2017 Taipei Lantern Festival: A Complete Guide to All the Spectacular Themed Lantern Zones

By MOOK Scenic Editor Team / Compiled & Reported

The Taipei Lantern Festival is back with a fresh look, running from February 4th to 12th. For the first time in 2017, it will be held in the city’s West District, with the main performance area set up around the MRT Ximen Station. In addition to the main area, along Section 1 of Zhonghua Road, there will be an interactive “Universiade Interactive Zone,” a joyful “Landscape Art Creation Zone,” a happiness-incubating “Wishing Lantern Zone,” a vibrant “Student Creation Zone,” as well as artistic light-themed “Free Creation Zone” and “Lantern Riddle Arena” — all featuring unique themed lantern displays. During the Spring Festival, head to Ximending to experience a different kind of festive celebration in West Taipei.

Light Projection Zone
This zone revives the historical memory of West Taipei through two digital 3D light projection animation films — "West Street Party" at Beimen and "West City Grand Theater" at Zhongshan Hall — taking you on a journey through Taipei’s history from the 19th century to the present. "West Street Party" transforms Beimen into a characterful costume doll, showcasing stylish outfits from different eras in a dazzling masquerade that awakens cherished youth memories for different generations and leads audiences into a collective recollection of the bustling splendor of West City. "West City Grand Theater" uses a montage technique to recreate imagery from the history of Taiwanese cinema, inviting audiences to experience a giant outdoor 3D light projection cinema.

Red Egg Zone – Landscape Art Creation Zone
Located in front of the Armed Forces Cultural and Arts Activity Center, paper-cutting artist Yang Shiyi takes inspiration from the Year of the Rooster, extending the theme to family, creating a hollow-carved installation that builds a home on the street. The light within this home represents the most beautiful glow. During this festive season of reunion, it serves as a reminder of the origin of happiness, and shows that each person is the most beautiful sight within their own family.

Egg Twist Zone – Universiade Interactive Zone
The egg twist zone is located on both sides of Section 1 of Zhonghua Road. The 2017 Universiade will soon be held in Taipei, and the Taipei Lantern Festival invites everyone to become torchbearers who ignite the flame for this international event. By participating in the sports challenges in the Universiade lantern zone, you can symbolically help the Taipei team light the torch for the Universiade. The lighting of the Universiade’s main lantern not only ignites the sacred flame but also shines a light on Taiwan’s dreams and enthusiasm for connecting with the world.

Easter Egg Zone – Wishing Lantern Zone
At the Ximending Red House, you’ll find a wishing light tree and an egg wall. Taipei is a diverse society that embraces various perspectives on love. In the plaza of the Red House stands a wishing light tree that blooms with the light of dawn. Tie your beliefs about love to the light tree here, where you may find the belonging of love and make wishes for its eternity.