New Taipei’s “Colorful Lantern Joy Festival” to Release 50 Sky Lanterns Free of Charge Every Month

The “Colorful Lantern Joy Festival ~ Monthly Sky Lantern Releases” event will offer 50 free 4TN sky lanterns per session, with colored pens available on-site for writing wishes. Once decorated, the lanterns will be assisted in being released by staff for blessings.The monthly sessions are scheduled for March 16, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, and December 14 — a total of 10 events, held on the second Sunday of each month. Registration for each session will take place between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on the day of the event.

 

The Tourism Bureau stated that the Keelung–Fulong Highway (Ji-Fu Highway), connecting Keelung to Fulong, is expected to open to traffic in May. Before the highway opens,the first two sky lantern experience events on March 16 and April 13 will be held at the Shifen Visitor Center. Starting in May, all other sessions will take place at the Pingxi Substation. During the sky lantern release experience, each lantern must be released with the accompaniment of two to three adults. Those who fail to register on the day will be considered as having forfeited their spot and will be replaced by other visitors on-site.

In addition, to showcase the youthful energy and enthusiasm of local students and cultural art groups, the Tourism Bureau will also hostthe “Shifen Showcases Talent ~ Every Month Is Spectacular” event on the fourth Sunday of each month from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the Shifen Visitor Center on March 23, April 27, May 25, June 22, July 27, August 24, September 28, and October 26. Local cultural and art groups from Pingxi, as well as teachers and students from elementary and middle schools — including Pingxi Junior High, Shifen Elementary, Jing Tong Elementary, Pingxi Elementary, and the local group “Black Gold Years” dance troupe — will perform vibrant lantern dances, dragon and lion dances, and various instrumental music acts.

 

The Tourism Bureau also noted that visitors wishing to visit the Pingxi Substation and Shifen Visitor Center to experience sky lantern releases can transfer to the Pingxi Branch Line train at Badu or Ruifang Train Station, and directly purchase the “Pingxi One-Day Pass” (NT$52 full fare, NT$28 half fare) to enjoy unlimited rides on the Pingxi Branch Line for the day. Visitors taking the train should get off at Jing Tong Station and walk toward the old street entrance; or drive from the National Freeway No. 2, exit at the Shiding Interchange, turn onto Highway 106 toward the Jing Tong Old Street entrance; or take a bus, transfer at MRT Dongmen Station to Taipei Bus 795, or take the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle “Muzha to Pingxi” line and get off at Jing Tong Station to reach the Sky Lantern Substation.