To improve the quality of life in high-density communities, the Department of Environmental Protection of the Taoyuan City Government (TYDEP) announced the upcoming implementation of Taiwan’s first administrative measure specifically regulating noise generated by traditional folk activities. Authorized under Article 8 of the Noise Control Act, the city government will prohibit the use of firecrackers, fireworks, loudspeakers, gongs, and drums at all times in high-density residential areas. This policy not only highlights the city’s commitment to residents’ health and quality of life, but also serves as a model for other municipalities across Taiwan.
Deputy Mayor Su Jun-Bin noted that the new policy was developed through cross-departmental collaboration among the TYDEP, Department of Civil Affairs, Fire Department, and Police Department. The city has redefined noise control zones under the Noise Control Act to include roads adjacent to high-density residential blocks. Within these areas, activities such as firecracker use, religious ceremonies, temple fairs, weddings, and funerals will be restricted based on location and time of day to prevent disturbances in high-rise residential zones. The first phase of implementation will target 52 communities across the city, each with more than 12 floors and 500 households, where firecracker and fireworks use will be banned around the clock.
In addition, the city began enforcing new “Guidelines for Religious Pilgrimage Management” in April, incorporating Taiwan’s first self-assessment checklist system. The checklist covers all aspects of pilgrimage planning—from routes and scheduling to traditional practices such as firecracker use, joss paper burning , and environmental and safety measures. Su emphasized that the city has actively communicated with many local temples, and most have expressed support for the policy, acknowledging its efforts to strike a balance between cultural practices and residential well-being. The city also thanked religious groups for their positive response to these more environmentally friendly measures.
TYDEP Director General Yen Chi-Liang stated that the new policy effectively addresses public concerns, reduces unnecessary noise disturbances in densely populated areas, and protects residents’ basic rights to rest and maintain their health. At the same time, the city government remains respectful of cultural traditions. The Department of Civil Affairs has introduced “Guidelines for Religious Pilgrimage Management,” which promote voluntary self-checks and advance registration to help temples plan activities in compliance with regulations to preserve cultural heritage and community harmony.
Yen added that preliminary estimates show the new regulations will cover 52 densely populated areas across Taoyuan (a full list is attached). The revised announcement expands current regulations by banning the use of firecrackers, fireworks and loudspeakers—for broadcasting gongs, suonas, and other traditional instruments on roads or land adjacent to densely populated areas. In practice, this means that during religious pilgrimages passing through these areas, the above-mentioned activities must be temporarily paused and may resume once the procession exits the restricted zones.
The new policy also fosters closer communication between religious groups and the city government, improving transparency in activity management. Before organizing pilgrimages or folk events, temples must complete a self-assessment form that includes details such as route and schedule, firecracker and fireworks use, loudspeaker plans, and traffic and safety arrangements. These forms must first be reviewed by district offices before being submitted to the TYDEP, Police Department, and Fire Department for joint review. If any items fall short of compliance, relevant authorities will provide legal clarification and improvement recommendations. Through this multi-agency review and guidance process, the city aims to ensure that folk activities are both safe and lawful, while encouraging temples to take greater initiative and demonstrate the inclusiveness and order of a modern civil society.
The TYDEP emphasized that this initiative not only creates a more livable environment for residents but also demonstrates how the city balances the preservation of folk traditions with the needs of modern life. It is expected to serve as a model for other cities.