All -
Great info. I don't mind crowds at all so the festivals sound like a good to go (e.g. Time Square NYE 2000 was quite the event). As for fireworks, FRA and DUS on NYE where there is much drunken craziness with fireworks so that isn't too much of a worry either. Pingxi is around my b-day so that is the top of the list right now. Still hoping for Boat Burning Festival info

The "we'll be nice" because he is an American info is something to ponder. I've "felt" that in other places, but it was more of a let's be nice so the American will spend more $$$ (e.g. Dublin). It does not feel that way in Taiwan. I've also heard racist comments while in Asia - and in English - but never in Taiwan.

BocaS - are you in TW Feb 2020 for the next festival? That seems to be my goal at this point based on the dates but fireworks will be on my list for the future.

@ M60: My experience with language is that someone who speaks Mandarin will stop and help. YMMV but that has been my experience even in smaller cities e.g., Donggang and Yilan City, someone can communicate. I also bring point it books/picture dictionaries so I can point at a picture and communicate that way. I've used this one for years ( )(older edition had laminated pages, newer version is paper). As for tips, pack hiking shoes, go to Taroko gorge, rent a scooter, and zip around to the different trails and to see the park.

Cheers