The 3D Light Show of the Pingtung Wanjin Christmas Festival Unveiled – Total Length: 10 Minutes 20 Seconds

Reported by You Tzu-ju / Taipei

A 3D light show brings a century-old sacred church to life again. Last year, the Wanjin Christmas Festival introduced a light show for the first time, turning the country’s oldest Wanjin Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary into a living canvas that caused a sensation. Today (5th), Pingtung County Government unveiled the test version of this year’s Wanjin Christmas Festival light show. In addition to continuing the religious elements, green sea turtles and Pingtung agricultural products also appear on the walls of the Basilica, along with cheerful animations loved by children, promising an amazing and magical Christmas night for the public.


▲The country’s oldest Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary becomes a canvas. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

The 3D light show has become the highlight of the Wanjin Christmas Festival. This year’s show is scheduled to start after the lighting ceremony on the evening of the 6th. In recent days, as the production team conducted tests at the Basilica, many members of the public came early to take photos, and over 200 soldiers stationed at the Wanjin military base were also given a sneak preview. Not only is the light show dazzling, but this year a new Snowman Encounter Zone has been added behind the Basilica, using cutting-edge technology combined with lively voice actors and real-time 3D animated snowmen that can interact with the audience.

This year’s Wanjin light show lasts 10 minutes and 20 seconds. The first segment focuses on biblical stories, from the angel telling the Virgin Mary she would conceive Jesus, to the birth of Jesus in a manger, and then to the spread of the Gospel by Catholics around the world, including the arrival of missionaries in Wanjin—an atmosphere of holiness and solemnity.

The second segment highlights Pingtung’s marine ecology and local agricultural specialties. The century-old basilica is transformed into the deep sea, with jellyfish floating gently, green sea turtles gliding by, and blackfin tuna surging forward. Then, fruits like wax apples, mangoes, and coffee become part of a fruit platter, jumping around as if playing the Candy Crush game with everyone. Coupled with 3D architectural effects, different architectural styles of the Basilica are presented. The third segment brings festive cheer with Santa Claus, featuring adorable animations that are a feast for the eyes, ending with a spectacular fireworks display that celebrates Christmas in the most environmentally friendly way.


▲ 3D architectural effects showcase different styles of the Basilica. (Photo / Provided by Pingtung County Government)

The production company, Yida Technology Co., stated that due to the concave and convex surfaces of the Basilica itself, projection design is more challenging than with typical flat buildings. This year’s show uses three-sided projection with four projectors, allowing audiences to see the light display even from the sides of the Basilica. The projection size is exceptionally large and is rare in Taiwan. Additionally, “Bottle Spirits” have been set up along the Wanjin Shrine Park pathway, where special glass bottles are installed with interactive imagery—like little sprites floating mid-air—who greet visitors from within their tiny bottles, spreading good wishes.

Detailed Information about the Wanjin Light Show Performances:
December 6 (Saturday): 18:30
December 7 (Sunday): 18:30, 19:00, 20:00, 21:00
December 13 (Saturday): 18:30, 19:00, 20:30, 21:30
December 14 (Sunday): 18:30, 19:00, 21:30
December 20 (Saturday): 18:30, 19:00, 20:30, 21:30
December 21 (Sunday): 18:30, 19:00, 21:30
December 24 (Wednesday): 18:30, 19:00, 19:30, 23:00, 23:50 (Special Edition)