Taoyuan hosts major folk religious festivals and international cultural exchanges

Taoyuan recently hosted significant religious and cultural events, highlighting the region's role as a hub for traditional folk beliefs. The 2026 Tudigong International Folk Art Festival commenced with a parade involving approximately 3,000 participants. The event brought together 168 temples, including 13 from Taoyuan, one from Pingtung, and five from Malaysia, featuring 252 deities to pray for global peace.

Taoyuan Mayor Chang Shan-cheng noted that the festival aims to deepen cultural connections between Taiwan and Southeast Asian Chinese communities, specifically through exchanges with Malaysia and Singapore. Officials also highlighted the “Rice Dragon” art form, which utilizes kitchenware and rice to promote sustainable, zero-waste traditional art.

Additionally, the Taoyuan Jiang Taigong Temple celebrated the 3,165th anniversary of Jiang Taigong. As the largest temple of its kind in Taiwan, the site held ceremonies including traditional puppet shows and markets. Local officials praised the temple for integrating faith with social welfare by donating ritual offerings to families in need.