Taiwan's National Celebration Day

Today is the 99th birthday of the Republic of China also called the Double Tenth National Day. It is celebrated every year on October 10th to commemorate the Wuchang Uprising which led to the collapse of the Qing Dynasty in China.

I think Taiwan's history and politics are too obscure and confusing. If there's anyone willing to demystify the history of Taiwan over a cup of coffee, I'd be delighted to listen (seriously).

We headed to Taipei this morning to take part in the celebration. Don't get me wrong, we're neither blue nor green. In other words, we're not into a particular political party. All we want is to watch the parades and have great fun.














Taipei County English Wonderland

Lovely young ladies pose for a photo.




Representing the Orchid Island...


Meet my friends from Indonesia and Vietnam.

Gosh! They don't seem to like me.

CJ's most favorite float - Taoyuan - which is represented by Taoyuan International Airport.


Hsinchu County's float just right behind me. The theme is Hsinchu Industrial Park.



The Presidential Office right after the celebrations.

On our way to Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall square to watch the parade on Renai rd.

Afternoon parade along Renai Rd. - ended with giant inflatable kites.
It was such a pity that my camera ran out of battery at noon - so annoying. I used my mobile phone to take photos, but they were as clear as mud.


This is taken from my mobile's camera - looks really dodgy - anyway I just want to share that this is the most amazing part. I had never seen so many 'Harvey-Davidson' like motorcycles in my life. It was incredible watching hundreds of these showing off the street.

All in all, we had wonderful yet exhausting day. The grand parade was really entertaining and worthwhile to see. We're looking forward for the centennial celebration next year. It must be more glamorous and extravagant.


As I've mentioned earlier this is supposed to be a national celebration as it is called 'National Day'. A lot of people though, claim that this is ROC's celebration, not Taiwan. 'I'm proud to be Taiwanese, not ROC national' says my student. It's really hard to address this issue. Needless to say, this day is celebrated by the pan-blue (KMT). No wonder we saw floats representing Taipei, Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Tainan, Hualien, but none from the counties governed by the pan-green (DPP) such as Kaoshung, Ilan, Tainan, Chiayi and Pingtung. It's so sad that this beautiful and prosperous country is divided into two - Taiwan and ROC - which is which I really don't mind, as long as Taiwan or ROC is moving forward through reform, maintain prosperous economy with great aspirations and ambitions, and live in peace and harmony.

VIVA FORMOSA!