Tips for Traveling in Taiwan During Chinese New Year 2025
Every year, many travelers plan to visit Taiwan during the Lunar New Year to experience the vibrant festive atmosphere—from traditional cultural events to bustling New Year markets.
However, Lunar New Year is also one of the busiest travel seasons for locals in Taiwan. Traffic congestion caused by residents returning to their hometowns, crowded attractions due to family outings, business closures for holiday gatherings, and rising hotel prices are common challenges that may affect your travel experience.
If you’re considering traveling to Taiwan during the Lunar New Year, it’s essential to understand these circumstances and prepare accordingly. This comprehensive guide covers the key points you need to know for traveling during this festive season.
What to Expect When Traveling to Taiwan During Chinese New Year
1. Some Attractions and Shops Will Be Closed
The Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) holiday typically lasts between 5 to 9 days. During this time, most Taiwanese return to their hometowns to celebrate with family, similar to Christmas in Western countries. As a result, many shops, markets, and even popular tourist sites close temporarily, which may affect your travel itinerary.
2. Restaurant Availability Will Be Limited
Many restaurants close during the Lunar New Year period, especially from New Year’s Eve to the third day of the holiday. For example, the famous Din Tai Fung closes on New Year’s Eve and the first day of the Lunar New Year so that staff can spend time with their families. Some restaurants only offer banquet-style meals for groups of 10 or more, or serve fixed menus during this time. Dining options can be limited during the New Year period, so it’s highly recommended to make reservations well in advance.
3. Heavy Traffic and Delays
During this time, highways get really jammed because everyone’s heading to visit their families—whether it’s the husband’s side, the wife’s side, or even friends’ families—to celebrate the New Year. So, be prepared for your travel time to take at least twice as long as usual.
4. Crowded Tourist Attractions
Many locals use the extended holiday to travel with family, leading to crowded popular attractions. Interestingly, Taipei tends to be quieter during this time since a large portion of its population is originally from other counties and returns home for the holiday.
5. Accommodation Prices Will Be SUPER High.
Hotel prices during the holiday period are often two to three times higher than usual. Transportation and tour guide fees will also increase, as guides sacrifice their family time to work and are required by law to be paid double wages during this peak season.
Seeing all this, you might be thinking, “Oh no! Should I just skip visiting Taiwan during Lunar New Year?”
But we understand that for many overseas Chinese families, this holiday might be the only opportunity to bring everyone together and travel as a family. That’s why we’ve put together the following tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Travel Tips for Visiting Taiwan During Chinese New Year
1. Consider Visiting before or after the Lunar New Year
If possible, we recommend planning your trip either just before or right after the Lunar New Year holiday.
Before the holiday, festive decorations such as red couplets, lanterns, and firecrackers are already in place, giving you a chance to soak in the rich holiday atmosphere and explore bustling New Year markets.
If you visit after the holiday, shops and attractions will have reopened, and daily life returns to normal. You’ll also be just in time for the Lantern Festival, with dazzling lantern displays across Taiwan—including the famous Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.
2. Base Yourself in Taipei and Explore Nearby Towns Only
Taipei is usually less crowded than other popular destinations during the Lunar New Year, and hotel rates tend to be more reasonable. Consider focusing your trip on Taipei and its nearby areas—such as Shifen, Yehliu, Beitou, Tamsui, and Keelung—for convenient day trips. This way, you can minimize long-distance travel and avoid spending too much time stuck in traffic.
3. Limit intercity travel
If your trip is longer and you want to explore outside Taipei, focus on one additional destination to explore deeply rather than rushing between multiple cities. This strategy helps you save time and avoid traffic-related stress.
Conclusion
Planning to travel to Taiwan during the Lunar New Year? If you’re concerned about potential challenges, contact us! Our customized and private tours are crafted by local experts who can provide the best recommendations tailored to your needs.
If you’re planning to visit Taiwan with children during the Lunar New Year, our Taiwan family travel services are thoughtfully designed to cater to different age groups and family needs. You can also explore our curated Taiwan tour packages for inspiring ideas and practical tips to make your Taiwan trip truly memorable.