Lit by 200,000 LEDs: Pingxi’s “Sky Lantern Police Station” Officially Opens on the 14th

Reported by You Ruru / Taipei

The “Pingxi Substation of Ruifang Precinct, New Taipei City Police Department,” boasting a massive sky lantern structure made of a three-story glass curtain wall and nearly 200,000 LED lights, was officially unveiled on the 14th. The inauguration ceremony coincided with White Day, and the New Taipei City Government invited six couples married for over 50 years to release the first “Police Wish Sky Lanterns” and traditional heart-shaped lanterns following the opening, witnessing the romantic debut of this new landmark together.


▲ The massive sky lantern-shaped “Pingxi Substation of Ruifang Precinct, New Taipei City Police Department” opens today. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau)

New Taipei City Mayor Eric Chu stated that Pingxi has transformed over the decades from an area once known for its coal mining industry. In recent years, the region has attracted numerous visitors with its traditional sky lantern culture, bringing substantial economic benefits to the area. The Tourism and Travel Bureau noted thatthis“multi-functional tourism substation”not only features a unique exterior, but also houses eight police officers from the “New Taipei City Police Department Ruifang Precinct” who maintain local public safety and traffic order. Additionally, it offers multiple functions including tourism consultation, scenic viewpoints, a cycling station, restrooms, and light snacks.。

The completion of the substation is a creative effort by the city government that blends the area’s traditional sky lantern culture with the local residents who preserve it. It is hoped that in the future, visitors to Pingxi can explore the remnants of coal mining culture in the morning, stroll through the old streets and release traditional sky lanterns in the afternoon, and then come to the substation in the evening to enjoy the Police Light Show and release a guaranteed-to-rise LED wish lantern. The launch of this new landmark is expected to attract more nighttime visitors to Pingxi.


▲ The completion of the substation is a creative effort by the city government that blends the area’s traditional sky lantern culture with the local residents who preserve it. (Photo / Provided by New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau)

After the inauguration,visitors can enjoy the Police Light Show at the top of every hour from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM,while the most unique feature is the customizable Police Wish Sky Lantern. Visitors can write or attach their blessings, wishes, or photos onto a Police Sky Lantern postcard. Once submitted to the staff, the message will appear on the lantern body as it rises into the sky, offering a completely different experience from traditional lantern releases. The first edition of the Police Sky Lantern postcards is specially designed by up-and-coming illustrator Bonjour, and can be scanned and kept as a souvenir after release.

In conjunction with the substation’s opening, the New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Bureau has partnered with the Pingxi Charm Business Circle to launch a limited-edition “Light Up Happiness Ticket Set” of just 666 sets. Valued at NT$300, each set includes one NT$150 Police Sky Lantern release voucher and NT$300 in shopping vouchers for Pingxi business circle shops. Tickets are available at the Pingxi Substation, Jing Tong Qiao Men Western-style Pastry, Pingxi Mingtong Yashé, Pingxi Meiyun Fabric Workshop, and Shifen Railway Art Gallery, among other locations. Sales are limited daily and will end once stock is exhausted.