Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: Wishing Lanterns Soar into the Sky, Round Baby Lanterns Debut at Lantern Festival

The “New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival” was selected by CNN in 2013 as one of “52 Things to Do Before You Die” and by the world’s largest travel publisher Fodor’s as one of the “14 Must-Experience Classic Festivals in a Lifetime.” The “2014 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival” will continue on February 14th, which is both the Lantern Festival and Valentine’s Day, with a “Hand in Hand in Unity, Love Soaring” blessing lantern event at Shifen Square. In addition to the release of heart-shaped lanterns creating a sweet atmosphere, the “Giant Panda Round Baby Lantern,” a collaborative project between New Taipei City and Taipei City, will also make its first appearance to celebrate the Lantern Festival. New Taipei City invites everyone to come to Pingxi during the first full moon night of 2014 — to gather with family, lovers, and close friends — and under the warm glow of the lanterns, unite in joy and let love soar.

On February 14th (Lantern Festival), there will be a complete vehicle ban for cars and motorcycles from 9:00 AM to midnight. Vehicle control points include the Shuangxi Intersection at Route 106 and 106B, the Shuangxi Intersection at Route 106B before the Shiding Fort Tunnel, Zhuangjing Bridge, the entrance and exit of Shifen Scenic Area, the entrance before Ping-Shuang Tunnel (entrance to Shuangxi Mana Villa), and the intersection of Ruiping Highway and Dingping Highway (Ruifang Industrial Area). To avoid traffic jams spoiling your experience, New Taipei City urges the public to take the train or shuttle bus to the festival. Shuttle bus riders can board at Taipei Zoo, Ruifang Train Station, or the Shiding Connection Road of the Yilan Expressway. Ticket prices are NT$50, NT$30, and NT$30 respectively when boarding (paid in coins), while the ride down is completely free.