The “Tunnel of Lights” in Taoyuan’s Old Mountain Town, plus Taiwan’s only poinsettia Christmas tree

▲ Sanmin Mountain Town’s 45-meter-long “Tunnel of Happiness Flowers” will be on display until January 13 next year. (Photo provided by the Taoyuan Dasanmin Leisure Agriculture Development Association)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Christmas may be over, but many places still keep the festive spirit alive. Next to the historic Kikuo Pai Old Church in Sanmin, Fuxing District, Taoyuan, the recent “Sanmin Mountain Town Poinsettia Light Festival” featured a 6-meter-tall Christmas tree made from 1,500 poinsettia plants. Additionally, a 45-meter-long Tunnel of Lights illuminated this mountain town, extending the holiday atmosphere until January 13 of next year.

▲ A 6-meter-tall Christmas tree made from 1,500 poinsettia plants. (Photo provided by the Taoyuan Dasanmin Leisure Agriculture Development Association)

The Kikuo Pai Old Church is a hidden gem in Fuxing’s Sanmin District. This mosaic-style European church, seemingly rough in texture, was built over 60 years ago by local residents and has withstood the test of time. The Taoyuan City Government Agriculture Bureau and the Dasanmin Leisure Agriculture Development Association specially organized celebration activities to mark Christmas, decorating the square near the church and its surroundings beautifully.

▲ The Kikuo Pai Old Church was built over 60 years ago by local residents and has withstood the test of time. (Photo provided by a netizen)oo_xx_peipei(Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

Taoyuan’s Sanmin District is the home of Taiwan’s poinsettias. This year’s decoration theme centered around the plant, featuring large flower pots, gardens, roundabouts, and artistic walls. A total of 1,500 poinsettia plants of up to 10 different varieties were stacked to create Taiwan’s only poinsettia Christmas tree, standing 6 meters tall. The tree is topped with a star-shaped light fixture that shines alongside the stone-built old church, resembling a bright star in the mountain town.

▲ The Christmas tree and the stone-built old church shine together, like a bright star in the mountain town. (Photo provided by the Taoyuan Dasanmin Leisure Agriculture Development Association; all following photos are from the same source)

Another eye-catching attraction is the Tunnel of Lights, composed of LED bulbs in five colors and stretching 45 meters long. Lined with 300 poinsettia plants on both sides, the tunnel is named the “Tunnel of Happiness Flowers.” When lit at night, it creates a warm and romantic ambiance.

▲ The Tunnel of Lights, made of LED bulbs in five colors, extends 45 meters and is lined with 300 poinsettia plants on both sides.

The usually quiet mountain town became lively thanks to the event. In front of the Sanmin Church, several teddy bear floats were placed, adding a playful touch. Organizers mentioned that multiple “Dasanmin Mountain Town Farm Mini Tours” have reached full capacity, with only the January 13 Pillow Mountain Hiking Tour remaining. On December 30, 31, and January 6 and 13, 2018, the Fuxing District Office arranged free shuttle buses departing from Daxi Touliau at 9 AM, running every 30–40 minutes.

▲ The usually quiet mountain town became lively thanks to the event.

▲ Several teddy bear floats in front of the Sanmin Church added a playful touch.

Kikuo Pai Old Church (Sanmin Mountain Town Poinsettia Light Festival)
Address: Kikuo Pai Church and other areas in Sanmin Village, Fuxing District, Taoyuan City
Event Dates: Now until January 13, 2018