2016 Yanshui Beehive Rockets Ignite in a Spectacular Display – Three Major Events Light Up Tainan

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department

February in Tainan is full of excitement. In addition to enjoying the vibrant floral beauty of the Monkey Year-themed Hundred Flowers Festival, you can also experience the artistic and traditional highlights of the annual Lantern Festival — the Moon River Harbor Lantern Festival and Yanshui Beehive Rockets — both of which let you feel the strong local character and vitality of Tainan.

● Yanshui Beehive Rockets

The 2016 Yanshui Beehive Rockets event will kick off with great fanfare on February 21 and 22. Recognized as one of the world’s top three folk festivals, the Yanshui Beehive Rockets attract many domestic and international tourists every year who come to Yanshui to experience the thrilling and exhilarating sensation of thousands of fireworks going off at once. This year, the Wu Temple has specially created three 40-foot-by-8-foot-by-7-foot lantern rocket forts equipped with LED lights, featuring designs such as “Prosperity Bringing Treasures,” symbolizing “wealth pouring in endlessly.” In addition, around 200 other rocket forts will be scattered throughout the Yanshui area, ensuring that visitors participating in the festivities can enjoy the thrilling bee-hive rocket experience in various parts of town.

The Wu Temple God’s sedan chair parade will take place on February 21 and 22. The parade route is divided into Lines A, B, C, D, and E. Those seeking an exciting experience can follow behind the sedan chairs and personally feel the thrill of being amidst the flying rockets. Additionally, at 9 PM on the night of the Lantern Festival, a centralized firing zone will be set up at the Yanshui Junior High School sports field, where three lantern rocket forts will be launched along with colorful aerial fireworks. These fireworks cascade from the sky like cascading flowers and silver flames, offering a stunning visual spectacle. First-time participants can also try their hand at setting off rockets in the centralized zone. Through the bee-hive rocket baptism, amid the thrilling atmosphere and the powerful shock of lights and sounds, you can sweep away the misfortunes of the past and welcome the joy of the new year.

The traffic control period for this year’s Yanshui Beehive Rockets is from 3 PM on February 22 to 8 AM on February 23. Participants are advised to set off early and comply with any detours. Also, participants are reminded that safety gear is a must: wear a full-face helmet with safety goggles, wrap a towel around your neck to prevent rockets from entering, and dress in long-sleeved, thick cotton clothing, a face mask, gloves, and cloth shoes. Secure the gaps at your wrists and ankles with rubber bands, wrapping your entire body tightly so that as little skin as possible is exposed.

● Tainan Hundred Flowers Festival

The Tainan Hundred Flowers Festival will take place from February 4 to 25, with a dazzling array of colorful flowers spread across six parks: South District’s Shuiping Park, South District’s Shuijiao She Park, Xinying District’s Nanying Green City Center Park, Liujia District’s Multifunctional Sports Park, Jiali District’s Zhongshan Park, and Xigang District’s Central Park. This year, in line with the Monkey Year theme, the festival is built around the story of “Journey to the West,” using themed scenarios to showcase Tainan’s cultural charm and a joyful New Year festive atmosphere. Visitors are welcome to explore the Garden City during the Lunar New Year and experience the diverse festive spirit of Tainan.