New Twist on Pingxi Sky Lanterns: Hello Kitty & Other Sanrio Stars Hide at Nine Attractions

Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Kelly, compiled and reported
 
Every year around the Spring Festival, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival always grabs everyone’s attention. This time, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival has teamed up for the first time with the wildly popular Sanrio family. Not only does it feature the globally adored Hello Kitty, but also the dog-themed Year of the Dog characters—super cute Pompompurin, Jewelpet, and Pochacco—who will make special appearances across the Pingxi area as part of the festival’s events. Visiting Pingxi isn’t just about releasing sky lanterns and making wishes; you can also spot these Sanrio stars, take photos, and share your experiences, adding more fun to your festive travels.

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival has entered its 20th year, and each edition is a highly anticipated event. This year’s festival will host two sky lantern release evenings during the Lantern Festival and the Mid-Autumn Festival. In addition to the spectacular sight of hundreds of lanterns ascending together, there will also be evening performances—don’t miss the lively atmosphere.

Over the years, Pingxi has developed into a highlight of Taiwan’s global tourism market, thanks to its lack of heavy commercialization. With its nostalgic old streets, rich natural landscapes, serene cultural ambiance, and historic coal mining sites, the region offers unique appeal. This year marks the first collaboration with Sanrio, featuring adorable photo-installation art at nine locations during the Lunar New Year period: the Jing Tong Mining Museum, Sky Lantern Police Station, Pingxi Library, Pingxi Old Street, Pingxi Station, Shifen Waterfall, Lingjiao Station, Wanggu Station, and Shidi Large Incline Pit. Visitors can follow in the footsteps of Sanrio stars on a light trip through Pingxi, while also hunting for popular characters like Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, Jewelpet, and Pochacco—it’s a lot of fun.

Additionally, from February 12 to March 31, visitors who take a photo with any of the Sanrio installation artworks at the nine popular Pingxi attractions, complete a designated action, leave a comment, and upload their photo can enter a limited-time prize draw. Why not make Pingxi part of your festive travels this year and experience a relaxing light trip with these adorable Sanrio stars?
 
[Info]
2018 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Event Dates: March 2, 2018 (Lantern Festival), September 24, 2018 (Mid-Autumn Festival)
Event Time: 17:30–20:30
Event Location: Shifen Square, Pingxi District, New Taipei City (No. 136 Nanshanping, Pingxi District, New Taipei City)
Free sky lantern release vouchers will be distributed starting at 10:00 AM on the day at Shifen Square.