October 5, 2025 | Hsinchu, Taiwan
The 2025 Hsinchu International Kite Festival officially kicked off today, coinciding with the start of the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday. While the city government’s new traffic control measures successfully eased last year’s severe congestion, local business owners around Hsinchu Fishing Port voiced frustration over a sharp decline in visitors and sales.
Smooth Traffic, Fewer Visitors
To prevent a repeat of the traffic gridlock that paralyzed Dongda Road during last year’s event, the Hsinchu City Government implemented strict vehicle restrictions this year. Only motorcycles were permitted to enter the fishing port, while cars were required to park in designated lots and take free shuttle buses to the festival grounds.
According to city officials, the new system achieved its goal of maintaining traffic order. Four shuttle routes were established:
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Hsinchu Railway Station: 133 trips, carrying 4,371 passengers
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Shulintou Parking Lot: 105 trips, carrying 3,360 passengers
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Touqian River Left Bank Park: 71 trips, carrying 2,076 passengers
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Haishan Fishing Port: 50 trips, carrying 1,632 passengers
Parking utilization at all shuttle stations ranged between 50% and 70%, and authorities reported no major traffic jams for the first time in the festival’s history.
Local Businesses Hit Hard
Despite the smoother logistics, nearby restaurants and seafood vendors said the traffic policy dealt a blow to their Mid-Autumn Festival earnings. Many stall owners at the Hsinchu Fishing Port Direct Sales Center complained that the car restrictions kept families and tourists away.
“Last year, it was packed. This year, it feels deserted,” one seafood vendor lamented, adding that sales were even lower than on regular weekends. A restaurant owner nearby said their shop served only one table of customers all day. “The city government is flying kites, but business owners are left empty-handed,” the owner said bitterly.
By mid-afternoon, crowds remained sparse, and many vendors were seen idle at their stalls, expressing disappointment over what should have been one of their busiest holidays of the year.
City Government Defends Policy
In response to the criticism, the Hsinchu City Government defended the new traffic plan, stating that it was designed to prioritize public safety and efficient mobility during large-scale events. Officials emphasized that the fishing port offers nearly 5,000 motorcycle parking spaces and that 300 parking spots were reserved exclusively for disabled visitors.
Authorities also clarified that taxis and multi-cab vehicles are exempt from traffic restrictions and can enter the port freely to drop off and pick up passengers.
The city said it will continue monitoring the situation and gather feedback from residents and business owners to improve future event planning.