The must-visit "Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival" kicks off with Yuanbao lanterns on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year

New Taipei City Deputy Mayor Lee Chuan-hsiang stated that this year marks the 16th edition of the "New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival," with visitor numbers exceeding 800,000 in the past two years. Last year, in addition to being selected by CNN as one of the "52 Best Things to Do Around the World," it was also chosen by Fodor’s, the world’s largest travel publisher, as one of the 14 "must-visit in a lifetime" classic festivals globally. Fodor’s report noted that the "New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival," held in the small town of Pingxi during the Lunar New Year, sees over 100,000 lanterns released during the event period. Visitors can not only purchase and release lanterns along the old street but also enjoy local cuisine and vibrant fireworks. "It offers tourists a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience."

 

The New Taipei City Government announced that this year’s festival is divided into three sessions. The first session, "100% Hope, Wealth Rolls In," will take place on February 3 at Jing Tong Elementary School, coinciding with the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, a day traditionally welcoming the God of Wealth. One hundred and twenty 4TN Yuanbao lanterns will be released to the public, with online registration opening at 12:00 noon on the 9th (tomorrow). The second session, "Lighting Hope, Touching the World," will be held on February 8 at Pingxi Junior High School, featuring a large 12TN wish collage sky lantern. This lantern will be created using a mosaic technique to incorporate blessing messages from people around the world, allowing those who cannot attend in person—both locally and internationally—to "join in the celebration." As February 14 this year is a day that blends Eastern and Western happiness, being both the Lantern Festival and Valentine’s Day, the third session will be themed "Hand in Hand, Love Soars Together." An additional 200 "heart-shaped lanterns" will be released, with online registration starting at 15:00 tomorrow.