5 Best Places to Watch Lion and Dragon Dances in Taipei (Lunar New Year 2026)

One of the most exciting sights during Lunar New Year in Taipei is the thunder of drums followed by the sudden leap of a brightly colored lion weaving through a crowd. Lion and dragon dances are performed to bring luck, chase away bad spirits, and kick off the new year with energy and prosperity.

If you’re visiting the city during the holiday, catching at least one performance should be high on your list. Alongside temple visits and festive markets, these shows are a highlight of the season — and many of them are completely free to watch. If you're still planning your trip, start with our complete guide to Lunar New Year in Taipei for key dates, traditions, and travel tips.

Here are some of the best spots in Taipei to see lion and dragon dances during Lunar New Year 2026.

Lion and dragon dance ceremony in Taipei by 齊勇明 via Wikimedia Commons

1. Taipei 101 Plaza

📅 17 February 2026 | 🕥 Around 10:30 AM

One of the earliest lion dance performances of the day usually takes place right outside the main entrance of Taipei 101. With the iconic skyscraper as a backdrop, this show draws both locals and visitors who gather to watch the brightly colored lions leap, bow, and “bless” the area.

The performance is free to watch and makes a great first stop before exploring the rest of the Xinyi district celebrations.

📍Location: Xinyi District, Taipei 101/World Trade Center MRT Station (Red Line)

2. Grand Hyatt Taipei

📅 17 February 2026 | 🕚 10:45 AM

Just a couple of minutes on foot from Taipei 101, the Grand Hyatt Taipei hosts a lively Lunar New Year celebration in its hotel foyer. Expect a powerful drum ensemble and both lion and dragon dancers performing in an indoor setting.

Although it takes place at a luxury hotel, the event is typically open to the public, not only hotel guests — making it one of the easiest free performances to attend in central Taipei.

💡 Tip: This location is just a short walk from the Taipei 101 Plaza, making it easy to catch two performances in one morning.

📍Location: Xinyi District, Taipei 101/World Trade Center MRT Station (Red Line)

Grand Hyatt Taipei by 臺北市政府觀光傳播局 via Wikimedia Commons

3. Ximending Red House Square

📅 Dates TBC (Usually the Weekend After New Year’s Day)

The plaza outside the historic Red House in Ximending becomes one of the most energetic celebration spots during Lunar New Year. A large crowd gathers for traditional drumming, lion dances, and appearances by the God of Wealth (Caishen), who often tosses sweets into the audience as a symbol of good fortune.

Because Ximending is popular with visitors, this event has a fun, festival-like atmosphere. If you want a better view, head upstairs to the balcony areas overlooking the square — it’s a great vantage point for photos and for catching flying candy.

📍Location: Wanhua District, Ximen MRT Station (Blue & Green Lines)

Ximending Red House by Yu tptw via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0

4. Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place

📅 17 February 2026 | 10:00 AM

The Xinyi shopping district doesn’t stop celebrating after the Taipei 101 and Grand Hyatt performances. Nearby Shin Kong Mitsukoshi Xinyi Place usually hosts additional Lunar New Year shows, including lion dances, drumming performances, and cultural displays by local schools and community groups.

These events are free and family-friendly, making this area one of the best districts in Taipei to experience multiple festive performances in one afternoon.

📍Location: Xinyi District, Taipei City Hall MRT Station (Blue Line)

5. Linkou Zhulinshan Guanyin Temple

📅 February 2026 | Dates TBC

For a more traditional setting, head to Zhulinshan Guanyin Temple in Linkou. This large and well-known temple represents several local communities and is famous for its New Year festivities, which often include lion dances as part of the celebrations.

The temple is accessible via the A9 Linkou Station on the Taoyuan Airport MRT line, making it an interesting cultural stop if you want to experience Lunar New Year traditions outside central Taipei.

📍Location: New Taipei, Linkou District, A9 Linkou MRT Station (Airport Line)

Zhulinshan Guanyin Temple by 李泓誼via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0

Tips for Watching Lion Dances in Taipei

• Arrive early — popular performances get crowded quickly

• Stand back during firecrackers, as they can be loud and smoky

• Watch for the “blessing” ritual, when the lion bows or interacts with shops and spectators

• Keep your camera ready — these performances are colorful, fast-paced, and very photogenic

After watching a lion dance, you can continue the celebrations by exploring one of Taipei’s lively Lunar New Year markets or heading to a traditional temple ceremony to experience another side of the holiday atmosphere.

Lion and dragon dances are a highlight of Lunar New Year in Taipei, combining music, movement, and centuries-old symbolism into an unforgettable street performance. If you time your visit right, you can easily see more than one show in a single day — especially in the lively Xinyi district.