National Day of Taiwan (2026)

On the 10th of October each year, the Taiwanese gather in merriment as they celebrate the birth date of the Republic of China (official name of Taiwan) in a day they call the Double Tenth Day or Taiwan National Day. Some refer to it as the National Day of the Republic of China. A national holiday in Taiwan, the Double Tenth Day marks the 1911 Wuchang Uprising that has been a significant event in the political and historical development of China. This year marks the 110th Double Tenth National Day celebration in Taiwan. People expect official fireworks display in a specific city, usually Taipei, and numerous local activities.

Here is everything you need to know about the National Day in Taiwan.

Table of Contents

• Is Taiwan National Day a public holiday?
• History of Taiwan National Day – Double Tenth Day
• Important Symbols of Taiwan National Day
• Taiwan National Day Activities and Celebrations
• Taiwan National Day Past and Future Observances

Is Taiwan National Day a public holiday?

The Double Tenth National Day in Taiwan is a public holiday, which means government offices and schools are closed. Employees of private organizations also get a day-off on this day. Moreover, businesses, particularly those not related to entertainment, food, and shopping, close for the day to join in the celebration and provide their employees some time off to bond with their families and friends.

History of Taiwan National Day – Double Tenth Day

Taiwan, or the Republic of China, was formed as a nation on the 1st of January, 1912. A significant event that led to its formation is the Wuchang Uprising which commenced on the 10th of October, 1911. The revolt eventually led to the downfall of the Qing Dynasty in China, paving the way for Taiwan to be founded.

The Wuchang Uprising, under the leadership of Sun Yatsen, started in response to the discontentment of the Chinese people about the Qing’s power and control as well as the strengthening Japanese and Western influences. Due to the revolt’s success, several other uprisings commenced in other cities across China. Consequently, the Manchus were defeated. The leader of the Wuch’ang Uprising had been elected as the provisional president of the new republic.

Important Symbols of Taiwan National Day

On Taiwan’s Double Tenth National Day, the national flag is hoisted in an official program led by the interim president. In Taiwan, the national flag uses three elements that symbolize its history as a nation. For instance, the prominent white sun on a blue field was found in the Kuomintang Party’s flag. The rays represent two hours of a day, while the red color symbolizes the Han Chinese roots of the people from the Republic of China. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s coat of arms known as the “Blue Sky with a White Sun” had been used by the country since 1928.

Taiwan National Day Activities and Celebrations

On the 10th of October this year, Taiwan or the Republic of China will be filled with activities to commemorate the country’s formation as a result of the Wuchang Uprising in 1911. On this date, there shall be an official national flag-raising event. This will happen simultaneously with the public singing of Taiwan’s national anthem outside of the president’s office. The square in front of the Presidential Office Building in Taipei will be illuminated too.

It is also customary for the interim president to deliver a speech addressed to the whole nation. After his speech, a military parade, followed by a marching band as well as a procession of people from different professions, will follow. Likewise, the Taiwanese mark this day with traditional dance shows, parades, rallies, and other cultural activities.

By night time, the whole nation watches the spectacular National Day Fireworks Display over an island in the middle of the Tamsui River – an event that is most awaited by the Taiwanese to mark the end of the celebrations for the Double Tenth National Day.

Taiwan National Day Past and Future Observances

Below are the past and future observances of the National Day or Double Tenth Day in Taiwan. Take note that Taiwan celebrates for two days, October 9 and 10, or October 10 and 11, whenever the 10th falls on a weekend.