Double Ten Day in Taiwan: History, Celebrations, and Why Years Are Written Differently in Taiwan

Double Ten Day is a national public holiday in Taiwan, the Republic of China, and is celebrated on October 10 every year.

The holiday commemorates the founding of the Republic of China — and is a much-anticipated long weekend for many. Curious to learn more? This article will explore Double Ten celebrations, official events, historical background, and cultural significance.

What Is Double Ten Day?

Double Ten Day commemorates the Wuchang Uprising of 1911, which launched the Xinhai Revolution and ultimately the overthrow of China’s Qing Dynasty — and resulting in the establishment of the Republic of China.

The establishment of the Republic of China marks a pivoting point in Chinese history — ending thousands of years of dynasties, warring states, and imperial rule — and setting the scene for East Asia geopolitical and cultural change in the 20th and 21st century.

After the Chinese Civil War (1945-1949), the Republic of China retreated to Taiwan and continues to govern here today. Accordingly, the Republic of China government commemorates Double Ten Day as part of its ongoing efforts to maintaining a distinct political and cultural identity from the People’s Republic of China.

Why Is Double Ten Day “Double Ten”?

The Wuchang Uprising commenced on October 10, 1911, in the city of Wuchang, China, which is now part of Wuhan in Hubei Province.

Although the Republic of China was formally proclaimed on January 1, 1912, it is the October 10 date that is memorialized.

Is That Why Years Are Always 11 Years Off in Taiwan?

Yes! If you’re new to Taiwan, you will have noticed the Mín Guó (民國) date system. Taking a page from dynastic China, the Republic of China government uses “the year of the republic” in its calendar system. 

And since the Republic of China considers 1911 — the year of the Wuchan Uprising and Xinhai Revolution — as its founding year, you simply subtract 1911 from the western Gregorian year to calculate the Mín Guó year.

Year 2025 = Mín Guó 114th Year
Year 2026 = Mín Guó 115th Year

How Do I Celebrate Double Ten Day in Taiwan?

People in Taiwan celebrate Double Ten Day like any other holiday — taking advantage of an extra day off or even a special three- or four-day weekend on some years. All that hard work needs hard rest!

In 2025 for example, Mid-Autumn Festival and Double Ten Day fell on back-to-back weekends, making for a rare, three-day work week. You can imagine many people spent their vacation days this week to connect one long week out of the office.

For those who want to fully immerse in the Republic of China celebrations, there are two main ways to participate:

R.O.C. Annual Double Ten Day Celebrations

If you love the pomp and circumstance, all the pageantry, fireworks, and more, then you’ll want to join in the Republic of China official government celebrations, which are in Taipei and Nantou in 2025:

Taipei 101 Drone Show and Fireworks Celebration

Later in the evening, the one-and-only Taipei 101 skyscraper will play host to a drone show and fireworks to celebrate Double Ten Day. The 2025 event information: