The "Makinen Christmas Festival" in Pingtung is set to begin, featuring 3D landscape art creating a Rose Town

Reported by You T-Ru / Comprehensive Report

For the second consecutive year, Pingtung County Government has partnered with the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in Makinen to host the "Makinen Christmas Festival," transforming the village of Makinen in Wanluan Township, nestled at the foot of Dawu Mountain, into the most festive and heartwarming Christmas destination in Taiwan. This year’s festival will officially kick off with a lighting ceremony on November 30. For the first time, 3D landscape art installations will be introduced, alongside roses symbolizing Catholicism, allowing this century-old church—the oldest in the nation—to bloom with romantic artistic charm.


▲ A large 3D landscape art painting announces the upcoming start of the Makinen Christmas Festival. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government)

On the 26th, the county government unveiled a large 3D landscape art painting at the “Sacred Key Plaza” at the intersection in front of the basilica, signaling the imminent start of the Makinen Christmas Festival. The painting measures 6 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, and was hand-painted over three days by domestic 3D landscape art master Liu Rensheng. Its design was inspired by Psalm 23 from the Old Testament: “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” As roses are a flower with Catholic symbolism and are seen as one of the most beautiful forms of prayer, they have become the visual highlight of the Makinen Christmas Festival's landscape art. The Tourism and Communications Department also collaborated with the community to decorate key spots throughout Makinen Village with roses, creating a rose art town.


▲ The painting measures 6 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, and was hand-painted over three days by domestic 3D landscape art master Liu Rensheng. (Photo provided by Pingtung County Government)

The Makinen Christmas Festival continues last year’s success by incorporating the coffee industry of the Ulaljuc Tribe in Taiwu Township, promising a colorful and exciting month-long celebration. The lighting ceremony on November 30 will begin at 5 PM, and after the illumination of an 8-meter-tall giant Christmas tree, a series of surprises will follow, including the Feast of the Immaculate Conception procession at the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary on December 8, the Pingtung Indigenous Coffee Industry Development Counseling Program achievement presentation on December 14, the Pingtung Coffee Tasting Competition and Grassland Starlight Coffee Music Banquet on December 21 and 22, culminating in the Angels’ Voice Christmas Gala and the Taiwu Coffee Street event on December 24.

Additionally, the Tourism and Communications Department has set up a special Makinen Christmas-themed pavilion in Makinen Village, showcasing Christmas relics and cultural and creative merchandise. During the Makinen Christmas Festival, there will also be a manger culture installation competition and an exhibition of Ulaljuc family house Christmas decorations, filling the area with a rich holiday atmosphere that makes visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into another country. It is expected to attract over 200,000 visitors.