Yuan Zai and mommy went to Shenkeng Old Street to eat tofu and then released sky lanterns in Pingxi.

▲ Yuan Zai and Yuan Yuan, mother and daughter, showing off their cuteness together in front of the Sky Lantern Police Station. (Photo / Screenshot from YouTube)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Want to visit Muzha to see the adorable Yuan Zai, love the tofu at Shenkeng Old Street, and enjoy the serene yet hopeful joy of releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi? Understanding the wishes of travelers, the New Taipei City Government specially planned the “Pingxi Mini-Trip” event, allowing visitors to enjoy“seeing Yuan Zai in Muzha, eating tofu in Shenkeng, and releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi”all in one travel experience.

For such a special event, they naturally sought the most special leading lady. The New Taipei City Government specially chose panda cub “Yuan Zai” and her mother “Yuan Yuan,” and with the help of up-and-coming director Tang Peizhen, filmed“Just Go,”、“Just Eat,”、“Just Play,”and“Sky Lantern”— four KUSO videos. The storyline follows Yuan Zai as she leaves home for an adventure, traveling with her mother via Taiwan Tourist Shuttle to explore the streets of Shenkeng and Pingxi. Even the soon-to-be-completed Sky Lantern Police Station becomes the perfect spot for Yuan Zai to show off her cute side.

▲ Yuan Zai and her mom head to Shenkeng Old Street, ready to taste the most distinctive Shenkeng tofu. (Photo / Screenshot from YouTube)

Director Tang Peizhen said that he is himself a huge fan of Yuan Zai, so the videos capture the everyday little gestures of Yuan Zai and her mother to simulate the mood and fun of a mother-daughter trip. Through their journey, viewers can better relate to the convenience of “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle” and the joy of the “Pingxi Mini-Trip.”

Tang Peizhen also mentioned that during the filming process, many locals were happy to provide locations and act as extras for Yuan Yuan and Yuan Zai, which made the crew deeply feel the charm of Yuan Zai.

Once the videos were officially released, many viewers said the humorous and fun content made them smile knowingly. In“Sky Lantern,”Yuan Zai and her mother even release a 4-foot Yuan Zai-themed sky lantern, writing wishes on it such as“Get rid of dark circles!”and“I want to take color photos!”Many netizens left comments saying “It’s just too cute and healing!”

▲ Yuan Zai’s adorable wish list made audiences burst out laughing, calling it “super cute!” (Photo / Screenshot from YouTube)

The New Taipei City Government stated that since Yuan Zai was born at the Taipei Zoo, she has become an extremely popular star there. The New Taipei City Government also collaborated with the Taipei City Government to launch a series of Yuan Zai-themed sky lanterns. The 4-foot Yuan Zai sky lantern featuring her wish to “get rid of dark circles!” was specially produced with authorization from the Taipei City Government. Travelers who sign up for the “Pingxi Mini-Trip” tour have the exclusive opportunity to release it. When the limited-edition Yuan Zai sky lanterns rise into the sky, they are sure to give travelers the most unique and unforgettable memories.

Additionally, the “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle: Muzha-Pingxi Line Sightseeing Bus Service,” launched in February 2013, not only helps alleviate the crowds on the Pingxi Branch Line of the Taiwan Railways but also allows travelers to experience an eco-friendly and relaxing way to travel. Since its launch, it has received many positive reviews from passengers.

This “Pingxi Mini-Trip” event perfectly combines the convenience of “Taiwan Tourist Shuttle” with the adorable charm of “Yuan Zai,” along with the old street culture of Shenkeng and the sky lantern elements of Pingxi, offering travelers the most touching experience.

▲Pingxi Sky Lanterns are not just a local event but have become a major festival that garners global attention. (Photo provided by New Taipei City Government)

The New Taipei City Tourism Bureau also announced that the main structure of the Sky Lantern Police Station featured in the “Sky Lantern Chapter” of the “Roundy” video has been completed. The first-floor restroom was opened ahead of schedule during the Spring Festival holiday in conjunction with the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. As for the police station itself, it will officially open on March 14, when the public will also be allowed to release electronic sky lanterns. The registration details for the “Pingxi Mini-Tour” will also be announced by the end of February.

For more information about the events, please refer to

New Taipei City Tourism Official Website
New Taipei City Travelers Facebook Fan Page