Super Complete "2014 Teddy Bear Taichung Carnival" Unboxing – Hundreds of Bear Poses Are Adorably Cute

Text and Photos byGui Xiao Sun

Taichung has really been jam-packed with events this end of the year!
From the Jazz Festival, Xinshe Flower Sea, to the nearly two-month-long 【2014 Taichung Teddy Bear Carnival】.
You can imagine that over the next one or two months, you’ll constantly see visitors from other cities and counties on the streets of Taichung — all coming together to fall in love with this place!
And this time, the 【2014 Taichung Teddy Bear Carnival】 isn’t just about bears standing there,
During the nine-day opening period, there’s also a Teddy Bear-shaped Hot Air Balloon Light Show Concert!
I’m personally super excited for this because I’ve never seen a Teddy Bear hot air balloon before, nor have I imagined what such a light show concert would feel like.
So if you can make time to visit Taichung, even if it’s crowded, don’t miss out on the first 9 days!
The most exciting part is right at the beginning — it’s the perfect time to see a dazzling variety of teddy bears.

I’ve also put together a Teddy Bear Food Lazy Pack, divided into two parts: 【Qianmei Cao’Wu Dao Area】 and 【Qiuhong Valley & National Theater – 10-minute Reach Food】, for everyone to take notes on ^~^
【Taichung Qianmei Cao’Wu Dao Food Lazy Pack】 (Taichung Teddy Bear Carnival) Must-Eat Foods: Brunch, Cafés, Desserts, Restaurants, and Snacks Lazy Pack!
【Taichung Qiuhong Valley & National Theater Food】 (Taichung Teddy Bear Carnival) 10-minute Drive Brunch, Cafés, Pasta, Pizza, International Cuisine, Hot Pot & BBQ!

Also don’t miss the essential Taichung One-Day and Two-Day Itineraries: ^^
[Taichung Travel Itinerary] Truly Recommended Taichung One-Day & Two-Day Travel Itinerary with Attractions & Food (Text Link Version), suitable for students, couples, and family trips alike!

【2014 Taichung Teddy Bear Carnival】: http://www.teddycarnival.com.tw/
Time: 2014/11/15 - 2015/1/11
Location: Cao’Wu Dao, Qiuhong Valley, National Theater
*The following information is reprinted from the Teddy Bear official website
November 15 officially kicks off at Taichung Civic Square!! The opening ceremony combines a 9-day “Teddy Bear-shaped Hot Air Balloon Light Show Concert” (November 15–23), which is the highlight event of this year’s carnival and the only hot air balloon festival in Taichung this year. For nine consecutive afternoons, six teddy bear-shaped hot air balloons will take flight, and in the evenings, the fiery glow of the balloons combined with rhythmic music will treat visitors to a sensational audiovisual feast on the large lawn of Civic Square. Additionally, the organizers have set up a 3-meter-tall Christmas Bear and 30 160-cm-tall teddy bear plush toys at Civic Square for a delightful tactile experience during the 9-day event!

Latest News

Event Name | Hot Air Balloon Scheduled Lift-Off & Descent Times & Light Show Concert Schedule
Event Location | North District, Taichung City (Taichung Civic Square, in front of Qianmei Eslite)
Date | 2014-11-15 to 2014-11-23
Time | 14:00 to 19:00
Content | Hot Air Balloon Scheduled Lift-Off & Descent Times:
11/15 (Sat), 11/16 (Sun) | 15:00, 17:00
11/17 (Mon), 11/18 (Tue), 11/19 (Wed), 11/20 (Thu), 11/21 (Fri) | 16:00
November 22 (Sat), November 23 (Sun) 14:00, 16:00
※ Each hot air balloon show lasts approximately 20 minutes.
※ Please maintain a safe distance of 2 meters from the hot air balloons.
※ Each hot air balloon has three operators and two ground crew on-site to assist with photography and maintain order.
________________________________________
Light and Music Show Schedule:
November 15 (Sat), November 16 (Sun) 19:00–19:20
November 17 (Mon), November 18 (Tue), November 19 (Wed), November 20 (Thu), November 21 (Fri)
November 22 (Sat), November 23 (Sun)
※ The Hot Air Balloon Light and Music Show combines the flames of the balloons with music to create a breathtaking spectacle.
※ During the show, retractable barriers will be set up to establish a minimum 50-meter control zone to ensure public safety.

Actually, I’m really happy that the opening day fell on a Saturday this year. Last year it was on a weekday, so I had to take the morning off just to photograph these teddy bears.
But this time, the 【2014 Taichung Teddy Bear Festival】is being held in two parts.
Early in the morning, I visited the three festival locations (Caotun Boulevard, Qiuhong Valley, and National Taichung Theater) to take photos of the teddy bears.
In the afternoon, I waited for the Teddy Bear-shaped Hot Air Balloon Light and Music Show, and I’ll share those photos later tonight. So this article is going to be an ‘ongoing report’~ ^~^

First, let’s take a look at the teddy bears I captured in the morning.
Among them, my favorite ones are still the teddy bears gathered along Caotun Boulevard, because they’re closest to me XD
This place is really the most crowded spot in Taichung on weekends — whether couples are out for a walk, or people are out with their kids or dogs, it’s a fantastic place.

Actually, it’s not just on weekends. Even on weekday evenings, Civic Square has become increasingly charming.
There are many street performers and artists, and often you’ll see crowds of little fans gathering and staying the whole night.
Lately, I’ve also noticed more foreigners hanging out here with drinks — it’s practically become synonymous with ‘romance’ now. It’s truly heartwarming to witness this subtle yet wonderful transformation of the area.

Walking along the long pathway of Caotun Boulevard, the breeze in this season is naturally cool in the morning.
During this free time, I excitedly captured each unique teddy bear of the year. I really didn’t expect they’d hold the event again this year.
A friendly reminder to everyone: whether you’re an adult or a child, please remember not to damage, climb on, or even touch the teddy bears. Let’s all be considerate Taiwanese tourists.
I really don’t want to see another news story about ‘a hurt teddy bear.’ We should all watch out for each other and not hesitate to stop any improper behavior.

Don’t miss the section of Caotun Boulevard near Taiwan Boulevard (Zhonggang Road)!
Because the teddy bear density here is the highest — there’s pretty much one every few meters. I bet you could easily spot twenty just along this stretch.

Besides the familiar local Taichung shops from last year, I noticed a lot more vendors from other cities and counties this time.
There are brands like Pepsi and American companies too. See if you can recognize any of them XD

Just in drinks alone, there’s 50 Lan, KOI, George Parker, and more. You can check if the teddy bears’ appearances
resonate with their brands. It’s really fun to take a closer look ^~^

In fact, in recent years, travel activities are often labeled as 'blindly following the trend' or 'going with the crowd',
but personally, I think it's because of the prevalence of information — in our busy lives, we crave more joyful moments to nurture.
So the simplest thing people do is follow 'the crowd' ! I once heard a saying: 'If you don’t know how to innovate, just imitate others!'
Humans are social animals, and under the influence of education and societal norms,　
following is the easiest path, because 'just doing what others do brings happiness!' and so we go along with it.
Of course, in this process of following, we inevitably gain something, big or small. Otherwise, why would it continue?
But always remember, you have to choose and think about what you’re capable of, what makes you happier and helps you like who you are right now — that’s enough.

Walking step by step among these teddy bears, their colorful and whimsical designs are truly adorable !
The teddy bears on Caowu Dao this time feature even more unique creations and designs.
Looking at these teddy bears is like rediscovering the long-buried child within — it feels like a smile just wells up inside as you gaze at them.
This kind of city event is really simple, no admission fee needed, and it's perfect for families with people of all ages coming together for fun.
Standing beside them, the scenes are always heartwarming to look at.

We are all just passers-by, breathing alongside everything else in this city.
We feel energized by the sunshine, and pause for the rain.
Because of every little bit this city gives us, we have topics, thoughts, and unique resonances echoing in our minds.

This year’s 【2014 Taichung Teddy Bear Carnival】 has brought even more buzz !
Last year was the first edition, and the 100 life-sized teddy bears had everyone frantically collecting them. Many people took photos of all 100 bears.
Back then, I got to discover many shops in Taichung I hadn’t known before, and also saw familiar ones !
It felt as fun as seeing your neighbors make an appearance.
And this year, besides the individual teddy bears, there are even more 【Parent-Child Bears】 ! I think that’s really wonderful.
Because it also depicts the many scenes of parents and kids coming together for fun, holding hands — that lifelong happiness of being family.
Another highlight this year is the nine-day Teddy Bear-shaped Hot Air Balloon Light Show Concert,
I’m super curious to see what a teddy bear hot air balloon looks like, and how fun the light show concert with special effects will be !
I’ll keep updating and sharing with everyone after I shoot some photos in the evening ! ^~^

The 【2014 Taichung Teddy Bear Carnival】 places teddy bears at ‘Caowu Dao’, ‘Qiuhong Valley’, and the ‘National Taichung Theater’,
and the reason is quite simple — these three spots are classic tourist attractions in Taichung ! Even I, a local, love the vibe of Caowu Dao.
I previously missed the chance to capture pandas at the National Taichung Theater; actually, I’ve wanted to just go shoot the theater itself a few times, but the weather never had those blue skies and white clouds XD
Now I’m really looking forward to the light show at the National Taichung Theater on November 21st and 22nd ! Under the lights, it’s sure to give the theater a uniquely romantic feel.

The teddy bears standing in front of the National Taichung Theater, because of this building designed with such innovative concepts,
make the view before your eyes truly different ! It’s like standing from a global perspective, admiring the curved design that breaks away from typical linear architecture.
We’ve seen the progress of Taichung and the smiles of the people here—because of the awe-inspiring National Taichung Theater, because of the adorable teddy bears, and because we love Taichung!

Where does the light come from, and where will its angle of projection go?
We who stand beneath the theater may be small, yet we share a sense of coexistence!
It is about to breathe here with us.

Look around at the teddy bears here—the ones in the square, the ones by the installation art—they’re all waiting just like you. Find the one that feels cute to you, the one that’s interesting!

Leaving the National Taichung Theater, you definitely can’t miss another spot: Qiuhong Valley.
The distance from Qiuhong Valley to the National Taichung Theater isn’t far—just a two-minute drive or about a 12-minute walk. For parking, you can use the public lot near Qiuhong Valley.

Come to this very unique ecological park in Taichung city,
and besides hunting for our target ‘teddy bears,’ don’t miss the chance to take a deep breath here.
It’s easy to forget you’re in the midst of a bustling urban area—every step can be taken on the wooden boardwalk, every glance takes in the beautiful ecological pond.
You might even spot insects or birds flying by, then sit down on the wooden bench together, chat, and soak up some sun.

Leaning on the red railing, the wooden boardwalk stretches not too long, not too short over the water—walking on it always feels romantic!
Whether you’re a couple or an old married pair, this pace and atmosphere make you feel truly grateful to have each other.

The teddy bears standing here are, of course, all dressed in unique, non-repeating painted outfits.
Each one tells its own story—you’ll see creativity, design, and symbolism in them. Of course, there might be some you just don’t quite get, either XD

No matter what, take a look at each one, search for them one by one.
Maybe you’ll actually discover something fun among them—something that makes you want to seek out more answers.
Just like traveling—reading ten thousand books can’t compare to walking ten thousand miles. What you gain on your journey is often far more important than what you learn in class!


The Teddy Bear-Shaped Hot Air Balloon Light Sculpture Concert... to be continued...