Article by MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported
The 2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival will open on Valentine’s Day, February 14, in Zhongxing New Village, Nantou. In addition to the impressive main and secondary lanterns that are the annual highlights, the Tourism Bureau revealed that this year’s creative lantern area — “Forest Rhapsody” — themed around the limitless imagination of a joyful forest, aims to create a dreamlike world that brings a novel and delightful fantasy experience for both children and adults. It is expected to become a major photo hotspot during the festival.
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A nighttime composite image of “Forest Rhapsody,” a creative lantern area designed with a fantastical style for fun for all ages. (Photo provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
This year marks the 25th edition of the Taiwan Lantern Festival, taking place from February 14 to 23 in Zhongxing New Village, Nantou. The Tourism Bureau especially recommends the creative lantern area “Forest Rhapsody,” which draws inspiration from the joyful atmosphere of children playing in community parks. Designed around the theme of the limitless imagination of a happy forest, the central feature of the area is the giant forest guardian “Golden Lion King,” standing atop a towering and magnificent cliff, leading the Wind Eagle, Ice Wolf, Forest Hercules, and animals at the foot of the mountain to jointly protect the Rhapsody Forest. After walking through a romantic light corridor woven from heart-shaped lanterns and adorned with beautiful starlight, visitors will encounter various themed lantern areas surrounding the entire forest, including “The Insect World of Imagination,” “Fairy Tale Encounter ~ Fairy Spirits,” “Magical Barbie,” “Cartoon Rhapsody Superheroes,” “Happy Clowns Having Fun Together,” “~Ride~ Marvelous Animals,” “Forest Candy House,” and “Dream Voyage.” These are complemented by various animals in the woods and stunning LED lighting environments and light sculptures throughout the area, making it the most eye-catching section of this year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival.
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The 2013 Taiwan Lantern Festival theme lantern area, highly favored by families. (Photo provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
The Tourism Bureau reminds visitors that this year’s lantern festival venue, Zhongxing New Village, has narrow roads, no rail transport services, and limited parking availability. It is recommended that visitors use public transportation such as high-speed rail and Taiwan Railways, and take advantage of the special Central Taiwan Lantern Viewing Shuttle Buses. Those driving should follow the tip: “Take Freeway No. 2 to the festival, Freeway No. 1 back home, head south via Caotun, and north via Mingjian,” helping to distribute traffic flow and avoid congestion. Traffic information can be found on the Taiwan Lantern Festival website of the Tourism Bureau.
● Further Reading:
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: Super Cute “Round Baby Lanterns” Soar on Valentine’s Day
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