May in Tainan: A Celebration of Blossoms, Twinkling Fireflies, Swinging Music, and Fragrant Trails with Exciting Giveaways!
Posted Date:2024-04-30
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Introduce
As May ushers in the early summer in Tainan, this year some flowers have bloomed early. Mayor Huang Wei-che mentioned that apart from the cotton tree flowers that bloomed early in March, this year's Dendrobium orchids and lotuses at Baihe Chi Chung Temple have also blossomed ahead of schedule to welcome visitors. 2024 is considered a Pilgrimage Year (香科年), with a concentration of religious celebrations and events. Many temples will host grand pilgrimage activities, including the upcoming "Madou Pilgrimage" and "Xigang Pilgrimage" events in May especially notable. Everyone is invited to Tainan to enjoy the flowers, follow the religious pilgrimage for peace, and participate in the vibrant local culture.
Director Lin Kuo-hua of the Tainan City Tourism Bureau also highlighted that aside from the natural beauty and religious tourism, the bureau has lined up exciting activities. These include the Nanxi Meiling Firefly Festival, the Tainan May Jam in Hutoupi, Xinhua District, and the "Follow Sababoy on a Religious Pilgrimage" digital stamp collection and lucky draw event held in conjunction with the Pilgrimage Year. Whether you're a fan of natural ecology or interested in religious and cultural activities, Tainan offers a host of experiences to satisfy all visitors.
"Pink Waterfall": Dendrobium orchid flowers in full bloom
The Dendrobium orchids at Baihe's Chi Chung Temple in Biantou Village typically bloom around Mother's Day, but this year they have blossomed early. Grafted onto old longan trees, these orchids cascade down like a pink waterfall when in full bloom, creating a dreamy, photogenic hotspot. Visitors planning to enjoy the orchid display should note that the surrounding roads in the Hongshi Xizhou Community in Biantou Borough are narrow, and a one-way traffic control is in place for vehicles. It is recommended to park at the riverside parking area and walk to the viewing site.
2024 Baihe Lotus Festival (opens 5/5)
Some lotus fields in the Baihe District are already showcasing the sublime beauty of blooming lotuses. This year, the area under lotus cultivation spans 200 hectares, mainly distributed across Dazhu, Zhao Feng, Guanglian, and Zhumen regions. The current lotus blooms at Baihe Lotus Park are quite impressive, making it a prime spot for flower viewing. The Baihe District Office hosts the annual Baihe Lotus Festival, themed "Lotus Mud & Midsummer Lotus," which will kick off grandly at Machouhou Guan Di Temple on May 5th. The event will feature a "Thousand-Person Lotus Seed Feast and Mother's Day Appreciation Ceremony" and a lotus market. The festival will run from May through the end of July, offering activities such as agricultural education experiences, cultural and historical walks, arts and crafts, lotus seed peeling, and rides on giant lotus leaves. For more details, visit the Baihe District Office's Facebook page and official website.
In addition to enjoying the lotus blooms in Baihe, we recommend extending your visit with a trip to Guanziling to experience the unique mud hot springs. In addition to Baihe, the Tianliao Community in Yanshui District, Lotus World in Lioujia District, and the Jiu Pin Lotus Ecology Park also offer excellent opportunities for lotus viewing. Additionally, visitors to Baihe can enhance their trip by soaking in the mud hot springs at Guanziling, combining a day of flower viewing with a rejuvenating evening spa, creating a perfect wellness getaway.
2024 Nanxi Meiling Firefly Viewing Season (5/4-5/12 on Saturdays and Sundays)
During the firefly season in Nanxi Meiling, visitors can explore the trails during the day, enjoy local dishes like plum chicken and turmeric chicken, or relax in the Gueidan Hot Springs. At night, the Meiling Wulong Trail offers a spectacular view of fireflies dancing in the dark, showcasing the natural beauty of Nanxi.
In addition to the official events, there are privately organized, ticketed firefly viewing activities in Tainan that nature enthusiasts can enjoy. Starting from April 5th, the Nanliao Village in Baihe District is hosting the "2024 Nanliao Rural Firefly Season," and from April 13th, the Guanshan area in Nanhua District will also commence its firefly viewing events. Additionally, Barclay Memorial Park in downtown Tainan provides another spot for firefly sightings.
May Jam X Hutoupi Grassland Music Festival (5/4-5/5)
The "2024 Tainan May Jam" takes place during the first weekend of May at the Hutoupi Scenic Area. This year, 28 groups out of 240 bands, including international performers and local indie bands, will perform in succession.
Hutoupi, known as "Taiwan's First Reservoir," boasts of beautiful scenery. In addition to eco-friendly solar-powered boats, pedal boats, and other water facilities, there are also all-age-friendly landscaped recreational areas. It's less than a 5-minute drive from the picturesque Xinhua Fruit and Vegetable Market. Visitors can enjoy music and explore nearby attractions such as Xinhua Old Street, Xinhua Forest Farm, Dakeng Leisure Farm, Zuojhen Moon World, and Erliao Sunrise Observation Deck. We welcome everyone to head outdoors for an enjoyable picnic with great music.
Xigang Qing’an Temple Pilgrimage (5/5 Martial Arts Parade)
The "Xigang Pilgrimage" held at the Xigang Qing’an Temple is renowned as the "Number One Pilgrimage in Taiwan." It occurs once every three years and this year marks its 240th anniversary, making it particularly meaningful. Traditional military and civilian processions such as the Song Jiang Procession, Golden Lion Procession, Water Buffalo Procession, White Crane Procession, and the hereditary centipede procession often attract the attention of tourists and worshippers alike. For those who wish to witness the martial arts performances in one go, don't miss the "Martial Arts Parade" on 5/5. This year, it will be held in a grand scale at the Xigang Qing’an Temple and Gang Ming High School. The "Three-day Pilgrimage" parade from 5/24 to 5/26 and the "Sending the King (Burning of the King Boat)" on 5/27 are the highlights of the Xigang Pilgrimage activities. Join us for a meaningful and exciting day!
Madou Daitian Temple Madou Pilgrimage (Procession from 5/3 to 5/5 )
After a hiatus of six years due to the pandemic, the Madou Daitian Temple is once again hosting the Madou Pilgrimage. This year, the event will feature 80 temples and 175 parade groups. Highlights include the Centipede Formation, which is a standout attraction in the procession. Other notable formations include the Five Kings on Horseback, the Song Jiang Formation, and the Twelve Grannies Formation. Besides following the procession, visitors can also explore the famous "Heaven and Hell" exhibit at the Madou Daitian Temple, a religious site that offers both entertainment and education.
Follow Sababoy on a Religious Pilgrimage - Collect Digital Stamps and Win! (4/28-6/30)
To allow those unable to participate in the pilgrimage activities to experience a "lite version" of the pilgrimage route, the Tainan City Tourism Bureau has launched the "Follow Sababoy on a Religious Pilgrimage - Collect Digital Stamps and Win!" electronic stamp collection and lucky draw activity. There are a total of six pilgrimage routes: "King's Boat Sacrificial Route," "Plague King Sacrificial Route," "Tucheng Pilgrimage Route," "Xuejia Pilgrimage Route," "Madou Pilgrimage Route," and "Xigang Pilgrimage Route." Each route has approximately 6 to 7 stamp collection points. Participants must visit each stamp collection point and find the AR Fish Head to complete the mission. Completing one route earns one electronic badge and one chance to win a prize. Completing all six routes earns six chances to win prizes (no repeat wins allowed). There's a chance to win Tainan accommodation vouchers or multiple 7-11 coffee redemption vouchers + McDonald's combo meal redemption vouchers. Everyone is welcome to join in the pilgrimage stamp collection and win great prizes!
Director Lin Kuo-hua of the Tainan City Tourism Bureau also highlighted that aside from the natural beauty and religious tourism, the bureau has lined up exciting activities. These include the Nanxi Meiling Firefly Festival, the Tainan May Jam in Hutoupi, Xinhua District, and the "Follow Sababoy on a Religious Pilgrimage" digital stamp collection and lucky draw event held in conjunction with the Pilgrimage Year. Whether you're a fan of natural ecology or interested in religious and cultural activities, Tainan offers a host of experiences to satisfy all visitors.
"Pink Waterfall": Dendrobium orchid flowers in full bloom
The Dendrobium orchids at Baihe's Chi Chung Temple in Biantou Village typically bloom around Mother's Day, but this year they have blossomed early. Grafted onto old longan trees, these orchids cascade down like a pink waterfall when in full bloom, creating a dreamy, photogenic hotspot. Visitors planning to enjoy the orchid display should note that the surrounding roads in the Hongshi Xizhou Community in Biantou Borough are narrow, and a one-way traffic control is in place for vehicles. It is recommended to park at the riverside parking area and walk to the viewing site.
2024 Baihe Lotus Festival (opens 5/5)
Some lotus fields in the Baihe District are already showcasing the sublime beauty of blooming lotuses. This year, the area under lotus cultivation spans 200 hectares, mainly distributed across Dazhu, Zhao Feng, Guanglian, and Zhumen regions. The current lotus blooms at Baihe Lotus Park are quite impressive, making it a prime spot for flower viewing. The Baihe District Office hosts the annual Baihe Lotus Festival, themed "Lotus Mud & Midsummer Lotus," which will kick off grandly at Machouhou Guan Di Temple on May 5th. The event will feature a "Thousand-Person Lotus Seed Feast and Mother's Day Appreciation Ceremony" and a lotus market. The festival will run from May through the end of July, offering activities such as agricultural education experiences, cultural and historical walks, arts and crafts, lotus seed peeling, and rides on giant lotus leaves. For more details, visit the Baihe District Office's Facebook page and official website.
In addition to enjoying the lotus blooms in Baihe, we recommend extending your visit with a trip to Guanziling to experience the unique mud hot springs. In addition to Baihe, the Tianliao Community in Yanshui District, Lotus World in Lioujia District, and the Jiu Pin Lotus Ecology Park also offer excellent opportunities for lotus viewing. Additionally, visitors to Baihe can enhance their trip by soaking in the mud hot springs at Guanziling, combining a day of flower viewing with a rejuvenating evening spa, creating a perfect wellness getaway.
2024 Nanxi Meiling Firefly Viewing Season (5/4-5/12 on Saturdays and Sundays)
During the firefly season in Nanxi Meiling, visitors can explore the trails during the day, enjoy local dishes like plum chicken and turmeric chicken, or relax in the Gueidan Hot Springs. At night, the Meiling Wulong Trail offers a spectacular view of fireflies dancing in the dark, showcasing the natural beauty of Nanxi.
In addition to the official events, there are privately organized, ticketed firefly viewing activities in Tainan that nature enthusiasts can enjoy. Starting from April 5th, the Nanliao Village in Baihe District is hosting the "2024 Nanliao Rural Firefly Season," and from April 13th, the Guanshan area in Nanhua District will also commence its firefly viewing events. Additionally, Barclay Memorial Park in downtown Tainan provides another spot for firefly sightings.
May Jam X Hutoupi Grassland Music Festival (5/4-5/5)
The "2024 Tainan May Jam" takes place during the first weekend of May at the Hutoupi Scenic Area. This year, 28 groups out of 240 bands, including international performers and local indie bands, will perform in succession.
Hutoupi, known as "Taiwan's First Reservoir," boasts of beautiful scenery. In addition to eco-friendly solar-powered boats, pedal boats, and other water facilities, there are also all-age-friendly landscaped recreational areas. It's less than a 5-minute drive from the picturesque Xinhua Fruit and Vegetable Market. Visitors can enjoy music and explore nearby attractions such as Xinhua Old Street, Xinhua Forest Farm, Dakeng Leisure Farm, Zuojhen Moon World, and Erliao Sunrise Observation Deck. We welcome everyone to head outdoors for an enjoyable picnic with great music.
Xigang Qing’an Temple Pilgrimage (5/5 Martial Arts Parade)
The "Xigang Pilgrimage" held at the Xigang Qing’an Temple is renowned as the "Number One Pilgrimage in Taiwan." It occurs once every three years and this year marks its 240th anniversary, making it particularly meaningful. Traditional military and civilian processions such as the Song Jiang Procession, Golden Lion Procession, Water Buffalo Procession, White Crane Procession, and the hereditary centipede procession often attract the attention of tourists and worshippers alike. For those who wish to witness the martial arts performances in one go, don't miss the "Martial Arts Parade" on 5/5. This year, it will be held in a grand scale at the Xigang Qing’an Temple and Gang Ming High School. The "Three-day Pilgrimage" parade from 5/24 to 5/26 and the "Sending the King (Burning of the King Boat)" on 5/27 are the highlights of the Xigang Pilgrimage activities. Join us for a meaningful and exciting day!
Madou Daitian Temple Madou Pilgrimage (Procession from 5/3 to 5/5 )
After a hiatus of six years due to the pandemic, the Madou Daitian Temple is once again hosting the Madou Pilgrimage. This year, the event will feature 80 temples and 175 parade groups. Highlights include the Centipede Formation, which is a standout attraction in the procession. Other notable formations include the Five Kings on Horseback, the Song Jiang Formation, and the Twelve Grannies Formation. Besides following the procession, visitors can also explore the famous "Heaven and Hell" exhibit at the Madou Daitian Temple, a religious site that offers both entertainment and education.
Follow Sababoy on a Religious Pilgrimage - Collect Digital Stamps and Win! (4/28-6/30)
To allow those unable to participate in the pilgrimage activities to experience a "lite version" of the pilgrimage route, the Tainan City Tourism Bureau has launched the "Follow Sababoy on a Religious Pilgrimage - Collect Digital Stamps and Win!" electronic stamp collection and lucky draw activity. There are a total of six pilgrimage routes: "King's Boat Sacrificial Route," "Plague King Sacrificial Route," "Tucheng Pilgrimage Route," "Xuejia Pilgrimage Route," "Madou Pilgrimage Route," and "Xigang Pilgrimage Route." Each route has approximately 6 to 7 stamp collection points. Participants must visit each stamp collection point and find the AR Fish Head to complete the mission. Completing one route earns one electronic badge and one chance to win a prize. Completing all six routes earns six chances to win prizes (no repeat wins allowed). There's a chance to win Tainan accommodation vouchers or multiple 7-11 coffee redemption vouchers + McDonald's combo meal redemption vouchers. Everyone is welcome to join in the pilgrimage stamp collection and win great prizes!
