The Lishan Arts Festival & Christmas Eve 3D Light Show Welcomes Santa Claus

By MOOK Travel Life Network, Chen Guanxin, compiled and reported

 

The annual Taichung “Lishan Arts Festival” will be held from December 24th to 28th. This year’s special theme is “light art.” In addition to a glamorous Starlight Boulevard, a 3D light sculpture show will be staged at Lishan Jesus Church this year, bringing the popular 3D architectural projection technology from Taichung State Hall to Lishan. It will present Taiwan’s first-ever light snowfall in the region. All performances during the opening ceremony on December 24th will feature light-themed elements. Everyone is welcome to come to Lishan and celebrate a unique Christmas Eve.

The Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau brings resources to Lishan through the organization of the Lishan Arts Festival, sharing a rich and diverse array of artistic and cultural events. To offer residents and visitors in the Lishan area a unique artistic experience unlike any before, the bureau has chosen “light art” as the theme of this year’s event. A five-day “Light Visits Lishan – 2013 Lishan Arts Festival” has been planned. In addition to various performances themed around light, a 10-minute “Santa Claus is Coming” 3D light show will arrive on Christmas Eve, December 24th, riding a sleigh up the mountain. It will turn Lishan Jesus Church into a canvas, using light and shadow to depict the changing beauty of Lishan’s four seasons, telling the story of Lishan to the world.

 

To allow students, residents, and visitors traveling from afar in the Lishan area to immerse themselves in the Christmas spirit, the Cultural Affairs Bureau has planned a feast of light from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at Lishan Jesus Church. The event kicks off at 5:30 PM with an all-inclusive Christmas dinner that breaks down barriers between ethnic groups. Through shared meals regardless of background, a genuine cultural exchange takes place. Santa Claus, arriving by sleigh, will interact with the crowd inside the church with lively words and movements, sharing stories and spreading joy.

 

At 6:30 PM, the “Glorious Christmas – Fluorescent Opening Gala” will officially begin. Like magic dust sprinkled by Santa Claus, all performing groups will interpret their acts closely around the theme of “light.” Attendees will each receive a glow stick to join in the fun and liven up the entire venue. The stage will also feature the Weijin Dragon Lion Martial Arts War Drum Group and street performers Fire Major Club from downtown Taichung, competing in dance and drumming skills with Lishan National Elementary and Middle School, Pingdeng Elementary School, Lishan Drum Team, and Zi Geili Band. A 7-meter-tall Light Christmas Tree and the 3D light show will also be unveiled on site.

 

With Lishan Jesus Church as the backdrop, the highly anticipated “Santa Claus is Coming” 3D light show, designed, planned, and scouted for months by the production team, will use the interplay of light and architecture to bring Taiwan’s first-ever light snowfall to Lishan Jesus Church. The 10-minute light sculpture show begins with the migration journey of the Atayal people, with memories of the old buildings stacking up into Lishan’s tranquil mountain scenery. Through a series of light transformations, the church becomes Santa Claus from Western mythology, bringing hope and blessings. It allows both local residents and visitors to see Lishan’s past, present, and future.

 

Beyond Lishan Jesus Church, a Starlight Boulevard adorned with lights and built with elements of Atayal culture under the leadership of indigenous artist Chang Youwen and his tribal community features street performers such as a Magic Castle, variety acts, and living statues. Each performance, dancing with light, brings a jubilant carnival atmosphere to Lishan’s usually quiet nights. At the end of the boulevard, a Lishan Tea Teddy Bear stands at the entrance of Lishan National Elementary and Middle School, while an Atayal Warrior Teddy Bear greets visitors at the entrance of Lishan Hotel. Additionally, school corridor paintings as part of the festival’s warm-up activities have been brought to life by artist Liao Bensheng.

 

After the opening ceremony on December 24th, the 3D light show will continue to be screened daily at 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, and 8:30 PM from December 25th to 28th, presenting a dreamlike evening banquet under the stars. The Starlight Boulevard and Light Christmas Tree will remain to keep illuminating Lishan, allowing people from all over to witness the vibrant brilliance radiating from within Lishan.

 

 

●  Extended Reading:

December’s Warm Exclusive: Second Round of Christmas Tree Collection

http://goo.gl/8OyPIw