Visiting Taiwan in January 2027 – 8 Best Things to Do
If you’re planning to visit Taiwan in January 2027, you’re choosing one of the most underrated times of year to explore the island.
January sits between the excitement of New Year’s celebrations and Taiwan’s Lunar New Year holiday. In 2027, Lunar New Year’s Day falls on February 6, which means January is an excellent time to experience Taiwan before the major holiday period begins.
Winter in Taiwan is also much more than cold weather and hot pot. Across the island, January brings seasonal experiences that are difficult to find at other times of the year—from golden flower fields and strawberry farms to plum blossoms, cherry blossoms beginning to bloom in late January, hot springs, and contemporary art festivals.
And because Taiwan’s climate varies significantly from north to south, January is also a great month for combining different experiences in one trip. You can enjoy a chilly morning in Taipei, soak in a hot spring in the mountains, and finish the day enjoying the warmer weather of southern Taiwan.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Taiwan in January 2027.
8 Best Things to Do in Taiwan in January 2027
1. Cycle Through Golden Fields in Chishang and Eastern Taiwan
January is a wonderful time to explore Taiwan’s East Rift Valley, where the countryside takes on a particularly beautiful seasonal charm.
Across Hualien and Taitung, winter fallow fields are transformed by seasonal flowers, including golden-yellow rapeseed blossoms. The vibrant fields create a stunning contrast against the surrounding mountains, offering a unique and picturesque winter landscape in Taiwan.
In Chishang, travelers can cycle or take a leisurely walk along the country roads, passing through rice fields, irrigation channels, and mountain scenery. It is a wonderful way to slow down and experience the peaceful rhythm of rural Taiwan.
But the experience is about more than simply admiring the flower fields. It is also an opportunity to enjoy slow travel in the Taiwanese countryside and taste the region’s fresh local produce. Chishang is particularly famous for its high-quality rice, which is so delicious and well-loved that Chishang-style lunch boxes (bian dang) have become a beloved local specialty.
Book Our Tour: Hualien and Taitung 4-day Slow Tour from Taipei
2. Pick Your Own Strawberries in Miaoli in January
January is one of the best months for strawberry picking in Taiwan.
The town of Dahu in Miaoli is particularly famous for its strawberry farms. During winter, visitors can step into the greenhouses, pick ripe strawberries by hand, and enjoy them fresh from the farm.
According to local agricultural information, the 2026–2027 Dahu strawberry season is expected to run from December 2026 through April 2027, with January and February offering particularly plump and flavorful strawberries—making it an ideal time to enjoy a hands-on farm experience.
For families, strawberry picking is more than just a seasonal activity. It gives children who spend much of their time surrounded by city life an opportunity to connect with the countryside, experience farm life, and get closer to where their food comes from.
And of course, visiting Taiwan during strawberry season also means enjoying all kinds of strawberry desserts—from strawberry cakes and shaved ice to a variety of seasonal strawberry treats. These are some of the delicious highlights of winter in Taiwan.
3. Search for Plum Blossoms in Nantou
When people think of Taiwan’s flower seasons, cherry blossoms often receive the most attention. However, January is also a wonderful time to enjoy the beauty of winter plum blossoms.
The mountainous areas of Xinyi Township in Nantou are well known for their winter plum blossoms. The flowering season generally runs from December to January, with January being an ideal time for flower viewing.
What makes this experience even more convenient is that the plum blossom areas are around a 40-minute drive from Sun Moon Lake, making it easy to combine the two destinations into a well-rounded journey. Travelers can enjoy the scenery and activities around Sun Moon Lake before heading into the mountains to experience the seasonal plum blossoms.
The local farmers in Xinyi Township also produce a variety of plum-based products, including plum wine, plum drinks, and other local specialties, making them wonderful souvenirs to take home and a delicious way to discover the flavors of the region.
4. Experience the 2026–2027 Pingtung Luoshan Wind Art Festival (20 Dec, 2026 – 1 Mar, 2027)
One of the most distinctive seasonal events in southern Taiwan is the Pingtung Luoshan Wind Art Festival.
The festival celebrates the powerful winter winds known locally as the “Luoshan Wind,” a unique natural phenomenon experienced across the Hengchun Peninsula during the winter months. Through art and creative installations, the festival explores the relationship between this powerful force of nature and the local way of life.
For the 2026–2027 season, the Luoshan Wind Art Festival is scheduled to take place from December 20, 2026, to March 1, 2027, with the main venue around Haikou Port in Checheng. Large-scale outdoor art installations and performances bring together wind, landscape, contemporary art, and local culture.
5. Explore Tainan's Winter Light and Art Experiences
Tainan is another excellent destination in January.
The city is famous for its temples, historic streets and food culture, but its surrounding countryside also hosts creative winter events.
The Longci Kong Shan Festival / Longci Light Festival has become one of southern Taiwan’s most distinctive nighttime art experiences, transforming the hills of Longci into an immersive landscape of light and sound.
The exact dates for the 2026–2027 edition should be checked closer to travel, but the festival has traditionally taken place during the winter period.
This makes Tainan particularly attractive in January: travelers can spend the afternoon exploring historic neighborhoods and temples before heading into the countryside after dark for a completely different experience.
Know more about Longci Light Festival
6. Romantic Pink! Have a Dreamy Cherry Blossom Tour
Late January can also mark the beginning of Taiwan’s cherry blossom season.
However, travelers should keep in mind that cherry blossom timing can vary depending on altitude, location, and weather conditions each year, so different areas may bloom at different times.
In northern Taiwan, famous cherry blossom spots include Yangmingshan and Tamsui. In recent years, the Night Cherry Blossom events in Neihu, Taipei, have also become a unique way to experience the season. In central Taiwan, the famous Wuling Farm generally blooms later, with the main flowering period usually falling between February and March.
Therefore, if you are visiting Taiwan in January, we do not recommend planning your entire trip around cherry blossoms.
Instead, consider them a seasonal highlight that can be incorporated into a wider Taiwan itinerary.
And if you happen to encounter the cherry blossoms in full bloom during your trip, even better—it will be a beautiful and unexpected winter surprise.
7. Soak in a Taiwan Hot Spring
A January trip to Taiwan would not be complete without experiencing a hot spring.
Taiwan is blessed with abundant hot spring resources, with popular destinations ranging from Beitou and Yangmingshan near Taipei to Jiaoxi in Yilan, Guguan in Taichung, Sun Moon Lake in Nantou, and Zhiben in Taitung.
The cool weather in January makes it an especially enjoyable time to stay at a hot spring hotel. Unlike Japan, where hot spring bathing is often associated with shared public baths, many hot spring hotels in Taiwan offer hot spring water and a private soaking tub right in the guest room, allowing travelers to enjoy the experience in greater privacy and comfort.
For travelers looking for a more relaxed pace, we recommend staying for at least two nights and planning activities for only half a day each day. This leaves plenty of time to enjoy the hotel facilities, soak in the hot spring, and simply slow down and appreciate a relaxing winter getaway in Taiwan.
8. Experience Taiwan Before Lunar New Year
January 2027 offers a unique opportunity to experience Taiwan in the weeks leading up to Lunar New Year and get a glimpse of how locals prepare for the most important traditional festival of the year.
In 2027, Lunar New Year’s Day falls on February 6, so travelers visiting Taiwan in January can experience the festive atmosphere while avoiding the busiest travel period during the Lunar New Year holiday.
One of the best places to experience this atmosphere is Dihua Street in Taipei.
As Lunar New Year approaches, this historic neighborhood becomes increasingly lively, with local residents shopping for dried goods, tea, snacks, traditional pastries, New Year decorations, and gifts. The streets come alive with the sights, sounds, and aromas of the season.
Dihua Street has long been one of Taipei’s most important New Year shopping districts. With the guidance of our local guide, travelers can go beyond simply exploring the bustling market and gain a deeper understanding of how Taiwanese families prepare for Lunar New Year, including the traditions, foods, and customs behind the celebrations.
9. Warm Up with Taiwan's Winter Food
Winter is also one of the best seasons to explore Taiwan through its food.
The most classic choice is, of course, hot pot. Taiwan offers an incredible variety of hot pot styles, and one of the most popular is Yuan-Yang hot pot, which allows you to enjoy two different soup bases in the same pot—perhaps a mild broth on one side and a spicy Mala broth on the other.
You can also try other dishes that are particularly popular during the colder months, including:
- Mala hot pot – rich, spicy, and especially satisfying on a chilly winter evening
- Lamb hot pot – a traditional winter favorite in Taiwan
- Ginger duck – duck simmered with ginger and rice wine, offering a warming and distinctly Taiwanese flavor
- Sesame oil chicken – a comforting winter dish made with sesame oil, ginger, and chicken
But Taiwan’s winter food culture goes far beyond hot pot and warming dishes. Winter is also a wonderful season to enjoy seasonal desserts and fresh local produce.
Winter Desserts
Traditional treats such as hot grass jelly and sweet red bean soup with glutinous rice balls are especially popular during the colder months. Served warm, these comforting desserts are not only perfect for keeping out the chill but are also an important part of everyday Taiwanese food culture.
Winter Fruits
Taiwan also offers an abundance of seasonal fruits in winter, including strawberries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, wax apples, and custard apples. Different regions produce their own seasonal specialties, and travelers can visit local farms and orchards to learn more about Taiwan’s agricultural culture or even pick their own fruit.
For us, winter food is about more than simply deciding what to eat. It is a way to experience the local way of life. Eat with the seasons and eat like the locals do—that’s one of the best ways to discover the different flavors of Taiwan in winter.
A Suggested 10-Day Taiwan Winter Itinerary
If you’re visiting Taiwan in January 2027, here’s an itinerary we would recommend for travelers who want to experience the island’s seasonal highlights while keeping the pace comfortable.
Day 1: Arrive in Taipei
Arrive in Taipei and settle into your hotel.
Keep the first day relaxed with a walk around your neighborhood and a traditional Taiwanese dinner.
Overnight: Taipei
Day 2: Taipei City Exploration - Dihua Street, Seasonal Flowers & Night Market
Explore Dadaocheng and Dihua Street with a local guide, learning about Taipei’s historic trading culture. If your visit falls close to Lunar New Year, you can also experience the lively preparations as local residents get ready for the festival.
In the afternoon, head to Yangmingshan to enjoy the seasonal flowers and beautiful mountain scenery.
In the evening, visit a local night market and sample a variety of Taiwanese street food, winter specialties, and seasonal fruits.
Overnight: Taipei
Day 3: Taipei to Yilan: Tea Culture, Waterfalls & Hot Springs
Leave Taipei and travel to Yilan.
In the morning, visit a local tea farm and enjoy a hands-on experience of tea picking and tea making, gaining a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s tea culture.
After lunch, take a leisurely hike to Wufengqi Waterfall, enjoying the lush natural surroundings at a relaxed pace.
Continue to Jiaoxi Hot Spring afterward. The rest of the afternoon is intentionally left free, allowing you to relax at your hot spring hotel, enjoy the hotel facilities, and soak in the hot springs.
Slow down and fully embrace the relaxing rhythm of a winter getaway in Taiwan.
Overnight: Jiaoxi
Day 4: Slow Travel in Yilan
Start the morning with a guided visit to a local market, where you can experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional Taiwanese market and learn how to make the popular peanut ice cream roll.
Continue to the National Center for Traditional Arts, where you can explore Taiwan’s traditional arts and crafts through a variety of hands-on experiences, such as indigo dyeing and wooden chopstick making.
In the late afternoon, return to your hot spring hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace.
Overnight: Jiaoxi
Day 5: Yilan to Sun Moon Lake: Enjoy the Lake Scenery
Travel south from Yilan to Nantou and discover the beautiful surroundings of Sun Moon Lake.
After lunch, take a boat ride across the lake and enjoy the peaceful scenery. Continue to Ita Thao Old Street, where you can learn about the culture and traditions of the Thao Indigenous community and sample local tribal specialties.
In the late afternoon, visit Wenwu Temple, located at one of the higher points around Sun Moon Lake. It is an excellent spot to enjoy panoramic views of the lake and, weather permitting, catch the sunset over the mountains.
Overnight: Sun Moon Lake
Day 6: Winter Plum Blossoms in Nantou
Start the morning with a cycling experience along the Shuishe–Xiangshan Bikeway, enjoying beautiful views of Sun Moon Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Afterward, depending on the plum blossom conditions that year, travel to the Xinyi Township plum blossom area to admire the winter blossoms.
Enjoy a traditional mountain village lunch featuring local ingredients before returning to Sun Moon Lake.
Overnight: Sun Moon Lake
Day 7: Tainan’s Historic Culture & Winter Light Art
After breakfast, travel to Tainan.
Upon arrival, take a leisurely exploration of Tainan’s historic neighborhoods. The city’s narrow lanes are filled with traditional temples, antique shops, independent cafés, and hidden local gems. Along the way, enjoy some of Tainan’s famous traditional cuisine and discover the city’s unique food culture.
In the evening, if the seasonal schedule coincides with your visit, head to Longci Light Festival / Kong Shan Festival to experience an immersive nighttime art installation set among the hills of Longci.
Overnight: Tainan
Day 8: Anping, Historic Tainan & Sunset at the Salt Fields
Today, explore the Anping area of Tainan, visiting Anping Fort, Anping Tree House, and Anping Old Street.
In the late afternoon, head to Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields to enjoy the beautiful sunset over the historic salt fields and learn more about Taiwan’s traditional salt-making heritage.
Overnight: Tainan
Day 9: Tainan to Pingtung: Coastal Scenery & Luoshan Wind Art Festival
Travel south from Tainan toward Pingtung.
Explore the coastal landscapes around Checheng and visit the Pingtung Luoshan Wind Art Festival, where contemporary art installations celebrate the powerful winter winds and unique natural environment of the Hengchun Peninsula.
After visiting the festival, continue to Kenting and enjoy the warmer winter climate of southern Taiwan.
Overnight: Kenting
Day 10: Kenting & Departure
Spend the morning exploring Kenting National Forest Recreation Area, enjoying its tropical vegetation, limestone landscapes, and forest trails.
Afterward, depending on your departure flight, transfer to Kaohsiung International Airport for your flight home, or take the High Speed Rail north to Taoyuan International Airport.
Conclusion
January can be an excellent time to visit.
You can walk through winter flower fields in eastern Taiwan, search for plum blossoms in the mountains, pick strawberries in Miaoli, soak in a hot spring, explore the food culture of Tainan, and experience contemporary art in southern Taiwan.
And perhaps most importantly, January allows you to experience Taiwan at a more relaxed pace before the Lunar New Year holiday begins in February 2027.
As a dedicated Taiwan travel agency, we provide hassle-free experiences with local insights and support, whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or in a group. Discover the best Taiwan tour packages crafted for travellers visiting Taiwan. Whether you’re exploring Taipei’s vibrant city life or venturing into the scenic mountains, our itineraries offer something for everyone.
Bringing the kids along? Explore our exciting Taiwan family vacations filled with activities and child-friendly attractions perfect for multi-generational bonding in a safe and enriching environment.
Planning to visit Taiwan in January 2027? Contact us to create a private Taiwan itinerary around the season.
FAQs for Visiting Taiwan in January
1. Is January a good time to travel in Taiwan?
January is actually a great time for traveling to Taiwan. By avoiding the New Year holiday crowds, you can enjoy a more relaxed and high-quality travel experience.
In terms of weather, northern Taiwan is influenced by the northeast monsoon, making it relatively cool and humid, while southern Taiwan offers milder and more comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal destination.
This season also features many limited-time activities, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy Taiwan’s hot springs and indulge in delicious hot pot meals.
2. Does January have typhoons in Taiwan?
January is not part of Taiwan’s typhoon season, which generally runs from June to October.
３. Are there mosquitoes in Taiwan in January?
Although mosquitoes are present year-round in Taiwan, winter is not a peak season for their activity.
4. What to wear in Taiwan in January
It is recommended to dress in layers so you can easily adjust your clothing when moving indoors. Start with a breathable long-sleeve top as the base layer, add a sweater, knitwear, or vest for warmth in the middle layer, and finish with a windbreaker or down jacket as the outer layer.
For the lower body, long pants are recommended.
If you plan to visit mountainous areas, be sure to bring a hat and scarf to keep your head and neck warm.
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