Welcoming the Opening of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum: Snow White, Apache, and 50 Lanterns to Light Up in December

▲50 lanterns to welcome the December opening of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum. One of the main lanterns: Santa Claus and Reindeer Fusion (Photo provided by Chiayi County Government)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

To celebrate the trial opening of the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum at the end of the year and coincide with the arrival of Christmas, Chiayi County Government will set upa themed story lantern area titled “Winter Wonderland – Christmas – Market – Carnival”along both sides of Taizi Boulevard in December. During the summer vacation, the Education Department invited about 70 elementary and junior high school teachers in the fields of arts and humanities to participate in a lantern-making workshop, aiming to produce around 50 creative lantern works.

Magistrate Chang Hua-kuan visited the site on the 26th to check on the progress and stated that the long-awaited Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum by the people of Chiayi was secured by the county through the allocation of 70 hectares of land. Although the project has been delayed for many years, it will finally begin its trial operation at the end of December. While all residents joyfully welcome this event, the county government has also planned numerous supporting activities. Among them, a 150-meter-long themed story lantern area will be set up along Taizi Boulevard. As it coincides with the Christmas season, it perfectly showcases the joyful spirit of the people of Chiayi.

Chen Shunli specially introduced one of the main lanterns,Santa Claus and Reindeer Fusion,which was created based on the concept of the Western zodiac sign Sagittarius and is quite eye-catching. There are also timely-themed lanterns such asthe Apache and the Leaning Mailboxthat are yet to be completed. The funding for workshops and production comes from subsidies by the Environmental Protection Bureau, so environmental sustainability has also been taken into account, with extensive use of energy-saving lights and natural materials. Other main lanterns include the Path of Light, The Beauty of Alishan, Journey to the West, Snoopy Best Buddies, Peppa Pig, Strong Hitter Strike, Snow White and the Iceberg, Forest Song Band, and Heritage. These creations are sure to dazzle visitors from across the nation.