The super-cute lanterns for the 2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Nantou make their first appearance

The design, production, and display of this year’s central lantern are undertaken by the team at Zhi Fang Art Co., Ltd. The lantern will reach a total height of 23 meters, the tallest in the festival’s history, and weigh approximately 30 metric tons. Its design is inspired by the ancient and swift steed “Yanqi Horse,” known for its ability to run and climb, extending the theme into a dragon steed pose atop Taiwan’s highest peak, Yushan. The overall lighting effect will focus on “all-optical,” “technological,” and “green energy-saving” designs, using over 200,000 LED bulbs to deliver a dazzling and magnificent visual spectacle.

 

In addition, the Tourism Bureau commissioned Professor Huang Xinci from the National Taiwan University of Arts to compose the performance music for the central lantern show. Aligned with the six-step lantern-lighting ceremony, the melody incorporates rich elements of Taiwanese folk songs, while the resplendent orchestral sounds convey Taiwan as a peaceful, harmonious, and livable paradise.

 

The host location of the Taiwan Lantern Festival—Nantou—is blessed with beautiful scenery, picturesque mountains, and clear waters. Therefore, this year’s mini lanterns are designed with a travel and vacation theme, named “Super Cute Horse.” It’s an adorable little horse that always brings blue skies, white clouds, and rainbow-like good moods. As 2014 (which sounds like “love you forever”) coincides with Valentine’s Day on February 14, the lantern also features “2014” and heart elements. Moreover, when you swing the mini lantern back and forth, the horse appears to be running. You can also fix the horse’s legs and tie the two straps together to stroll with your little horse on flat ground, adding more interactive fun between the kids and their lanterns.

The “2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival” will officially begin at 7:00 PM on Friday, February 14, the Lantern Festival, with the central lantern show performed once every full hour and at 30 minutes past the hour. The festivities will continue until 10:00 PM on February 23. Due to limited parking around Zhongxing New Village in Nantou, visitors are encouraged to take the high-speed rail to Taichung Station or the train to Yuanlin Station and transfer to the shuttle buses to reach the festival site. To accommodate Taichung residents, Nantou County Government has also arranged special lantern-viewing shuttle buses from Tiger City Mall in Taichung.

 

 

●  Read more:

Taipei’s New Year’s Eve Light Festival Shines Through the Lantern Festival as Santa Gets a Spring Festival Makeover

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