April is Children’s Month, and the Taipei City Government has launched 33 discounts at venues and cultural events across Taipei and New Taipei. In addition, it has partnered with the Chinese Cultural Association to host “2018 Chengnan Is Interesting,” featuring multiple concerts, plays, and markets geared toward families from the 1st to the 8th. However, when Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je attended the opening ceremony of Chengnan Is Interesting on the 1st and noticed that while he was giving his speech under the blazing sun, the sunlight seemed to lessen when other guests took the stage. He surprisingly remarked, “Am I the chosen one?!”
The Chinese Cultural Association has hosted art events in Taipei’s Chengnan area for two consecutive years. This year, in line with the Children’s Day holiday, it centers around the intersection of Chongqing South Road and Nanhai Road, connecting 14 nearby venues and over 70 shops to offer music, theater, markets, workshops, and discussion events aimed at families. Yesterday at the opening, the Paper Windmill Theater Troupe performed on a closed-off street, with many parents and children joining in despite the strong sun.
Cultural Events – 33 Discounts Available
Ko Wen-je joked that the midday sun was “too much for anyone” and suggested people come out in the evening instead, expressing concern about heatstroke. But when Wu Jing-ji, convener of the Chinese Cultural Association’s Advisory Committee, took the stage to speak, Ko suddenly interjected, “Where did the sun go? How strange!” Wu replied that the sun was shining brightly while the mayor spoke, but disappeared when he spoke, prompting Ko to add, “Am I the chosen one?!” His comment drew gasps from the audience, with some commenting on his boldness and high self-regard.
In addition to the Chengnan Is Interesting series, the Taipei City Department of Education has collaborated with social education venues in Taipei and New Taipei to offer 22 venue discounts. These include free admission to the Children’s Amusement Park and Taipei Zoo for students or visitors with the Children’s Month flyer from the 4th to the 8th, with one accompanying parent also admitted free. Other venues such as the 13th Shop Museum and the Tamsui Historic Sites Museum offer free entry for children under 12 until the 29th of this month. Aside from venue discounts, there are also ticket discounts for 11 cultural events, including performances by the Taipei Symphony Orchestra and the Puppet & Its Double Theater.
DIY Seafood Crafts – Come and Join the Fun
The National Museum of Marine Science and Technology is offering a series of great activities during the 4–8 holiday period. Children under 12 can enter the theme exhibition hall for free, and the park has arranged a marine-themed fun fair and surprise performances. The museum also recommends visiting the IMAX 3D Theater to watch “Shark” and “D-Day: Normandy 1944” on Taiwan’s largest 3D screen, and to participate in special workshops such as “Shark Friends” and “DIY Seafood Crafts”—a rare opportunity not to be missed.