Cycling Formosa: The Long Way Around Taiwan
- Author
- Duncan Forgan
September to November is Taiwan’s autumn and the best time to visit, with the island’s many flowers coming into full bloom. At this time there are cooler temperatures than in summer and much less rain, especially in October and November. Average lows are between 18ºC and 27ºC (64-80ºF) and average highs are between 27ºC and 30ºC (80-85ºF), with rainfall a mere 20 mm per month. The dry weather makes it a perfect time to hike or cycle though the island’s many mountains and along its coastline.
August-September
To end the seventh lunar month, or ghost month, spectators and participants gather in the town of Yilan for a huge pole-climbing competition. Teams climb, shimmy and slide their way up greased poles and bamboo to capture a flag at the top. It symbolizes 'wrestling away' ghosts or demons, in what is the Taiwanese equivalent of Halloween.
Location Yilan, Taiwan
July-September
The Ami harvest festival is a chance for this indigenous group to flaunt their colorful culture to thousands of visitors. Around 40 tribes in the east of Taiwan give thanks for their (hopefully) good harvests, whilst also performing enthralling songs, dances and plays.
Location Taitung, Taiwan
July-September
The 150-year-old Ghost Festival in the small Taiwan town of Keelung runs throughout the 7th lunar month, commonly known as the ghost month. Thousands of tourists stream into town to see the ornately decorated streets and houses, whilst Buddhists pray for peace, pay homage to ancestors, offer small sacrifices, and release water lanterns.
Location Keelung, Taiwan
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