The Friday letter · No. 05

Northeasterlies arrive as Taipei’s heat streak breaks

Friday, October 2, 2026 · From the Taipei desk

After days of 36-degree warnings, seasonal winds should drop highs and bring showers north of Taoyuan from Thursday into the weekend.

01 · Living
YouBike’s October 1 rules close the free-ride loop
Taipei now blocks same-station re-borrows for 15 minutes and bills rides on a running clock, after riders gamed the first-30-minutes-free window.
02 · Culture
Jazz festival’s 20th year closes at Taipei Music Center
Three nights of main-stage sets, October 9–11, end a citywide run that started in early September at docks, parks, and club rooms.
03 · Travel
Book the National Day rail window before the cars fill
THSR treats October 8–12 as a holiday movement. Mid-Autumn already set a one-day record; the next long weekend is nine days away.
04 · Business
Labor premiums hit the legal ceiling as the minimum wage rises
Ordinary labor-insurance rates go to 13 percent in 2027. A separate wage decision lifts the monthly floor to NT$30,900 and nudges NHI copays.

This week in Taiwan History

On this week: the French landing that failed at Tamsui

Eight October 1884, six days from this Friday, Qing troops drove 600 French marines back to their boats at the river mouth.

Until Friday.