2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival: The Golden Lion King Leads the Performance of Kids’ Favorite “Forest Rhapsody”

▲ This year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival has designed a “Forest Rhapsody” theme tailored to children’s tastes. (Concept image provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

The 2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival is set to kick off on Valentine’s Day, February 14th, in Zhongxing New Village, Nantou. According to the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, in addition to the main and secondary lanterns—which are always the center of attention—this year’s creative lantern area, “Forest Rhapsody,” takes happiness in the forest and boundless imagination as its theme, creating a dreamlike world that offers both children and adults a novel and joyful fantastical experience.

“Forest Rhapsody” draws inspiration from the joyful atmosphere of children playing in community parks. At the center of the lantern area, the “Golden Lion King” is joined by Wind Eagle, Ice Wolf, Forest Gundam, and animals from the foothills, all working together to protect the Rhapsody Forest. In addition, other themed lantern areas such as “The Fantastic World of Insects,” “Fairy Tale Magic ~ Elf Fairies,” “Magical Barbie,” “Cartoon Rhapsody Superheroes,” “Happy Clowns Having Fun Together,” “~Ride~ Marvelous Animals,” “Forest Candy House,” and “Dream Voyage” surround the entire forest. Coupled with various animals hidden among the trees and the spectacular LED lighting environment and light sculptures throughout the area, this will be the most eye-catching lantern section of this year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival.

▲ The annual children’s-themed lantern area always attracts both kids and adults to join in the fun. (Photo from the 2013 Taiwan Lantern Festival, provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications)

The Tourism Bureau also reminds the public that due to limited parking at the lantern festival site, it is recommended to use public transportation such as high-speed rail and Taiwan Railways, along with the Central Taiwan Lantern Viewing Shuttle Buses. Those driving should follow the rule of thumb: “Take Freeway No. 2 to get there, Freeway No. 1 to come back, take the Caotun exit going south, and the Mianjian exit going north,” to avoid traffic jams. (For traffic information, please refer to theTourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Taiwan Lantern Festival website)