Hohaiyan Rock Festival

Hohaiyan (the Ho-Hai-Yan Rock Festival) is Taiwan's original free beach rock festival, held every summer since 2000 on the wide sands of Fulong Beach in Gongliao, on New Taipei's northeast coast. Over the weekend it pairs a big free open-air stage of popular bands and singers with its famous band competition, the Ocean Independent Music Award (海洋獨立音樂大賞), which has launched many of Taiwan's best-known indie acts. Admission is completely free, and the setting — a river-mouth beach with swimming and a market — makes it as much a summer day out as a gig.

The 2026 programme centres on the Ocean Independent Music Award (海洋獨立音樂大賞), whose ten finalist bands play the final on 25 July, alongside guest headliners on the main stage. Confirmed finalists include 共振效應, 莎賓娜大樂隊, 來者何人 Whoou!, 辣鄰居, Jazzweed 芥子草, Soul sorry, 頂加集會 M.L.C, MORE BE US, 迷海艾當 and 應聲倒地. Guest performers are announced in stages — check the official Facebook page for the full bill.

Entry is free — no ticket needed, just arrive. There is no registration, no gate and no wristband; walk onto the beach and watch. Bring cash for the food-and-craft market and beach facilities.

Route: from Taipei, take a TRA train on the Yilan line to Fulong Station (福隆; ~1.5–2 hr from Taipei Main — local and Chu-Kuang trains stop there). The beach is a 5–10 min walk from the station. Drivers use Provincial Highway 2, but parking fills fast on festival days.

Airport: nearest is Taoyuan (TPE); transfer to Taipei, then the Yilan line.

Staying: Fulong has limited B&Bs (民宿) that book out early; many visitors day-trip from Taipei or stay in nearby Ruifang or Yilan. Bring sun protection, water and a swimsuit — it's a working swimming beach.