Yuan Zai is one year old today！ A 15TN-high panda wish lantern will soar in July to celebrate its birthday

Reporter You t
ru / Compiled report

Exactly a year ago, "Yuan Zai" was born, sparking a Yuan Zai craze across Taiwan. Videos of the cub dominated TV news and everyone’s Facebook feeds, making it the hottest topic nationwide. In the blink of an eye, a year has passed, and Yuan Zai is now one year old. The New Taipei City Government’s Tourism and Travel Bureau will host a birthday party for the first-year-old panda in Pingxi, sending gifts to Yuan Zai via wish lanterns.


▲ Yuan Zai lantern. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Tourism Bureau)

The Yuan Zai birthday party is scheduled to take place on the evening of July 5th, with the on-site launch of one 15TN-high giant panda lantern and 150 4TN Yuan Zai lanterns at Jing Tong Elementary School. The specially made panda lantern will carry well-wishes as it ascends into the sky. Panda fans can register for ¥399 to participate in the lantern launch (for groups of 2–4 people). Successful registrants will receive a Yuan Zai lantern, only available during the event, along with gifts worth NT$770, including two super-cute panda bento boxes, a copy of the travel book "Encountering 12 Life Stories in New Taipei," as well as a "buy one get one free" offer on Policeman Lanterns, 20% off admission to the Hsinpingxi Coal Mine Museum Park, and other perks.

This Yuan Zai birthday celebration specially invites the Hsinpingxi Coal Mine Museum Park to design an exclusive panda bento. The park has also custom-molded rice shaped like Yuan Zai, paired with local Pingxi specialties such as stir-fried eggs with "pearl onions," chicken rolls, q" meat, green bamboo shoots, as well as special lantern-shaped side dishes. It’s sure to be a hit with those who sign up for the birthday event. Registration for the 150 Yuan Zai lantern launches will open online at 12:00 noon on June 25th. For detailed registration and event information, visit the New Taipei Tourism website.


▲ Yuan Zai bento. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Tourism Bureau)