The Pingxi Sky Lantern Police Station’s Officer Poli Light Show: A Romantic Launch for White Day

Another highlight of the Pingxi Substation isthe hourly Officer Poli Light Show from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM after its opening.The light show primarily depicts the origin of the sky lantern, which was initially invented by Zhuge Liang for military communication. In the early days of Pingxi, when bandits were a threat, locals used sky lanterns to send safety messages to their families and pray to the heavens. Over time, coal trains transitioned to serving travelers, and traditional sky lanterns, through the creativity of local artisans, took on various colors and shapes with unique symbolic meanings, all while preserving traditional culture. The story of the sky lantern show culminates during the annual Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, where dozens of lanterns are lit and released, carrying wishes for peace and happiness under the same night sky. Though times may change, the emotion remains the same.

Chen Kuo-Chun, Director of New Taipei City Tourism Bureau, stated that the large sky lantern structure on the exterior of the substation is made of glass curtains and 193,924 LED lights. In the future, when visiting Pingxi, apart from releasing traditional sky lanterns, people can also visit the Sky Lantern Police Station to release the unique Officer Poli sky lantern. They can write their wishes on a card and watch their handwritten message ascend into the sky during the 3-minute light show every evening between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM.Currently, the Officer Poli sky lantern is scheduled for three shows per hour from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM each night, with ten lanterns released per show at a cost of 150 NTD each.Due to the limited number of lanterns released daily, it is recommended that visitors register on-site at the Sky Lantern Police Station or book their lantern release time in advance by phone. Additionally, to celebrate the opening of the Pingxi Substation, the Tourism Bureau has partnered with Pingxi Charm Business District and Lion Travel to launch special events such as “White Day Sky Lantern Release” and 666 sets of the “Light Up Happiness Package.”

The New Taipei City Tourism Bureau, in collaboration with Lion Travel, launched the “Pingxi Mini Tour” on February 26. With just one day, all 1,200 spots across 30 groups sold out immediately. Therefore, an additional 10 groups (400 spots) will be offered before the end of June. Those interested can start registering now via the New Taipei City Tourism Bureau website, or through the Lion Travel website and designated retail locations (Zhongxiao Flagship, Taipei Main Station, Taipei City Hall Transfer Station, Banqiao Lion Station). In the future, another 400 spots for seasonal Pingxi tours featuring local characteristics will be available from September to November.

 

On the opening day of the Pingxi Substation, which coincides with White Day, the Tourism Bureau has specially planned a free sky lantern release activity. Couples-to-be, lovers, and married couples are invited to release romantic heart-shaped lanterns and adorable round lanterns together on this romantic March 14. Registration is open from now until 12:00 PM on March 6.