Starting in the Qing dynasty, there has been a custom of people seizing sacrificial goods after the Ghost Festival is over. Some say this is to scare away lingering spirits, and is known as “Qianggu” (ghost grappling). The Qianggu competition held in Toucheng is Taiwan’s largest and one of Yilan’s important traditional events during the seventh lunar month. The tower consists of pillars made of China fir, 11 meters tall and 8 meters wide, with 7 or 8 meter bamboo trestlework on top. Squid, rice dumplings, rice noodles, meat, fish, and other foods are tied to the trestlework. Team members must climb on top of each other to reach the top of the trestlework and pillars, which are covered in oil. Reaching the top, they cut down the food and throw it to the frame below, where it is taken by spectators. Whoever claims the wind banner at the top is declared the winner. There are a variety of other events, including the water lantern old street tour, releasing water lanterns into Zhu’an River a day before the ghost gates close, and Beiguan Battle. There is a period of one month between the first day when the ghost gates open and the last day when Qianggu is held. In addition to remembering the ancestors and their pioneering efforts, the month includes a variety of religious traditional and folk culture events.
Toucheng“Cianggu”
Toucheng“Cianggu”
Level：International
Address：Wenxiaoyi Cultural Park   Toucheng Township, Yilan County (Qianggu field), the estuary of Jhu-an River, villages of Toucheng, as well as Baiyun and Yushi Villages of JiaoxiYilan County  
Tel：886-03-9771459
Website：
Host：Ghost Festival Association, Toucheng Township, Yilan County
Toucheng“Cianggu”
Toucheng“Cianggu”
Toucheng Qianggu-Grappling with the Ghost pole-cli
Toucheng Qianggu-Grappling with the Ghost pole-cli
Toucheng“Cianggu”
Toucheng“Cianggu”
Toucheng“Cianggu”
Toucheng“Cianggu”
Toucheng“Cianggu”
Toucheng“Cianggu”