Text by MOOK Travel Life Network, Zhang Yingying | Source: 365 Taiwan Leisure Life Calendar APP
To celebrate the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival, major lantern events across Taiwan have begun. Details are as follows:
2013Taipei Lantern Festival
Venue: Taipei Expo Park (Hua-Bu) and Yuanshan Park
Dates: February 21 – March 3
Activities: The 2013 Taipei Lantern Festival kicks off on February 21 at Yuanshan and Hua-Bu Parks. On February 6, a four-kilometer-long “Sea of Happiness” light display along Zhongshan N. Rd. Sections 1–3, from Yuanshan MRT Station to Minquan MRT Station, will be illuminated as a prelude to the festival, setting a festive tone for Lunar New Year.
Taipei City Government is distributing 100,000 mini lanterns featuring the design “Ha Ha.” The main stage at the Butterfly Pavilion will host daily performances and celebrity shows. There will also be lantern riddle contests at the City God Temple, a “Moon God Loves Yuanxiao” event, and Valentine’s-themed activities.
◎ Mini Lantern: “Ha Ha the Snake”
2013Taiwan Lantern Festival in Hsinchu
Venue: Hsinchu HSR Station Special Zone, Zhubei City
Dates: February 24 – March 10
Activities: This year’s “2013 Taiwan Lantern Festival” shines brilliantly in Hsinchu County. The “Five Major Themed Lantern Zones” include Soaring Dragons and Rising Prosperity, Bamboo Light Tech, Local Culture, Charming Hsinchu County, and Anime & Arts. These diverse, fascinating themes bring together visitors from all over to experience the annual grandeur of the national lantern festival.
Additional highlights include a lantern parade and performances by top-tier groups such as U-Theatre, Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, Jiutian Folk Performance Troupe, Ten Drums Art Percussion Group, plus local Hsinchu acts like Hsinchu Hakka Dance Troupe, Streamside Dance Troupe, and New Paradise Drama Troupe. Renowned Hakka singers like Liu Shaoxi, Hsieh Yu-wei, and Tseng Ya-chun will also perform, delivering an unforgettable experience.
◎ Mini Lantern: “Whirlwind the Mischievous Snake”
2013Central Taiwan Lantern Festival
Venue: Wenxin Forest Park
Dates: February 18 – March 3
Activities: This year’s Central Taiwan Lantern Festival features a snake-shaped centerpiece lantern titled “Spirit Snake Guarding the Pearl.” Additionally, 50,000 mini lanterns called “Robot Snake Girl” will be given out starting February 18 at service desks near the intersection of Xiangshang Rd. and Section 1, Wenxin Rd. Alongside domestic and international themed lantern areas, the opening ceremony will be held on February 18, with a Lantern Festival gala on February 24 featuring star-studded performances. The closing ceremony on March 3 will also be a grand celebration.
◎ Mini Lantern: “Robot Snake Girl”
2013Kaohsiung Lantern Festival
Venue: Glory Pier – Along the Love River
Dates: February 16 – February 24
Activities: With the theme “Love & Happiness,” this year’s Kaohsiung Lantern Festival blends diverse elements. For the first time, Fo Guang Shan is included in the festival lineup. Focusing on environmental sustainability and technology, the festival offers a rich visual and auditory experience, including spectacular fireworks over the harbor. Food stalls and showcases of Kaohsiung specialties are also available. In addition to the harbor lantern displays, the “Three Mountains Lantern Festival” features celebratory lights in Qishan, Gangshan, and Fo Guang Shan, inviting everyone to enjoy the festive glow in Kaohsiung.
◎ Mini Lantern: “Lucky Shapeshifting Dragon”
Hualien Pacific Lantern Festival
Venue: Golden Triangle Shopping Area
Dates: February 2 – February 28
Activities: The “2013 Pacific Lantern Festival” combines local culture with traditional lantern displays. Featuring nearly 10,000 dazzling lanterns, hanging lights, and tree decorations, the festival has a total budget of NT$9 million. Visitors will feel the festive atmosphere as soon as they arrive at the train station. Highlights stretch from Hualien Railway Station through the Golden Triangle area and extend to Ji’an Evening Market, creating a vibrant Lunar New Year street scene full of excitement.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in New Taipei City
Location: Pingxi Shifen Old Street
Date: January 10 to February 24
Event Details: The 2013 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in New Taipei City is inspired by the concept of "Unique," with this year’s theme being "New Taipei Has You – Dreams Are Unique." Combining Valentine’s Day on February 14 and the Lunar New Year celebrations, the festival features three “one-of-a-kind” lantern events, inviting friends from all over the world to experience the sky lantern culture and join in the festivities, sending lanterns carrying the unique dreams of all citizens soaring high into the sky.
Yanshui Beehive Rockets in Tainan
Location: Wumiao Temple in Yanshui
Date: February 10 to February 25
Event Details: Known as one of the world’s top three folk festivals, the "Yanshui Beehive Rockets" are not only dazzling and widely renowned, but also a must-attend event for both domestic and international visitors during the Lunar New Year. With over 200 years of history, the tradition kicks off with the procession of the God’s sedan chair of Guan Yu at Wumiao Temple. Traditional beehive rocket towers and thousands of explosive rockets are ready to go off with a bang, bringing good fortune throughout the Year of the Snake.
◎ For detailed information on Lantern Festival celebrations around Taiwan and mini lantern distribution updates
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