Keelung Mid-Summer Ghost Festival (Zhongyuan)

At a glance

Dates · confirmed

August 12–September 11, 2026

Where

Keelung city centre & Wanghai Lane harbour · Keelung, TW day trip

Price

Free to watch

Official link

klctb.klcg.gov.tw ↗

What to expect

• Taiwan's biggest and oldest Ghost Festival, running for a full lunar month
• Night-time lit float parade through Keelung
• Burning water lanterns released into the harbour to guide spirits

Planning tips

• The water-lantern parade and harbour release is scheduled for Aug 26, followed by Zhongyuan rites on Aug 27
• Keelung is ~45 min from Taipei by train or bus
• Recheck the Keelung City schedule shortly before travelling in case ceremony times change

Build a day around it

Taipei event days feel best when you plan by district. Treat the event as one anchor block, then add one food mission and one restorative break (tea, park, bookstore) — with buffer so nothing feels rushed.

• If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short neighborhood walk.
• If you’re making a full day: one attraction block + event + a calm night-market or dinner plan.
• If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use museums/cafés as your buffer.

Before you go

• Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
• Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
• Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.

Sources

• taiwangods.moi.gov.tw ↗