Text by MOOK Travel & Lifestyle Network Editorial Team

The 2015 Taiwan Lantern Festival takes place from February 27 to March 15 in Wuri High-Speed Rail Park, Taichung Park, and Fengyuan Miaodong in Taichung City. In conjunction with the event, the Tourism Bureau has specially planned the “Central, Changhua & Nantou 123” package, which includes six one- to three-day tours by Taiwan sightseeing buses. Tours are available for groups of two or more, with per-person prices ranging from NT$1,700 to NT$6,150. The aim is to attract both domestic and international visitors to come to Taichung for the lanterns at night and explore central Taiwan during the day.

To welcome the arrival of the 2015 Taiwan Lantern Festival, the organizers have also curated a list of recommended side-trip attractions based on the three main lantern zones: Wuri High-Speed Rail, Taichung Park, and Fengyuan. In the Wuri High-Speed Rail lantern zone, you can visit Wuri Brewery, Rainbow Village, and Fengle Sculpture Park; around the Taichung Park lantern zone, there’s Park Eye Clinic, Yizhong Street, Caotun Boulevard, the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts, and the National Taichung Theater; while the Fengyuan lantern zone offers attractions such as the Houfeng Bicycle Path and Dongfeng Bicycle Path. These options ensure fun daytime activities and memorable evening lantern viewing.

The Tourism Bureau has also introduced seven “Central Taiwan Mini Tours” without accommodation for independent travelers from home and abroad. Travelers can choose half-day to three-day packages based on their individual needs, with group rates starting at NT$2,015 per person for a group of four. Additionally, during the lantern festival period, the Hotel Association is offering a minimum 45% discount for a second consecutive night stay, as well as “Lantern Viewing Shuttle Buses” to transport visitors to the festival site. Local bakeries are also offering special discounts on pastry souvenirs when purchased with transportation tickets.

 

Stroll through the unique shops in Lane 117 at Chien-Ming Fante