In the heart of Taiwan, nestled between the rolling mountains and serene coastlines, there's a celebration that casts its enchanting glow over the island every year - the Moon Festival. As the full moon rises, it's not just the skies that light up; it's the spirits of the Taiwanese people, coming together to celebrate their heritage, family bonds, and a shared appreciation for the beauty of the moon. The Moon Festival, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is one of Taiwan's most cherished and ancient traditions. Celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month, usually in September or October, it's a time for reunions, gratitude, and of course indulging in mooncakes - those delicious, little pastries that have become synonymous with the holiday. One of the most heartwarming aspects of the Moon Festival is the focus on family. Taiwanese people travel far and wide to be with their loved ones during this special time. I was told that even for those who cannot make the journey, there's the age-old tradition of looking up at the same full moon from different places unites people in spirit if not in person. This tradition reminds me of the importance of family bonds, which is something I’ve discovered that appears deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture.
Fortunately for me, I found myself in Taiwan during this year's enchanting Moon Festival. This meant I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the wonderful traditions of the locals. My destination for the weekend's activities? The stunning city of Hualien is etched onto the picturesque eastern coast of the island between the mountains and the sea. Let me tell you, this journey was nothing short of unforgettable! There were miles upon miles of rolling countryside, vast and majestic forests, and a mountain range that seemed to stretch on forever. And that's not to mention the ridiculously long tunnels needed to pass through many of the mountains to reach the island's eastern side.
After our arrival in Hualien, it was time to satisfy our growling stomachs. Having spent the better part of the day travelling in the car, we were all hungry and eager to savour a memorable meal together. Our destination of choice was a charming local seafood restaurant, renowned throughout Hualien for its exceptional dishes featuring a wide variety of fresh-caught seafood. This place had seen its fair share of celebrity patrons, and it's no surprise why. As soon as we stepped in, the walls were covered with a kaleidoscope of Polaroid pictures that immediately caught my attention. These snapshots immortalized the head chef, who had expertly prepared dishes for countless famous diners. If you're in Hualien, it's almost a rite of passage to dine at this legendary establishment. I couldn't wait to dive into whatever crazy meal came my way, and my goodness it did not disappoint, there was everything, oysters, lobster, fresh fish and shrimp all accompanied by excellent sides, but for me it was the seafood stew that really took over, it was a feast!
On the second day in Hualien, I took a trip through the Taroko Gorge, the scenery was truly breathtaking, and the way the river has carved its way through the mountains and created the gorge over the years is incredible. The towering marble cliffs and deep canyons were certainly a first for me, I had never been to a place with such natural beauty before. The gorge is part of Taroko National Park with an area of around 920㎢ it is one of Taiwan's largest national parks.
After the little excursion to the National Park, however, it was time to prepare for the evening events of the moon festival, this meant getting the food and drinks ready for the evening to come. And when the sun sunk under the horizon the festivities began and they certainly did not disappoint, there was great food and plenty of it, alcohol in abundance and excellent company to bring it all together and make it worthwhile. Overall, I had a wonderful time in Hualien and would love to return there and do some more exploring of the area and its unwavering beauty. I have learnt from this weekend that the Moon Festival in Taiwan is more than just a cultural event; it's a celebration of unity, gratitude, and a profound connection to nature. As the full moon graces the night sky, it reminds us of the beauty of life's cyclical nature, the importance of family, and the promise of new beginnings.
Author
Ethan Turner