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The 2026 Nantou Starry Sky Festival officially commenced on the evening of April 25 with its inaugural event, "Valley of Serenity Station," held at the Dongpu Hot Spring Square in Xinyi Township. Surrounded by majestic mountains and blessed with minimal light pollution, the valley’s pristine night sky served as a breathtaking natural stage. Blending indigenous Bunun culture with immersive astronomical experiences, the event drew large crowds eager to stroll through the valley and soak in its soothing nighttime atmosphere.

Situated at the foot of Yushan (Mount Jade) at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters, Dongpu is celebrated as one of Nantou’s premier stargazing destinations. This year, the Nantou County Department of Tourism themed the opening event "Valley of Serenity," inviting visitors to step away from the bustle of city life and unwind. County Mayor Hsu Shu-Hua, who attended the opening ceremony, emphasized that the Starry Sky Festival champions a low-carbon, eco-friendly approach to tourism. This sustainable model minimizes environmental impact while seamlessly connecting local accommodations, industries, and tribal communities to foster a virtuous cycle of tourism. County Mayor Hsu noted that the festival has been featured on the official Taiwan Tourism Calendar by the Tourism Administration (Ministry of Transportation and Communications) for several consecutive years. She expressed her hope that "looking up at the stars" will evolve into a lifestyle that inspires deep appreciation for nature and respect for the environment.

The event featured a rich lineup of activities. In the afternoon, expert-led guided tours introduced visitors to traditional Bunun forest wisdom. Later, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Liu Chih-An, President of the Taipei Amateur Astronomers Association, led a professional stargazing session, guiding participants in identifying constellations and marveling at the night sky. Cultural highlights included a “Magav Fragrance Experience” inspired by makauy (mountain pepper, a staple of Bunun cuisine), a “Guardian Spirit Seed Keyholder DIY” workshop creating from native forest seeds, star-themed Henna Mehndi Designs, and a "Constellation Music Recommendation Chart.”

The evening concert opened with the angelic, pure voices of the Dongpu Elementary School Choir, followed by energetic performances from the Yuan Huo Band (原火樂團) and celebrated indigenous singer Kasiwa (葛西瓦), creating a magical fusion of music and starlight.

To encourage visitors to extend their stay, the Dongpu Hot Spring Tourism Association has launched the "Dongpu Stargazing Tour" initiative, which will offer guided nighttime stargazing excursions every Friday throughout May. Additionally, the association is providing immersive, full-day itineraries that pair tribal culture with local ecology, showcasing iconic landmarks such as the Batongguan Historic Trail and the Father and Son Cliff.

The 2026 Nantou Starry Sky Festival features four highly anticipated themed events, continuing with the "Forest Glow Station" in Xitou on June 13 and the "Love Under the Stars Station" in Cingjing on August 15, before concluding with the "Moonlit Homecoming Station" at the Houtanjing Recreation Area in Nantou City on September 5, which will feature a festive Mid-Autumn Festival under-the-stars picnic.

This year's festival also introduces the brand-new "Star Passport" stamp rally. Visitors who collect stamps across the events will be entered into a grand prize drawing. Exclusive themed tickets and interactive challenges will be available at each location, and participants who complete the designated tasks will receive an official Star Certificate and limited-edition souvenir. Furthermore, as the event coincides with firefly season, travelers staying at legally certified accommodations in Nantou through May 31 can upload their receipts online to enter a raffle for prizes, including iPhones. May also marks the launch of the "Nantou 100K Cycling Town Tour," offering the perfect daytime complement for travelers looking to experience the stunning landscapes of Nantou in depth.