Taoyuan’s Named Taiwan’s First Urban Night Sky Place; Mayor Chang Highlights Stargazing, Ecology, and Atayal Culture in Sustainable Tourism Push
Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-Cheng attended the 2026 International Dark Sky Forum on October 14, where he formally accepted certification from DarkSky International (DSI) designating Lalashan as an official Urban Night Sky Place. Mayor Chang noted that Lalashan is the very first site in Taiwan to earn this designation, attributing the success to a joint effort by the municipal government, the Fuxing District Office, the Taiwan Dark-Sky Association, residents, hospitality operators, and local Atayal Indigenous communities. Moving forward, the Taoyuan City Government will continue implementing light pollution controls while integrating ecotourism, forest experiences, Atayal culture, and local industries. Mayor Chang invited travelers from Taiwan and abroad to visit Lalashan, explore its mountain forests, and learn the stories of its Indigenous heritage.
Mayor Chang pointed out that Lalashan combines rich biodiversity, vibrant Atayal culture, and pristine night skies, showing that Taiwan possesses deep natural and cultural roots alongside its high-tech strength. Earning the Urban Night Sky Place designation requires meeting strict criteria: candidate sites must be located within 50 kilometers of a population center of 50,000 or more, remain open to the public free of charge, and ensure that at least two-thirds of all outdoor lighting meets dark-sky lighting standards. To qualify, the city government conducted a full audit of local light sources, actively upgraded lighting infrastructure, and enacted the
Taoyuan City Light Pollution Control Guidelines, establishing a robust framework for night-sky protection and light pollution management.
Mayor Chang described achieving this international recognition as both a major milestone in light pollution prevention and a new launchpad for environmental sustainability. Beyond assisting local bed-and-breakfasts and business operators with lighting upgrades, the city will continue refining relevant regulations and designating light-sensitive zones, starting with Lalashan and gradually expanding citywide to protect the region’s night skies. Mayor Chang warmly invited visitors from Taiwan and around the world to experience Lalashan firsthand. During the day, guests can walk among giant ancient trees, hear stories of Indigenous heritage, and taste local specialties. At night, they can look up at the vast starry sky and fully experience the area’s natural and cultural beauty.
Sources: Taoyuan City Government
Mayor Chang pointed out that Lalashan combines rich biodiversity, vibrant Atayal culture, and pristine night skies, showing that Taiwan possesses deep natural and cultural roots alongside its high-tech strength. Earning the Urban Night Sky Place designation requires meeting strict criteria: candidate sites must be located within 50 kilometers of a population center of 50,000 or more, remain open to the public free of charge, and ensure that at least two-thirds of all outdoor lighting meets dark-sky lighting standards. To qualify, the city government conducted a full audit of local light sources, actively upgraded lighting infrastructure, and enacted the
Taoyuan City Light Pollution Control Guidelines, establishing a robust framework for night-sky protection and light pollution management.
Mayor Chang described achieving this international recognition as both a major milestone in light pollution prevention and a new launchpad for environmental sustainability. Beyond assisting local bed-and-breakfasts and business operators with lighting upgrades, the city will continue refining relevant regulations and designating light-sensitive zones, starting with Lalashan and gradually expanding citywide to protect the region’s night skies. Mayor Chang warmly invited visitors from Taiwan and around the world to experience Lalashan firsthand. During the day, guests can walk among giant ancient trees, hear stories of Indigenous heritage, and taste local specialties. At night, they can look up at the vast starry sky and fully experience the area’s natural and cultural beauty.
Sources: Taoyuan City Government
