Magical!Ancient landmarks bathed in a "romantic apple glow"!Artist "Shiguang" illuminates Tamsui

Visit Tamsui this autumn and winter!Not only does it offer breathtaking sunsets, but the nights are even more enchanting with sparkling lights!Adorned with dazzling illumination, the Tamsui Customs Wharf transforms in winter. The "2017 Tamsui Customs Wharf Light Sea Festival," running from now until January 7th of next year, brings together elements such as the public art exhibition "Shiguang—Fragments of Light Between Mountains and Sea," a small farmers' cultural and creative market, and artistic performances. By combining Tamsui’s local cultural charm and history, the Customs Wharf is reborn as a new destination for a heartwarming, love-filled cultural light journey, reviving the glorious past of the old wharf.

The first wave of the "2017 Tamsui Customs Wharf Light Sea Festival," the public art exhibition "Shiguang—Fragments of Light Between Mountains and Sea," invites renowned artists Wu Jicheng and Chuang Chih-wei to create brand-new art installations tailored to Tamsui’s unique natural landscapes and cultural history.

Ascend the staircase of the historic Western-style building, and an urban dream unfolds before your eyes. (Provided by New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau)

Wu Jicheng said he was deeply captivated by the historic Western-style buildings within the Customs Wharf compound. The red-brick wooden structures seem to seal Tamsui’s history within their walls, inspiring his project "Crystal City—Tamsui Customs Wharf Plan." Utilizing the wooden floor on the second floor of the Western building, he piled up numerous transparent cubic boxes resembling crystals. Through the projection of lights on tracks, the interplay of light penetration and refraction made it appear as though time silently flowed through the space, symbolizing the development of Tamsui town from ancient times to the present. Artist Chuang Chih-wei’s "Micro Light Installation Project—Customs Wharf" used green laser beams that weaved through the warehouse architecture and outdoor spaces, creating a web of light in the night sky, presenting another facet of Tamsui on winter nights.

Another piece, "Ocean Currents in the Forest," attempts to encircle the past glories through the outdoor spaces of the Customs Wharf. The shimmering light symbolizes ocean currents, producing a dreamlike visual experience as it changes with day and night.

Laser micro-lights pierce through the solemnity of the historic site, creating an imaginative vision for contemporary space. (Provided by New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau)

Yu Wen, Deputy Director of the New Taipei City Government Cultural Affairs Bureau, stated that Tamsui, located in northern Taiwan, was connected to the international community early on due to trade. It has now transformed into an important platform for promoting public art and spatial aesthetics, showcasing a rich, diverse, and integrated character. During the event, weekend highlights include flash mobs, musicals, and LIVE concerts, as well as the New Taipei City Public Art Exhibition themed around "light." Everyone is invited to come together to light up Tamsui, letting light and shadow art embellish the appearance of the historic sites after sunset.

The "2017 Tamsui Customs Wharf Light Sea Festival" runs from now until January 7th, 2018. The public art exhibition "Shiguang—Fragments of Light Between Mountains and Sea" will continue until January 14th, 2018. In addition to the train head sculpture, Customs Wharf, Fort San Domingo, the Dutchie House, and locally romantic lighting installations, there will also be exciting performances in drama, dance, music, and market activities. Everyone is welcome to visit the Customs Wharf to enjoy the romantic winter atmosphere.