Most Popular Check-in Spots of “Fantasy in the City of Wind” – A Romantic Holiday Stroll Along the Moat

▲Art Installation Light Zone at the Moat (Photo / Provided by Hsinchu City Cultural Affairs Bureau)

Reported by Li Jierong, Hsinchu Zhen Dao News / Hsinchu

The Hsinchu City Cultural Affairs Bureau stated today (the 2nd) that this year’s “Celebrate Chinese New Year in Hsinchu 2017,” themed “Fantasy in the City of Wind,” has set up an “art installation light zone” at the moat, East Gate Fort, and other locations. This includes seven light art pieces and ambient lighting along the riverbank. Since its launch on January 20th, it has drawn over 30,000 visitors, with many praising its “romantic” atmosphere, making the moat a hotspot for photos. Mayor Lin Chih-chien noted that the exhibition will run until February 19th and welcomed everyone to come out for a festive stroll to experience Hsinchu’s unique romantic ambiance.

The city government’s 2016 “Celebrate Chinese New Year in Hsinchu” event received widespread acclaim, and this year’s edition has been expanded. Centered around the moat and extending to East Gate Fort and Fuhou Street, the event incorporates the imagery of the “Hsinchu Wind.” Seven art light installations have been set up, curated by the internationally experienced lighting design team “CosmoC Qin Xian Design Team,” who crafted the “ambient lighting environment.” By using lights of varying color temperatures and arrangements, they create dynamic light and shadow effects, evoking sensations of warmth, freshness, and brightness.

Mr. Qiu, who came from Keelung to visit relatives in Hsinchu City, said that the art installations combined with the moat light zone have made the area more beautiful and atmospheric than before. Not only does it offer a great place to visit during the holiday season, but as an avid photographer, he has also taken many photos to share with family and friends on Facebook. The response has been overwhelming, he said, with “a huge increase in likes!”

“The ‘Mirror Moon Bridge’ is so atmospheric!” said Ms. Kuo, a local resident. The installations in the “Fantasy in the City of Wind” series have made the moat even more romantic, attracting many couples to take photos and check in on social media, herself included. “I hope they hold this event every year. We can enjoy such amazing exhibitions right here in Hsinchu without having to go to other cities.”

Mayor Lin Chih-chien said that the moat’s “Waterfront Park,” which opened last December, not only added accessible ramps and a stage for performances but also planted aquatic plants along the shore, making it the most people-friendly and water-accessible moat in Taiwan. Nowadays, residents often take walks or exercise along the river, and young couples are frequently seen strolling hand in hand. Hsinchu has become a happy city perfect for romance. He also welcomes people from all over the country to visit the “Romantic Moat” and experience the city’s unique charm.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau explained that along the moat, there are various distinctive installations: Artist Lin Jing-you’s “Mirror Moon Bridge” creates visual illusions and a fantastical light corridor for viewers; “Wind-Reflecting Grass,” featuring biomimetic plants and slender lamp stands sprouting from the riverside; and artist Yang Chun-sen’s translucent jellyfish-like light piece “Drift.” Each piece presents a unique style and character.

In the Waterfront Park section of the moat, artist Wu Geng-zhen transformed the city flower, the azalea, into a red paper-cut-inspired lamp base that decorates the water surface, adding a poetic and elegant touch. Additionally, “The Little Prince’s Flower,” designed by overseas Chinese artist Xu Tang-wei and first exhibited at the Hsinchu City Art Museum, combines painting, sculpture, and architectural techniques to reinterpret the rose from *The Little Prince* as the city’s azalea, brimming with imagery of love. Another piece, “Glowing Celestial Bodies,” extends this concept, scattering wishes like stars across Erh Er Ba Park, bringing hopes and blessings for the new year.