The Fire Lion Poundy event kicks off as the Zuoying Eternal Season begins

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Kaohsiung’s Zuoying Eternal Season officially launched after the “Fire Lion” was consecrated and had its eyes dotted. The series of events will continue until the 20th. This year, a special Lantern Festival around Lotus Pond has been created, featuring the Fire Lion Parade, Cannon Fortress Attack, Taiwanese Dance Finals, and a Parade of Traditional Performances. The highly popular Cannon Fortress Attack experience has been extended from 2 to 4 days. The event also includes a light-themed area and a local delicacies food zone, allowing visitors to enjoy performances as well as authentic Kaohsiung cuisine.

▲ The 2013 Zuoying Eternal Season “Fire Lion Parade” in action. (Photo / Provided by Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau)

The highlight of the Eternal Season, the “Fire Lion Parade,” took place on the evening of the 12th at Lotus Pond. The Kaohsiung City Civil Affairs Bureau stated that this year, special Eternal Sea Theme Zones, a creative lantern wall with Lujhu Sky Globe lights, and a whimsical lantern path on Little Turtle Mountain have been set up. The Eternal Season Wish Corridor has also been expanded to include five major wish zones: “Health,” “Wealth,” “Love,” “Career and Academics,” and “Fulfillment.”

The “Cannon Fortress Attack” is one of the most popular events of the Eternal Season. This year, it has been extended to four days. In addition to group categories, individuals can also participate, with a new children’s category added so kids can experience the thrill of attacking the cannon fortress. During the event, participants can take part in dice-throwing competitions at temples where the Fire Lion makes stops. Winners can receive a 100-centimeter diameter Fire Lion cake made by a local bakery and a cash prize of NT$10,000.

▲ The Cannon Fortress Attack event at the Eternal Season. (Photo / From the Kaohsiung City Government website, archival photo)

This year marks the 13th edition of the Eternal Season. To commemorate the establishment of the “Eternal County” in Zuoying during the Ming Zheng period, its main features are the Fire Lion Parade and the Cannon Fortress Attack. Legend has it that the Fire Lion can carry the wishes of the people to the heavens and bring them good fortune, while the Cannon Fortress Attack recreates the historical scene of Zheng’s army storming the fortress. During the event, additional bus services on the Red 51 route will be available from the Zuoying High-Speed Rail Station and the Kaohsiung Metro Ecological Park for public convenience.