Author: Faith Yu-Mei Chang
Photo Credits: Taiwan East Coast Landart Festival, Faith Yu-Mei Chang, Julien Huang
Editor: Levarcy Chen
After a smooth and comfy shuttle ride from Dulan, I arrived at the first Moonlight Sea Concert on a bright, sun-kissed afternoon. The wide-open sea and sky stretched out before me like a warm welcome, hinting at the magical weekend ahead. Friendly greetings from the organizing teams—especially the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration under the MOTC—set a cheerful tone. And the celebration of wonder began.
Event
“We thought—why keep this breathtaking view to ourselves?” recalled Lin Wei-Ling, Chief Officer of the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration, reflecting on the spark that ignited the Moonlight Sea Concert. Since its debut in 2015, this concert series—part of the East Coast Land Arts Festival—has grown into one of Taiwan’s most cherished annual events.
Its origin? A stroke of serendipity. The very stage that now welcomes artists from across the globe was inspired by a giant lantern installation, famously swept away by an overzealous typhoon in 2003. What began as a moment of destruction turned into a story of renewal—where nature’s wildness paved the way for a starlit sanctuary for artists. Today, it’s a place where moonlight meets melody, drawing 3,000 to 5,000 visitors each year.
From meadow to flowerbed, from lantern debris to luminous wonder, the Moonlight Sea Concert isn’t just a performance—it’s a sensory ritual etched into memory. A twinkling gem in Taiwan’s cultural landscape.
I asked Ms. Lin, “Over the past decade, what achievement of the Moonlight Sea Concert are you most proud of?” She smiled, her eyes gleaming.
“The people,” she said. “Not just the thousands of concertgoers—but the artists who bring it all to life: painters, crafters, installation artists, musicians. The enthusiasm we receive from visitors, both local and international, reminds us why we do this. If we’ve achieved anything, it’s thanks to the dedication of every participant—artists, visitors, and our incredible teams.”
As we sipped our drinks amid soft laughter and sunlit stories, Ms. Lin reminisced with quiet pride.
“Every year, our staff joins the event—not just as organizers, but as participants. And over time, we’ve noticed something special: a growing mosaic of audiences. More diverse groups are coming, from nearby communities to travelers across continents.”
Having lived abroad for decades, I shared how the Moonlight Sea Concerts introduced me to fresh, emerging talents. “Were this year’s new performers a response to last year’s audience feedback?” I asked. She chuckled.
“Our team is brilliant. They bring their passion for music and the arts into everything they curate. Honestly, we’re often in awe of their vision.”
Behind her desk, vivid paintings by celebrated artists adorned the wall—each a window into Taiwan’s soul. I couldn’t help but pose one final question before glancing at the clock.
“As the Moonlight Sea Concert sets its sights on the international stage, what dreams lie ahead for Taitung?”
She didn’t hesitate.
“We’re committed. The Moonlight Sea Concert and the Land Arts Festival have become beacons of cultural tourism for Taiwan’s East Coast. And we’re just getting started. Imagine a coastline where Indigenous voices, Austronesian rhythms, international artistry, interactive family experiences, fusion cuisine, and captivating installations all converge—bathed in moonlight. That’s our vision. And we’ll continue shaping it together.”
Warmth radiated from her words—not just professional pride, but a deep-rooted passion. With hearts aligned with nature and eyes set on the horizon, Taiwan’s East Coast isn’t just rising—it’s glowing.
Art & Handicraft Market
Taiwan’s East Coast was a canvas, and Mother Nature? The headliner. Land Art Festival artists brought the scenery to life, crafting magic between mountain and sea. I wandered barefoot through the twilight, beer in hand, feeling the breeze in my hair. Every element of the scene whispered, “Feel the strength of nature.” And I did.
Oh, and the handicraft market? A fairytale of boho forest. From tree-bark handbags, scarves dyed in magic, driftwood trinkets to coconut wood spoons. Between drumbeats and grilled temptations, I wandered into a jungle of handmade wonder.
I left with pairs of earrings—fringed, fabulous, and 100% serotonin-on-a-hook. With the delicate earrings, I sparkled, literally.
Photo: Taiwan East Coast Land Art Festival Website
Feast
The moment I entered, it was like stepping into a foodie dream. Food stalls flaunted their flair—banana fronds, twinkling lights, driftwood art. My eyes were dazzled, but then—bam!—my nose got ambushed with sizzling scents right at the moment I was sipping my beer. Self-control? I know no such thing.
With One bite of smoked duck, I caved, and I was writing love songs to poultry—pork joined in—a duet of the gods. At the Moonlight Sea Concert, with octopus crackling, beer in hand, music soaring, and flavors dancing, I wandered through a state of edible euphoria. If life tastes better, prove it.
Music
From the first beat, I knew I was someplace sacred, not in the religious sense, but in that soul-thrumming, skin-tingling, senses-wide-open kind of way that only a seaside music festival can summon. I slipped into the crowd chasing trancey rhythms—and stumbled into pure electricity. Singo Barong Taiwan erupted onstage like a folkloric fever dream: suona horns, Balinese feathers, Han opera chaos. I never stood a chance. From there, it was wave after wave of musical alchemy.
The bamboo bells of Amis Kakeng chimed stories older than my bones, floating into the night like whispered prayers. Skaraoke crashed in next—brassy, cheeky, wild. I danced like a barefoot firework. Then came Cemelesai, weaving tribal roots and electro pulse with Gibson’s lighting spells. I didn’t just listen—I dissolved.
And Suming, oh Suming—singing Amis truth over moonlit waves like some shaman of sound. Every note pulled us deeper into belonging. The next day opened with the blissful absurdity of finding parking and grilled squid, but what lingered were the waves of Okinawan sanshin (三線) from Takashi Hirayasu that shook me to my core.
Shallow Levée cracked open my chest with a poetic ache, and Umaq healed it with the grounding hum of home. Savi and Sakinu didn’t perform—they built a village of music. Then Usay Kawlu stepped into the spotlight, her voice carrying a hint of salt, a touch of memory, and something eternal.
Each acts as a portal, and each note is a prayer. That weekend, music didn’t just entertain—it rooted, lifted, and left a lasting impression. I came seeking songs. I found stardust, ancestry, and a barefoot version of myself I never want to misplace.
And just like that, the sea sang, the stage shimmered, and I belonged.
Concert information:
The Moonlight Sea Concert
【Location】Torik Visitor Center
【Address】 No. 25, Xincun Rd., Chenggong Township, Taitung County (Torik Park)
【Event Time】16:00-22:00
【Market Time】16:00-21:30
【Music Concert Time】17:00-22:00
【 Toll-Free Number】0800-009-828
Keep the dates:
7/11 (Fri) – Stream of Life (Free Admission)
7/12 (Sat) – Boundless Ocean (Online Booking)
8/09 (Sat) – Dancing with Rivers and Seas (Online Booking)
8/10 (Sun) – Land of Abundance (Free Admission)
9/08 (Mon) – Elegance Reimagined (Free Admission)
9/09 (Tue) – Becoming the Estuary (Free Admission)
