National Day (Double Tenth Day) in Taiwan
Taiwan observes National Day on October 10, commemorating the Wuchang Uprising that began the 1911 Xinhai Revolution. It is a statutory day off, with official commemorations and flag displays giving the date a visible presence across the island.[1][2][3]
A national holiday on October 10
Taiwan’s Memorial Days and Holidays Implementation Act names National Day as October 10 and grants one day off. The Labor Standards Act also treats it as a national holiday for workers: employers must provide the holiday with pay when it falls on a worker’s scheduled workday. If work is required that day, the employer must obtain the worker’s consent and pay according to the applicable rules.[1][4]
When a holiday falls on a regular weekly day off, make-up arrangements depend on the worker’s employment rules. For government agencies, the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration generally schedules a Saturday holiday on the preceding workday and a Sunday holiday on the following workday. Private-sector arrangements follow labor regulations; where National Day coincides with a worker’s statutory rest day, the Ministry of Labor says the compensatory day is set by agreement between employer and worker.[4][5]
The history behind Double Tenth
October 10 marks the start of the Wuchang Uprising in 1911, which the Presidential Office identifies as the beginning of the Xinhai Revolution. The uprising helped bring down Qing imperial rule. The Presidential Office’s account of Sun Yat-sen’s life records the Republic of China’s formal establishment on January 1, 1912, after he was elected provisional president.[2][3]
The date is therefore both a commemoration of the revolution and Taiwan’s national day under the Republic of China. The name “Double Tenth” refers to the date’s two tens: the tenth day of the tenth month.[1][3]
How the day is observed
The law calls for commemorative activities on National Day and requires government agencies to display the national flag on memorial days. Central and local governments organize activities, while agencies, associations and schools may hold their own.[1] The Presidential Office describes a familiar flyover ceremony and international exchange performances among the celebrations held in recent years.[3]
Flag displays are visible beyond the ceremony: the Presidential Office notes that bridges, roads and government buildings across Taiwan are decorated with rows of national flags during October. Public observances and programmes can vary, so check official announcements for details before travelling to an event.[3]
What to expect as a resident or visitor
Government offices follow an annual work calendar, and the Directorate-General of Personnel Administration specifies that its calendar applies to government civil servants. Some public services with special operating needs can adjust their days off; schools also use calendars set by their education authorities. Check the relevant office or school’s notice before making an appointment.[5]
The national holiday does not mean every private workplace, shop or transport service follows the same schedule. The Ministry of Labor’s guidance distinguishes private-sector leave arrangements from the government work calendar. For practical plans, check opening hours and transport notices with the individual business or operator.[4][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is Taiwan’s National Day?
Is Double Tenth Day a public holiday?
Are government offices and schools closed?
Government civil servants follow the government work calendar, though some services may adjust their days off. Schools follow calendars set by education authorities, so check the specific office or school before visiting.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for National Day / Double Tenth Day in Taiwan:
- 紀念日及節日實施條例- Ministry of the Interior, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- Founding father- Office of the President, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- Chieh Shou Hall and Post-War Life – National Day Celebrations- Office of the President, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- 國定假日及補假- Ministry of Labor, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- 紀念日及節日逢例假日是否補假？- Ministry of the Interior, Republic of China (Taiwan)