According to tradition, the Lunar New Year celebrations continue until the Lantern Festival. From the Land Art Festival and Christmas events late last year to the Tropical Agriculture Expo and Lantern Festival earlier this year, Pingtung has hosted four vibrant themed activities in succession. The Lantern Festival also features the Six Villages’ Prayer Sharp-Fire Tower. Whether you’re into family trips, off-the-beaten-path travel, or cultural festivals, head to Taiwan’s southernmost region for a spring outing and New Year celebration.
The Tropical Agriculture Expo, which attracted millions of visitors around the Lunar New Year, features 14 major themed zones. Among them is the world’s only 3D Hello Kitty rice art field, with its adorable land art drawing huge crowds. Meanwhile, the Lantern Festival showcases 20 light art installations combining music and interactive technology, stretching over 2 kilometers along Qianming Road from Qianxi Park to Wan Nian Creek, creating a "river of light" that illuminates Pingtung’s night sky.
Complementing these events is the Land Art Festival, which kicked off in October last year in Shengli New Village, Pingtung City. It incorporates the history and culture of military dependents' villages, with artists drawing inspiration from the ambiance of bygone eras to create fresh, innovative works—making it a hit among hipsters and social media influencers.
The Pingtung County Government’s Tourism and Communications Department recommends a relaxing 3-day, 2-night itinerary. On the first day, start at Pingtung Railway Station. Nearby, visit Shengli New Village for the Land Art Festival and sample cuisine at specialty restaurants in the military dependents' village area, then head to the Pingtung Youth Innovation Hub for some Instagram-worthy photo ops. Alternatively, explore Pingtung Central Market to soak in the local vibe before indulging in street food at Pingtung Night Market.
On the second day, head north for a mountain adventure. Travel along Pingtung Route 185 to Pingbu Village (Piyouma) in Taiwu Township. Surrounded by kapok trees at the local Pingbu Branch School, immerse yourself in the mountain air. Then visit the Our Lady of Snows Shrine for spiritual reflection and explore the Wugou Shui Hakka settlement to experience Hakka culture.
Or, visit the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Park to dive into rich aboriginal heritage, check out the art festival on the hillside homes of the Linali Tribe, or play with traditional toys in the Qingye Community of Sandimen Township. For a scenic route, embark on a double-bridge tour: walk across the Shan Chuan Liuli Suspension Bridge spanning the valley and the Wutai Guchuan Bridge, the tallest in Taiwan, then admire cherry blossoms in Wutai Township and try aiyu (gelatinous fruit) in Shenshan Tribe. Alternatively, enjoy breathtaking night views of the Pingtung Plain from Pingtung City’s luminous skyline.
On the third day, head south for coastal adventures. Visit the Pengwan Cross-Sea Bridge, the only opening-and-closing bridge in Taiwan, and feast on freshly caught seafood at the Overseas Chinese Market. Alternatively, get up close with marine life at the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, snap photos at Eluanbi Lighthouse and Taiwan’s Southernmost Point, then unwind with a soothing soak in the Sihchong Hot Springs and enjoy the beautiful evening scenery to de-stress.
In recent years, the county government has expanded the Sharp-Fire Tower event, incorporating blessings at the God of Land shrines, flower arrangements, local delicacies, and industries. It has been selected as one of the 12 Major Hakka Festivals. This year, the event is scheduled for March 2–3, held at the Wugou Shui Settlement in Wanluan Township and Pingtung County Sports Park, inviting everyone to experience a lively Hakka-style Lantern Festival.
(China Times)