Homecoming 2026: Reconnect with the Authentic "New Year Vibe" in Taiwan
February 13, 2026
From Dihua Street to Cherry Blossoms: 4 Ways to Embrace the Year of the Horse.
If you are reading this, chances are you have already booked your flight, ready to touch down on this familiar island before February 17, 2026 (The First Day of the Year of the Horse).
Welcome home! We know that for Overseas Taiwanese, the "Lunar New Year" isn't just a holiday; it's a feeling. It’s the smell of dried mulch at Dihua Street, the sound of temple bells, and the warmth of a reunion dinner.
This year, skip the hassle of complex planning. As your local friends, we have curated 4 iconic spots to help you and your family—especially those kids born abroad—reconnect with the true spirit of a Taiwanese New Year.
1. The Scent of Nostalgia: Dihua Street (Dadaocheng)
Nothing screams "Chinese New Year" like the bustling crowd of Dihua Street. In the weeks leading up to CNY, this historic district transforms into Taiwan's largest New Year Market.
• The Vibe: It is loud, crowded, and incredibly heartwarming. Let your kids try the free samples of dried mullet roe (Wuyuzi) and pistachios.
• Local Tip: After shopping, visit the Taipei Xia-Hai City God Temple to pray for a peaceful year.
• Getting There: Traffic is heavy. We recommend taking the MRT to Beimen Station and walking.
2. Blossoms of the New Year: Wuling Farm Cherry Blossoms
The Lunar New Year in 2026 falls in mid-February, which perfectly coincides with Taiwan's most spectacular cherry blossom season.
• The View: Wuling Farm in Taichung is arguably the best spot in Taiwan to see the "Pink Lady" cherry blossoms. It’s a sea of pink that rivals anything you’d see in Japan.
• Travel Hack: During the CNY period, traffic control is extremely strict. Driving yourself can be a nightmare of permit applications and traffic jams.
• Easy Option: We highly recommend booking a seat on a "Join-in Bus Tour". You simply hop on, enjoy the nap, and wake up in paradise.
• (Check Availability: Our Pink Spring: Wuling Farm Cherry Blossom One-day Tour is one of our best-sellers. Seats fill up fast!)
3. Blessings and Lanterns: Longshan Temple & Pingxi
For many returning Taiwanese, the new year doesn't officially start until you've smelled the incense at a temple.
• The Ritual: Head to Longshan Temple to pray for health and grab a lucky amulet for your family abroad.
• The Grand Finale: If you are staying until the Lantern Festival (March 3, 2026), the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is a must. Writing your wishes on a lantern and watching it rise into the night sky is a moment your family will never forget.
• (Getting There: Avoid the mountain traffic by joining a Jiufen & Shifen Day Tour, which takes care of all transportation.)
4. Family Fun: Leofoo Village or Yilan Nature
If you are bringing children who aren't used to temple hopping, balance the trip with some nature or theme parks.
• The Choice: Yilan is a fantastic escape with its "Boba Tea Museum" and animal farms, offering a relaxed pace compared to Taipei.
• Relax: Don't want to drive through the Snow Tunnel traffic jams? Look for local day tours that depart from Taipei.
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Welcome Home! Enjoy Your Lunar New Year.
The most important part of CNY is being together. Traffic during the holiday can be chaotic, so don't let driving stress ruin your mood.
If you want to explore these spots without the hassle of driving, MyProGuide offers a variety of Join-in Tours (Standard Bus Tours) and Walking Tours. We handle the logistics; you handle the memories.
👇 Explore our "Join-in Tours" for a stress-free holiday:
🏮 Find your CNY Day Trip here: Visit our official website to browse available seats for Wuling Farm, Jiufen, and more.
