Chinese New Year in Taiwan
Chinese New Year, also called Lunar New Year, is Taiwan’s most important holiday. Its date follows the lunar calendar, and the holiday is observed over several days, with family gatherings and New Year customs at its heart.[1][2]
When the holiday is observed
Taiwan’s law places Lunar New Year on the first day of the first lunar month and recognizes Lunar New Year’s Eve as the last day of the twelfth lunar month. The statutory holiday period runs from the day before New Year’s Eve through the third day of the first lunar month, making it a five-day holiday before any calendar adjustments.[1]
The Directorate-General of Personnel Administration publishes work calendars for government agencies and schools. When a holiday falls on a regular day off, the law provides for a substitute holiday; agencies that operate year-round or provide public services may adjust their schedules under the rules for their sector.[1]
Family customs and festive food
The Tourism Administration describes Lunar New Year as Taiwan’s most important holiday. Families clean their homes before the holiday, put auspicious Chinese characters on doors and windows, and prepare rice cakes. On New Year’s Eve, relatives gather for a reunion dinner; firecrackers are traditionally set off at midnight to welcome the new year.[2]
Customs vary among communities. Taiwan’s Hakka Affairs Council describes Hakka practices that include worship of ancestors and the God of the Earth on New Year’s Eve. It also notes a Hakka custom of eating a vegetarian first meal on New Year’s Day and elders visiting temples to pray.[3]
Public services, shops and travel
The holiday is a paid public holiday for workers when it falls on a day they were scheduled to work. Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor says this entitlement also applies to part-time workers. If a national holiday coincides with a worker’s regular rest day or statutory day off, the worker must receive a substitute day off, arranged by agreement between employer and worker.[4]
Government offices follow their published holiday calendar. Shops often close for Lunar New Year, while the Tourism Administration’s visitor guide lists convenience stores as generally open around the clock; individual businesses may set different hours. Check opening times before traveling to a specific shop or service.[5]
Chinese New Year in Taiwan: FAQs
Is Chinese New Year a public holiday in Taiwan?
When does Chinese New Year take place?
It begins on the first day of the first lunar month. The corresponding Gregorian date changes from year to year, so check the official calendar for the year you plan to visit.[1]
Are shops and convenience stores open?
The Tourism Administration says shops often close for Lunar New Year and lists convenience stores as generally open 24 hours a day. Check individual locations for holiday hours.[5]
What should travelers know about getting around?
Government offices follow published holiday calendars, and public service agencies may adjust schedules. Check the relevant agency or transport operator’s holiday timetable before you travel.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Chinese New Year in Taiwan:
- 2027 Work Calendar- Directorate-General of Personnel Administration, Executive Yuan
- Traditional Festivals > Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan)- Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- Lunar New Year Customs of Taiwan’s Hakka People- Hakka Affairs Council, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- 國定假日及補假- Ministry of Labor, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- Useful Tips > Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan)- Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Republic of China (Taiwan)