A New Choice for Releasing Sky Lanterns in Pingxi: Eco-Friendly Electronic Lanterns Without Harming the Environment

Reported and photographed by reporter He Guanxian / New Taipei City

No need to worry about harming the environment when releasing sky lanterns anymore. Head to the “Jingtong Sky Lantern Police Station” in Pingxi to experience the launch of an “electronic sky lantern.” You can still write heartfelt wishes on the lantern and send it into the sky to pray for your dreams to come true. The best part is, launching an electronic sky lantern not only fulfills the traditional purpose but also eliminates concerns about ecological damage.

▲The emergence of electronic sky lanterns in Pingxi has reduced concerns about traditional lantern releases. (Photo / Reporter He Guanxian)

With growing environmental awareness, the subsequent issues caused by releasing traditional sky lanterns have become a concern for many. Lanterns that fall to the ground after burning can harm pristine ecosystems. However, above the police station outside Jingtong Old Street stands a giant three-story sky lantern. Just like traditional lanterns, it sends everyone’s wishes and blessings into the sky, but without the worry of ecological harm during the prayer process.

▲The massive electronic sky lantern, composed of 200,000 LED lights, allows people to write their wishes on it before it slowly rises into the air. (Photo / Reporter He Guanxian)

This massive sky lantern, made up of nearly 200,000 LED lights, not only projects information about Pingxi’s sky lantern history but also displays the wishes and blessings handwritten and drawn by visitors. Everyone can watch their own lantern, illuminated by LED lights, slowly rise into the sky and fulfill their wishes.

The cost to release an electronic sky lantern is NT$150. Head to the second-floor café at the Sky Lantern Police Station, write what you want to say on a special electronic sky lantern postcard, and the owner will scan it. After scheduling the sequence, you’ll first enjoy an electronic sky lantern show depicting Pingxi’s history and the story of sky lanterns. Then, your wish or blessing will appear on the giant lantern in the form of a traditional sky lantern. You can look forward to your moment being displayed, capturing this sincere experience with your eyes and camera. The special electronic sky lantern postcard with your wishes can also be kept as a keepsake or used as a regular postcard.

▲Write your wishes and blessings on the blank sky lantern section on the right. Once scanned, they will be fully displayed on the large lantern. (Photo / Reporter He Guanxian)

▲Your personally completed lantern will appear on the giant lantern and slowly rise into the sky. (Video / Reporter He Guanxian)

Sky Lantern Police Station
Address: No. 141, Section 2, Jing’an Road, Pingxi District, New Taipei City
Price of electronic sky lantern: NT$150