Author: Faith Yu-Mei Chang
Photo Credits: Taiwan East Coast Land Art Festival, East Coast National Scenic Area
Editor: Levarcy Chen
Imagine this: The vast Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly before you. A star-studded sky glistening above. Live music drifting through the cool summer breeze. Artists’ installations adorning the landscape, handcrafted artwork waiting to be cherished. Gourmet cuisine and local delicacies tantalizing your taste buds. An inclusive community welcoming you with open arms, offering the chance to meet like-minded individuals. Laughter. Dancing. Singing. Full moon nights illuminating the sea.
The East Coast Art Festival’s Moonlight Sea Concerts are a must-attend event for all lovers of art, music, and nature.
A Celebration of Art and Nature
Since its inception in 2015, the East Coast Land Art Festival—organized by the East Coast National Scenic Bureau under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC)—has become one of Taiwan’s most vibrant and artistic festivals. This annual celebration showcases the unique beauty of Taiwan’s eastern coastline, blending artistic expression with the breathtaking natural environment.
For its 2025 edition, the festival adopts the inspiring theme “Becoming an Estuary,” reinforcing key values of sustainability, environmental consciousness, and localization. Through resident art creations, the Moonlight Sea Concerts, and various cultural platforms, the festival presents an artistic dialogue that embodies harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
This year, “Becoming an Estuary” marks 11 years of dedication to creating extraordinary artistic and musical experiences. It is guaranteed to be a chapter worth remembering for a lifetime.
Moonlight Sea Concerts: A Spectacle Under the Stars
Among the festival’s numerous events, the highly anticipated Moonlight Sea Concerts will be held on the following dates:
- June 21-22 | The Flower Moon
- July 11-12 (tickets available for July 12) | The Buck Moon
- August 9-10 (tickets available for August 9) | The Sturgeon Moon
- September 8-9 | The Corn Moon
Set against the magnificent scenery and rich cultural heritage of Taiwan’s East Coast, these concerts provide a rare opportunity to experience music, art, and human connection in an unparalleled natural setting.
An Immersive Experience: Art, Music, and Gastronomy
Begin the evening with a delightful picnic, where festival vendors offer a variety of sustainable and creative meal choices made with locally sourced organic ingredients. From homemade cuisine to indigenous delicacies, every bite is an exploration of cultural fusion and culinary excellence.
Before the concerts begin, take a slow-paced walk along the scenic coastal trails. The Moonlight Festival is set within Taiwan’s East Coast Scenic Area, an established haven of natural beauty. Strolling through its mesmerizing landscapes, you’ll find yourself surrounded by majestic mountains, endless ocean views, and the artistic expressions of diverse cultures. It is a poetic harmony between nature and creativity—a sensory experience unlike any other.
The Artists & The Music
Under the glow of the moon, renowned musicians will take the stage, filling the night with unforgettable melodies. Some of the highly anticipated performers include:
Every note resonates in the sea breeze, creating an atmosphere of celebration, reflection, and unity. The abundance of talented artists and the vibrant crowd energy form a symphony of sensory delights—where music is not only heard but felt, seen, and lived.
A Cultural Tribute: Becoming the Estuary
The phrase “Misacepo’”—from Taiwan’s Amis indigenous tribe—translates to “Becoming the Estuary.”
Before the arrival of spring, indigenous tribes hold a series of rituals, celebrating the harmonious balance between land and ocean while offering gratitude for Mother Nature’s abundant blessings.
Through art, music, and collective experience, the festival invites all participants to embrace this harmony and become the estuary themselves—bridging the divide between nature, humanity, and artistic expression.
Plan Your Journey: Stay & Explore
Taitung offers a diverse range of accommodations tailored to ensure a perfect holiday experience. Whether you seek the luxury of a five-star hotel in a vibrant city setting, the serenity of a village retreat, or the convenience of a lively and social youth hostel, there is something to suit every preference. Below are some English-friendly accommodations worth considering:
Sheraton Hotel, Taitung
A luxury hotel situated in the central business district of Taitung City, Sheraton Hotel provides an exceptional stay with easy access to local attractions. It is conveniently located next to Taitung Central Market, a traditional Taiwanese marketplace that offers an authentic glimpse into daily life. Nearby, TieHua Village invites visitors to explore artistic installations, enjoy live music performances, and experience a vibrant atmosphere filled with street performers.
- Contact: 089-322438 / 089-328858
- Address: No. 316, Zhengqi Rd, Taitung City, Taitung County, 950
- Email: [email protected]
Sleepy Buffalo Homestay（水牛想睡民宿）
Nestled in Donghe, Sleepy Buffalo Homestay offers a charming beachfront retreat just 1.2 km from Jinzun Beach. Guests can enjoy a variety of amenities, including a garden and a bar, as well as a fitness room for relaxation. This cozy, family-owned village-style homestay evokes a nostalgic sense of comfort, providing a welcoming “home away from home” on Taiwan’s picturesque East Coast.
- Address: No. 226, Long-Chang Village, Donghe Township, Taitung County
- Contact: 0958 697 785
- Booking: Available through Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and various other platforms
Gao Yi 33 Ban1982 Homestay（高一33班同學會民宿）
Located in Chenggong and just 700 meters from Douli Beach, Gao Yi 33 Ban1982 Homestay offers stunning sea views and a lively atmosphere. Within walking distance of the renowned Moonlight Sea Concerts, this homestay provides both convenience and entertainment. Guests can unwind at the on-site bar or enjoy the scenic ocean views from the patio, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
- Address: 2F, No. 160-2, Duli Road, 961 Chenggong, Taiwan
- Website: Gao Yi 33 Ban1982 Homestay
Traffic Information
- Location: Duli Visitor Center (No. 25, Xincun Road, Xinyi Village, Chenggong Township, Taitung County)
- Open Time: 4:00 PM~09:30 PM
- Art Market time: 4:00 PM~09:30 PM
- Concert time: 5:30 PM~10:00 PM
- Transportation:
After entering Taipei Taoyuan Airport, you can take the MRT or bus to Taipei Songshan Airport to take a flight to Taitung Airport. From Taitung Airport take a bus or taxi to Taitung Railway Station or Taitung Bus Transfer Station, and then take the event shuttle bus to the venue. Or instead take the high-speed rail to Kaohsiung or Taipei then change the train to Taitung Railway Station or Yuli Railway Station, and then take a bus or the event shuttle bus to the venue.
After entering the country from Kaohsiung International Airport, you can take the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line to Kaohsiung Railway Station and take the train to Taitung Railway Station, and then take the bus or event shuttle bus to the venue.
- Taking the bus from Taitung and Hualien:
Take a bus bound for Chenggong成功 or Jingpu靜浦 from Taitung Railway Station and get off at the Dongguanchu東管處 stop.
Take the Hualien Bus bound for Taitung from Hualien Railway Station, transfer to the Xingdong Bus Sea Line at Jingpu, and get off at the Dongguanchu東管處 Station.
- Event shuttle bus:
- From Taitung Transfer Station（台東轉運站）｜
Taitung Transfer Station → Taitung Railway Station → Dulan Sugar Factory → Amis Folk Center (venue) - From Hualien Yuli Railway Station（玉里火車站）｜
Yuli Railway Station → Antong Hot Spring → Chenggong → Amis Folk Culture Center (venue) - From Zhiben Hot Spring（知本溫泉）｜
Zhiben→Amis Folk Culture Center (venue)
- From Taitung Transfer Station（台東轉運站）｜
- Drive by yourself:
Take Provincial Highway 11 from Hualien City or Taitung City, and turn in the direction indicated by the Eastern Coast National Scenic Area Administration at about 125.5 kilometers.rea Administration at about 125.5 kilometers.
Traffic Info Quoted from Explore East Coast of Taiwan https://www.eastcoast-nsa.gov.tw/en
Q&A
- Is it an English friendly event?
👉Yes, it is. You can log onto East of Taiwan and enjoy an interactive experience in English and others. - Can I use credit card/ digital payment there?
👉 Most vendors accept cash only, while some vendors might take digital payment such as LInepay, Apple pay. - Is there any alcohol restriction?
👉 Not really. You can purchase various kinds of local brews and also bring-your-own. - Are pets welcome?
👉 Feel free to bring your lovely ones!
