiritual culture. People make offerings to ancestors, burn incense, and hold operas for wandering spirits. It’s both respectful and visually fascinating for visitors who’ve never seen anything like it.

More Than Just a Photo

Many tourists are now choosing Taiwan for “slow travel”—spending more time learning about a culture instead of just taking pictures. They stay in smaller towns, talk with locals, and even take part in workshops to make lanterns or cook traditional foods.

For Taiwan, this trend brings more than money. It’s a chance to share values, stories, and traditions with the world. Officials say it also encourages communities to preserve their unique customs for future generations.

Vocabulary

Lantern (noun): A light source with a cover, often used in festivals.
- Example: We released lanterns into the night sky.
Ritual (noun): A set of traditional actions, often religious.
- Example: The festival included a tea ritual.
Surge (noun): A sudden large increase.
- Example: There was a surge in visitors last weekend.
Blend (noun): A mixture of different things.
- Example: The event was a blend of music and dance.
Dumpling (noun): A small ball of dough, often filled with food.
- Example: We ate sweet dumplings at the festival.
Spiritual (adjective): Related to the soul or religion.
- Example: The temple had a spiritual atmosphere.
Offering (noun): A gift or item given for religious reasons.
- Example: They placed food as an offering to their ancestors.
Workshop (noun): A class where people learn by doing.
- Example: I joined a lantern-making workshop.
Preserve (verb): To keep something alive or safe from change.
- Example: They work to preserve traditional songs.
Custom (noun): A traditional way of doing something.
- Example: Taking off shoes before entering is a common custom in Asia.

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

Why are more tourists visiting Taiwan during festival times?
What makes Taiwan’s festivals special for visitors?
What is “slow travel,” and why is it popular?
How do Taiwan’s festivals help preserve local culture?
What would you like to see or try at one of these festivals?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

What are some traditional festivals in your country?
Have you ever traveled somewhere just for a festival?
Why do you think people enjoy cultural celebrations?
What’s something new you’ve learned from another culture?
Should governments support traditional festivals? Why or why not?

Related Idiom

Feast for the eyes
Meaning: Something very beautiful or interesting to look at.
Example: Taiwan’s colorful festivals are a feast for the eyes.

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