Pride Parade
Taiwan Pride Parade is the day before TGB — same weekend in Taipei
Taiwan Pride Parade 2026
Oct 31, 2026 (Sat)
🎉 The Pride Parade (Oct 31) is the day before TGB (Nov 1) — plan for the whole weekend!
Taiwan Pride draws over 200,000 participants each year — one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in East Asia.
Taipei City Government Plaza (end of Ketagalan Boulevard)
Take the Bannan Line (Blue Line) to Taipei City Hall Station (BL18), Exit 2
Accommodation Tip
Hotels in Taipei fill up quickly during Pride weekend — book early.
Taiwan's LGBTQ+ Story
Why Was Taiwan the First in Asia to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage?
Many first-time visitors to Taiwan — especially from Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore — are a little surprised.
"Why does Taiwan feel so different from the rest of Asia when it comes to LGBTQ+?"
The answer isn't that "Taiwan was always more open-minded." It's that Taiwan is one of the few places in Asia wheredemocratizationandsocial liberalizationgenuinely grew up together.
Taiwan Was Once Very Conservative Too
Before the 1980s, Taiwan was deeply shaped by authoritarian politics, traditional family values, and gender suppression. Coming out was rare, and LGBTQ+ culture had to go underground — honestly, much like many other Asian countries at the time.
Three Turning Points
1987 — Martial Law Lifted
This wasn't just a political change — it also opened up space for freedom of speech, press freedom, social movements, and gender discourse. Through the 90s, Taiwan gradually saw LGBTQ+ bookshops, bars, university gender clubs, and media that openly discussed queer life emerge.
The Ximending Red House ↗also became an iconic symbol of Taiwan's LGBTQ+ culture.
2003 — Asia's First Large-Scale Pride Parade
Taipei held its first major Pride parade. Many people across Asia couldn't believe a public march like this was actually happening. It has since grown into one of Asia's largest Pride events.
Now every year, huge numbers of LGBTQ+ visitors from these places fly to Taiwan specifically for the parade.
Taiwan Pride Official Site2019·05·17 — Asia's First Marriage Equality
Taiwan officially passed the marriage equality law, becoming the first country in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. For many LGBTQ+ people across Asia, this moment showed something that had felt impossible:
"Change is possible, even in Asia."
LGBTQ+ Life in Taiwan Today
Taiwan isn't without prejudice — conservative voices still exist. But overall: same-sex couples holding hands is completely normal, Pride is held downtown, and acceptance among younger generations is vastly higher.
For many LGBTQ+ visitors from across Asia, Taiwan has a very special feeling — not so different culturally that it feels foreign, but free enough to breathe. Familiar, yet lighter.
That's why so many LGBTQ+ visitors from Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia come away from their first trip to Taiwan with a deep impression of the city.
Marriage Equality
Can Foreign Same-Sex Couples Get Married in Taiwan?
Yes.
Taiwan is currently one of the most welcoming places in Asia for international same-sex marriages.
After marriage equality passed in 2019, Taiwan gradually expanded access to international same-sex marriages through legal amendments. As of 2026:
Taiwanese national + Foreign same-sex partner
In most cases, you can register your marriage in Taiwan — even if your home country hasn't legalized same-sex marriage, or doesn't recognize same-sex partnerships.
This matters enormously for many Asian LGBTQ+ couples, because:
So many Asian same-sex couples make a special trip to Taiwan for wedding photos, ceremonies, marriage registration, or their honeymoon.
One Special Exception
The situation for Taiwan nationals with a Chinese (PRC) partner remains legally complex — not because of LGBTQ+ issues, but due to the different legal and political frameworks across the Taiwan Strait. That said, Taiwanese courts and the government have been gradually relaxing these restrictions.
For many LGBTQ+ travelers across Asia, Taiwan means more than just "a place where you can visit" — it's "a place where your relationship might actually be recognized."
Take this chance at TGB to meet some amazing people from Taiwan!>///<
Travel Tips
Play hard, explore Taipei
🌤 Taipei Weather · Early November
Early November is one of the best times of year to visit Taipei — crisp, dry, and clear. Daytime: 22–26°C (72–79°F), evenings: 17–21°C (63–70°F). Humidity drops noticeably; rain is rare. Pack a light jacket for evenings, but otherwise perfect weather for playing and exploring.
✈️ Airport Transport
Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) → Taipei City
🚇 Airport MRT (Recommended)
The easiest and most reliable option — signs are in English and Japanese, and there's no traffic to worry about.
🚗 Uber / Taxi
Great for large luggage, racket bags, or groups.
💳 Tap to Ride: Cards & Mobile Pay
As of July 1, 2026, Taipei MRT accepts international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB) and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay) at all fare gates. No ticket needed, no cash to exchange — just tap and go. The Taoyuan Airport MRT also supports contactless payment, so you're covered from the moment you land.
Heads up: tapping with a card or phone won't get you transfer discounts. If you're staying a few days, an EasyCard is still worth keeping around.
🎫 EasyCard (Highly Recommended)
A must-have for any Taiwan visit. Buy one at any airport convenience store.
🏨 Recommended Areas to Stay
Easy MRT access, great dining options, lively nightlife, and convenient access to the Daan Sports Center.
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Spots
Taipei is one of Asia's most LGBTQ+-friendly cities.
Ximending Red House
Google MapsOne of Taiwan's most iconic LGBTQ+ landmarks. Weekend nights are buzzing, with plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly bars in the area.
Ximending Rainbow Area
Google MapsA stretch of street decorated in rainbow colors — great for photos and a fun walk.
Rainbow Bridge
Google MapsBeautiful at night, great for a leisurely stroll.
🍺 Nightlife
Looking for LGBTQ+-friendly clubs or bars? Check these out:
Wondering where the local LGBTQ+ scene goes? Just ask any Taiwanese at the venue — they'll know!
🌙 Night Markets
Don't miss Taipei's iconic night markets!
Raohe Street Night Market
Google MapsOne of Taipei's must-visit night markets with a lively, bustling atmosphere.
Ningxia Night Market
Google MapsLocals' favorite. High food density, less touristy feel.
Shilin Night Market
Google MapsLargest and most famous, also the most crowded with tourists.
🗺️ Taipei Attractions
Taipei 101
Google MapsOn Jan 25, 2026, Alex Honnold (of Free Solo fame) scaled Taipei 101 by hand — a world first. Come see it for yourself!
Xiangshan (Elephant Mountain)
Google MapsBest spot for the Taipei 101 night skyline. About 30 min to the summit — well worth it.
Ximending
Google MapsYouth culture, street fashion, and great eats. Perfect for daytime shopping and evening strolls.
The world's longest single-tower asymmetric cable-stayed bridge (main span 450 m), opened on May 12, 2026 after nearly 30 years of planning. Designed by the late Zaha Hadid Architects, it's a landmark of our era. The sunset over the Danshui River — one of Taiwan's Eight Scenic Wonders — is strikingly romantic and absolutely worth the trip. About 50 min by MRT from central Taipei to Danshui Station.
Binjiang Airplane Alley
Google MapsOne of Taipei's best spots to watch planes fly just overhead at close range! Feel the powerful jet blast as aircraft take off — truly awe-inspiring. Great for aviation photography too. Not much shade, so bring sunscreen. Oh — and it's completely free!
Maokong Gondola
Google MapsTaipei's first automated cable car system, spanning about 4.03 km. Ride up to Maokong, where gentle camphor-tree trails await — and you can stop by Taipei Zoo along the way. The one-way ride takes 20–30 minutes, offering sweeping views of the Taipei Basin and the city skyline at night.
Xingtian Temple
Google MapsAlso known as Enzhugong Temple, dedicated to Guan Sheng Dijun (162–219 AD) — a legendary general revered as the Martial Saint for his unwavering loyalty and righteousness, and the God of Commerce for his financial wisdom. Unlike most temples, there's no incense or paper burning, making it welcoming for all visitors. Multilingual guides (English, Japanese) explain worship rituals, soul-calming ceremonies, and fortune-stick drawing. Draw a stick before the tournament for good luck!
😅 There's so much to see...you could spend weeks and still not be done Check the Taipei Tourism site! Switch language in the top right.
📋 Tips for Taiwan
No food or drinks on the MRT
Eating or drinking on Taipei's MRT is illegal and you can be fined.
Queue culture
No cutting in line — queue culture is taken seriously here.
Cash is still handy
Many night market stalls and small shops are cash-only. Keep some NTD on you.
Convenience stores are life
7-Eleven and FamilyMart have just about everything:
🆘 Emergency Contacts
Police
110Ambulance / Fire
119Tourist Hotline
0800-011-765💬 Final Tips
First time in Taiwan? Don't miss:
Welcome to Taiwan! Early November is one of Taipei's finest months — ideal for badminton, great food, nights out, and wandering the city under clear skies.