A Whimsical Children’s Trip During Spring Festival: Watch the Balloon God of Wealth & 3D Tortoise Film

▲Every corner of the Keelung Maritime Science and Technology Museum offers educational fun. (Photo / Reporter Chen Zi-Yin)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Want to enjoy a fun, childlike trip during the Spring Festival? During the holiday period, the Keelung Maritime Science and Technology Museum will premiere Asia’s first IMAX 3D film “Galapagos,” and the National Taiwan Science Education Center will present a balloon version of the God of Wealth. Both are great educational and entertaining destinations.

The Maritime Science and Technology Museum will once again premiere Asia’s first IMAX 3D film — “Galapagos” — during the Spring Festival. The film showcases the incredible creativity of nature through the survival journeys of giant tortoises, marine iguanas, albatrosses, and blue-footed boobies on a volcanic island. Starting February 13, it will be shown in morning and afternoon sessions alongside the recently released “Exploring the Arctic,” offering visitors more choices and experiences.

Apart from being closed on Lunar New Year’s Eve (Wednesday, February 18), the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology will extend its opening hours until 6:00 p.m. from February 19 to 23, treating the days as holidays. The museum’s learning-themed “Future Playground” technology exhibition, developed in collaboration with Orange Design, offers discounted combo tickets for the theme pavilion and special exhibitions. The original price is NT$400, but tickets are only NT$300 at the door and just NT$260 when purchased online. From the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the museum will host daily DIY art activities for families, a God of Wealth giving out red envelopes, and a stamp-collecting treasure hunt.


▲The Balloon Adventure creates a children’s wonderland with balloons. (Photo / Provided by Oriental Huayi)

A balloon version of the God of Wealth will greet visitors on the first floor of the Science Education Center in Shilin. This flexible balloon deity breaks the conventional image of balloon art, presenting a whole field of balloon flowers. Unlike typical God of Wealth costumes made of plastic or fabric, this one is entirely woven from round and long balloons, standing over 2.5 meters tall. Yet, like traditional costumes, it can be worn by an adult and allows for movement — the figure can even bow to wish everyone a happy new year. Despite its size, it feels incredibly light and breathable, unlike the usual heavy and stuffy mascot suits. From the first to the third day of the Lunar New Year, the balloon God of Wealth will hand out limited quantities of 300 red envelopes each morning at 9:00 a.m.

At the Balloon Adventure, you can discover how this balloon God of Wealth was created, with every detail — from the official hat to the expression — looking strikingly lifelike. Aside from the eye-catching balloon deity, the balloon exhibition also caters to those who love to go on outdoor spring outings and admire floral displays, featuring an entire field of balloon flowers blooming alongside windmills and sheep.