Shimen International Kite Festival - Taiwan

Imagine taking a stroll on the beach, looking up and seeing all kinds of colourful shapes dancing in the wind right above you – from exotic and traditional Chinese designs to horses, plants and even Pikachu’s.
Sounds cool?
Then if you are ever in Taiwan – Shimen Kite Festival, will offer you just that.

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Shimen International Kite Festival – Taiwan

How to get there:
{From Taipei Main Station}
Mrt – Line 2 (red) to Tamsui (approx. 40 mins)
Bus – 862 or 863 to Baishawan / 白沙灣 (approx. 40-60 mins, depending on traffic)

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First of all, I am still amazed with how many different events are held around Taipei city and not only.

Every weekend something new and exciting is happening just around the corner. From art exhibitions to parades, carnivals and this Shimen Kite Festival itself.

Since 2000, the festival has been going strong, originally attracting about 10,000 visitors. It quickly managed to proof that even in moderately difficult weather conditions – the event has no trouble to go ahead. For example: during rain and strong winds – the stunt & large kites will have no problem whatsoever.

Ok, of course unless there is a typhoon.. which, actually has been showing itself quite a lot recently. Anyway.

If the worst happens for the kite fanatics and there is simply no wind – no need to worry, Shimen will show you how it’s done with the indoor windless kites.

One thing to be ready for, is the crazy amount of humans all in one place. It seems that a lot of people like kites.
My friend could not have summed it up any better, as soon as we got to the beach:
“Did we come here to see kites or people..?!”

Either way, it is still a great day out even when slightly packed. After walking around for a while, we ended up in what felt like an abandoned building / room outside but right next to the busy atmosphere.

Winnings.

There are also many activities organised on site in order to combine education, art and sport. Tons of stands selling food, kites and whatever you can think of (mainly at the entrance point). Plus, if you are lucky – there might be some surfers showing off their impressive skills too.

It is a two day event, which simply should not be missed should you be lucky to visit the island during those days.

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Short Snippet of the Festival Below 🙂
{Clicking on the link below will re-direct you to Instagram}