For two months every spring, the Taiwanese celebrate the birthday of Wu Ben, the God of Medicine. Also known as Baosheng Dadi, Wu Ben was a gifted and well-respected physician who lived 3,000 years ago. The Chinese worshipped him as a deity after he passed away, and built a temple in his honour – the Dalongdong Baoan (61 Hami St, Datong District). One of the three most important temples of Taiwan (alongside Longshan and Chingshan), people come here to pray for health and for the sick. During the festival, Baoan temple turns into a hub of celebration and action – from lion dances and fire-walking stunts to religious ceremonies and parades. A 3km-long procession of dancers, priests, pilgrims and colourful floats portraying legendary scenes will be led by a group of worshippers who throw themselves on the ground to be trampled on – a ritual believed to exorcise their bodies of spirits and illnesses. 

What to see: After you’re done with the major tourist spots like the Taipei 101 and the Chiang Kaishek Memorial Hall, take a train to Rueifang (www.rueifang.tpc.gov.tw), and board a bus to Jioufen village (about an hour’s journey from the city), an old hillside mining town just outside of Taipei. Stroll down cobblestone alleys, discover traditional teahouses and quaint Chinese architecture. Take time to explore the village; if you’re there on a clear day you might even catch picturesque views of the city from the hilltop lookout west of the village. 

Where to stay: Far Eastern Plaza Hotel has a package that includes an Xbox or Wii in your room with two games of your choice, unlimited wireless internet access and one complimentary breakfast. ►31 May. 
From TW$9,600 (S$422) per night. 201 Tun Hwa South Rd, Section 2, Taipei 106, Taiwan (+886 2 2378 8888, www.shangri-la.com). 

Baosheng Cultural Festival, 11-14 Apr (+886 2 2349 1500, www.taiwan.net.tw).