Organized by the Nantou County Government to promote dark-sky-friendly environments and themed stargazing tourism, the 2026 Nantou Starry Sky Festival was unveiled at a press conference held on April 14 at the County Hall. Since 2019, when Hehuanshan was officially certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) as Taiwan’s first and Asia’s third Dark Sky Park, the annual Nantou Starry Sky Festival has become a flagship event. With innovative programming each year, it continues to attract significant anticipation from visitors.
This year’s festival adopts the concept of a “Star Voyage Train,” featuring four themed main events across different locations: Dongpu in Xinyi Township (April 25), Xitou in Lugu Township (June 13), Cingjing in Ren’ai Township (August 15), and Chijiaojing Landscape Restaurant in Nantou City (September 5). In collaboration with local organizations—including the Dongpu Hot Spring Tourism Association, Taiji Meidi Development Association, Cingjing Tourism Association, and Zhishan Cultural Care Association—the festival extends beyond single-day events into a multi-month series. Surrounding each main event, extended stargazing activities and guided tours will be organized, transforming the experience into a seasonal and immersive journey.
For example, in the Xitou area, stargazing tours will be held every weekend from May 29 to June 27, combined with tea appreciation and ecological tours, with each session offering 30 exclusive gift sets for registered participants. Meanwhile, the Cingjing program will run from July 30 through December, incorporating sunrise viewing experiences and varied itineraries to encourage longer stays and boost local tourism consumption.
Nantou County Magistrate Hsu Shu-hua emphasized that Nantou’s low light pollution and mountainous terrain make it one of Taiwan’s premier stargazing destinations. As a nationally recognized event listed in Taiwan’s Tourism Calendar, the Nantou Starry Sky Festival continues to receive support from the Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications. This year’s “Star Voyage Train” connects four townships, integrates four associations, spans five months, and includes over 50 satellite activities, creating a network of experiences scattered across the county like stars in the night sky. This transformation from single-day events into a cross-seasonal tourism model enhances regional connectivity and cultural depth, encouraging visitors to engage more meaningfully with local communities.
The County Government further noted that sustainable tourism remains a key development priority. Stargazing tourism, characterized by low carbon emissions and minimal environmental impact, effectively integrates local accommodations, industries, and community resources, fostering a positive tourism cycle. The festival continues to promote dark-sky conservation, cultivate local guiding talent, and encourage businesses to adopt star-friendly practices, positioning nighttime as a valuable natural asset.
This year’s programming is structured around five experiential dimensions: “See, Listen, Guess, Create, and Play,” combining audiovisual enjoyment, cultural immersion, and astronomy education to deliver a fully immersive experience. A stamp collection mechanism, the “Star Passport,” incentivizes participation across multiple events, with attendees earning raffle entries—up to seven chances—based on the number of events attended, with prizes including telescopes and other exclusive gifts.
Additionally, the festival introduces the concept of a “Star Certificate,” where participants complete four themed challenges at each main event, covering fundamental astronomy knowledge and practical stargazing skills. Upon completion, participants receive both commemorative gifts and a personalized certificate, enhancing the experience’s tangible and shareable value.
The opening event, “Valley of Serenity Station” in Dongpu, centers on Bunun indigenous culture and highlights a major astronomical phenomenon of 2026—the brightest comet. Activities include guided stargazing, cultural tours, aromatherapy crafting, seed jewelry making, and star-themed henna art, accompanied by performances from indigenous singer Kasiwa and local groups.
The second stop, “Forest Glow Station” in Xitou, combines forest ecology with stargazing. Visitors can observe nocturnal wildlife, enjoy professional astronomy commentary, and participate in tea ceremonies and workshops. Performances by artists Kowen Ko and Chang Jo-fan further enhance the experience.
The most anticipated highlight, “Love Under the Stars Station” in Cingjing, coincides with the Qixi Festival and the Perseid meteor shower. Blending romantic stargazing with Seediq cultural experiences, the event features a collaboration with Yuelao temples, offering interactive activities such as “Love Fortune Draws” and exclusive blessed souvenirs for couples, creating a unique fusion of astronomy and emotional experience.
The final stop, “Moonlit Homecoming Station” at Monkey Exploration Well (Houtanjing), aligns with the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Supermoon phenomenon. The event includes daytime ecological tours, nighttime stargazing, themed picnics, DIY workshops, and a closing performance by singer Verna, bringing the festival to a warm and memorable conclusion.
To further engage audiences, the festival also launches an interactive “Star Personality Quiz,” allowing participants to discover their “celestial identity” before attending. By sharing their results on social media and presenting them at event venues, participants can redeem exclusive gifts, enhancing pre-event engagement.
Each event will also feature curated markets showcasing local agricultural products, cultural goods, and hospitality services. Professional astronomy teams will provide telescope observations and guided explanations, while a flexible registration system prioritizes overnight visitors to encourage in-depth travel experiences.
For more information, please visit the official 2026 Nantou Starry Sky Festival website or the “Nantou Welcome” Facebook page.
