Solar Festival in Taiwan

About

The Tropic of Cancer passes through 17 countries including Taiwan, China, India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Brazil, and Mexico. In Taiwan, Summer Solstice 235 began in 2013, then gradually expanded into a major event. This led to the Formosa Summer Festival, which started in 2019, and a rise in popularity of Taiwan’s summer tourism activities.

In response to post-pandemic tourism trends and changes in travel concepts and consumption habits, the Taiwan Tourism Administration, under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, is promoting summer tourism this year. In addition to enduring core themes, it covers five main axes. The national scenic area administrations and 10 major museums and exhibition and performing arts venues in southern Taiwan, as well as local governments, are working together to promote the Solar Festival.

Design Concept

Summer evokes images of the ocean, beaches, and ice-cold beverages. Inspired by inviting beaches and sunshine, as well as the shape of Taiwan, the imagery of mountains and seas is presented to echo the vision of embracing the mountains, the sea, and the island. The exposed tips of the island symbolize Taiwan’s emergence on the global stage, continuing to showcase the country to the world through sustainable initiatives.

Since Taiwan is world-renowned for its alpine tea, the concept of summer solstice 23.5 is exemplified through one-tip, two-leaf tea leaves. With the Tropic of Cancer passing through Taiwan, the country also boasts conditions conducive to coffee farming. This conveys that in summer, Taiwan is not only an ideal getaway for water activities by the beach, but its mountains also offer the perfect retreat to escape the summer heat and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. The twin leaf motif represents the hearts of Taiwanese people, and we aspire to share Taiwan’s unique beauty with visitors by welcoming them with such hospitality and passion.

The letter “i” in Taiwan is depicted in the form of a torch to embody the meaning of heritage and emphasize the importance of the event. Conversely, it also signifies that everyone can be a powerful advocate for promoting Taiwan to the world.

Main Event

Niupuzai Grassland is located near the 32-kilometer marker along Alishan Highway (Highway 18) and is one of the first stops on an exploration of the Alishan National Scenic Area. This is also the site of this year’s Solar Festival main event. It not only includes outstanding performances, but also diverse and rich themes, such as Sticky Rice Dumplings and Dragon Boats, Summer Solstice 235, Iced Tea and Shaved Ice, Taiwan Culinary Exhibition, and Railway Travel Fun, as well as a mystery guest. This event, which combines beautiful scenery and delicious foods, is suited to families and groups of friends.

Hours10:00~17:00

Tel05-2591585

Address15, Lin 7, Checheng, Chukou Village, Fanlu Township, Chiayi County

By CarNational Freeway 1→National Freeway 3 (Changhua/Nantou) →Get off at the Zhongpu Interchange→Highway 18.

By Public Transportation

1.Take THSR to Chiayi Station and transfer Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan Route A 7329, get off at the Chukou Visitor Center stop.

2.Take TRA to Chiayi Station and transfer Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Alishan Route B 7322C, get off at the Chukou Visitor Center stop.

3.Take TRA to Chiayi Station and transfer Chiayi Bus Company route 7216 (toward Chukou), get off at the Fifth Engineering Office stop.

Google Map

Event

Sticky Rice Dumplings and Dragon Boats

The three major holidays in Taiwan are the Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival. The focus of the Dragon Boat Festival is the legend of Qu Yuan, an ancient Chinese poet. As such, it is also known as Poets’ Day. The most common activities on this holiday are dragon boat races and eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). It is said that Qu Yuan drowned himself in a river. People rowed boats up and down the river in search of him. This gradually evolved into dragon boat races.
Today, dragon boat races are popular all over Taiwan and abroad. In Taiwan, there are large-scale dragon boat races every year in the north, center, and south (such as at Bitan and along Keelung River in Taipei, along Dongshan River and in Erlong Village of Jiaoxi Township in Yilan County, in Lukang Town of Changhua County, and along Love River in Kaohsiung City). In recent years, these events have expanded into international invitational competitions that include participants from other countries.
The custom of making sticky rice dumplings originated from the wrapping of rice in bamboo leaves, which was thrown into the river as food for the fish, so that they would not disturb the body of Qu Yuan. This custom is now widespread. Other customs include hanging mugwort, sweet flag, and banyan branches above a doorway to repel mosquitoes. Moreover, hanging images of Zhong Kui (a figure in Chinese mythology who vanquishes ghosts and demons), wearing fragrant sachets, and drinking realgar liquor are believed to provide protection.

Highlight event

Summer Solstice 235

The number 235 refers to 23.5o north latitude, also known as the Tropic of Cancer, which crosses Taiwan, moving southward at an average of 14 meters per year. It symbolizes the dividing point between tropical and subtropical climate zones, apparent by the tropical fruit crops of pineapples and custard apples that grow south of it. North of the Tropic of Cancer can be found temperate crops, such as tea and rice. At noon on the summer solstice, while standing in the sunlight in Ruisui Township of Hualien County, which is directly on the Tropic of Cancer, you will not cast a shadow. All are welcome to experience this phenomenon.
To promote popular science and local culture, the Taiwan Tourism Administration invited 10 major museums and exhibition and performing arts venues to participate in this grand event. They include the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, Chimei Museum, National Museum of Taiwan Literature, National Science and Technology Museum, National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying), Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium, National Museum of Prehistory, Green Island White Terror Memorial Park of the National Human Rights Museum, and Xiao Men Geological Discovery Hall.

Highlight event

Iced Tea and Shaved Ice

Taiwan is also known as the 23.5o emerald of the Tropic of Cancer. It possesses diverse terrains and colorful natural landscapes, spanning the tropical and subtropical climate zones, and is an island with one of the highest mountain densities. World-famous high mountain tea is produced here, in addition to international award-winning coffee. Moreover, its unique food and shaved ice culture leaves a deep impression on both domestic and international tourists.
In the heat of summer, cold brewed tea, uniquely flavored iced coffee, sweet and tart fruit ice cream, and brown sugar shaved ice covered in toppings are each an unforgettable visual and taste experience. Whether you are a tea lover, a coffee expert, a shaved ice enthusiast, or purely a traveler, Taiwan tea, coffee, and specialty shaved ice dishes bring unimaginable surprises and delight!

Highlight event

Taiwan Culinary Exhibition

The Taiwan Culinary Exhibition is made up of multiple elements, including culinary art and culture, dishes by celebrity chefs, and local specialty ingredients. From production area to dining table, it brings together Taiwanese and exotic delicacies. In addition to delicious dishes, there are culinary art competitions and a live show with celebrity chefs from around the world. This is an anticipated event in Asia for the international food industry.
The first stop on this year’s Taiwan Culinary Exhibition tour is the East Rift Valley. Participants are guided through five indigenous communities to understand their lifestyles and to convert ingredients produced in these communities into a variety of dishes. Travelers are immersed in food-themed indigenous community experiences. Bring your tastebuds and explore culture through food. Use all your senses to fully immerse yourself in a novel indigenous community adventure.

Highlight event

Railway Travel Fun

Taiwan’s railways have their own charm and offer the opportunity to see picturesque scenery. Travelers who want to savor the beauty of Taiwan without the worry of driving along unfamiliar roads or traffic jams can arrange a Taiwan railway tour that includes views of its coastlines, mountains, fields, and small towns.

Highlight event