In 2019, the “”Hehuan Mountain Dark Sky Park”” obtained certification from the International Dark-Sky Association, becoming Taiwan’s first and Asia’s third dark sky park to pass international recognition. Following this achievement, the Nantou County Government began hosting the annual “”Nantou Starry, Night Festival,”” which has now entered its fifth year. Nantou boasts five major stargazing sites, including Hehuan Mountain, Sun Link Sea Stream, Houtan Spring, Xitou, and Sun Moon Lake. The abundant astronomical resources have spurred a distinctive trend of stargazing-themed tourism within the county.
The unique stargazing venues and celebratory events in Taiwan have garnered recognition and attention from both the government and the public, propelling the Nantou Starry Sky Season to be listed in the 2022-2023 Taiwan Tourism Bureau’s “”Taiwan Tourism Biennial Calendar”” as a national-level event. It has become one of Taiwan’s most iconic travel brands.
In order to make the Starry Sky Season more accessible to the public and attract the attention of international travelers, this year, it has collaborated with the globally renowned graphic novel IP – Kanahei’s Small Animals. Through this popular graphic creation, the aim is to attract more international tourists to visit Nantou. In addition to this, to promote astronomical education, the county government has launched a training program for stargazing guides. The program received an overwhelming response upon opening for registration, with the hope of cultivating more local advocates for stargazing through astronomy courses.
The Nantou County Government’s Tourism Bureau stated that in addition to the Starry Sky Season series of events, there will be a “Night Exploration of Sky Trails – Cingjing Star and Moon Treasure Hunt” in August. This event will also take place at the Cingjing High Altitude Scenic Platform, featuring six activities including outdoor movies, family-friendly ecology, and music nights. The events are scheduled for August 11, 12 (“Clouds and Mist Midsummer Night Music”), August 18, 19 (“Starry Night Forest Adventure with Little Companions”), and August 25, 26 (“Forest Whisper Summer Music Concert”). The Cingjing High Altitude Trail, which is usually accessible only during special events, is a great place for families to explore together.
