The 2011 Ximen Cultural Festival Kicks Off with Diverse Activities

Written/Compiled and Reported by Chi Binghui

The “2011 Wanhua Cultural Carnival – Ximen Cultural Festival” will run until September 30, featuring a photography competition, stamp collection for souvenirs, historical and cultural guided tours, art and cultural performances, as well as handicraft workshops. Fun and rewarding, the festival welcomes the public to join in and experience Wanhua’s traditional charm and vibrant energy.

The photography competition “The Glamour of Mengjia: Capturing the Allure” (http://www.whcc.org.tw/photo/photogame.asp) includes a photo submission campaign titled “A Date with Ximen” running until August 28. Participants are welcome to submit photos of themselves and their loved ones taken in Ximending, and can also rally friends to boost their entry’s popularity. Those who vote may also have a chance to win great prizes.

The “Ximen Treasure Hunt Adventure” activity kicks off on September 1. Participants can collect event leaflets at district offices across Taipei and at designated stores in Ximending. Collecting 10 event stamps allows you to exchange them for one souvenir (while supplies last). Additionally, those who spend over NT$1,000 (any number of receipts) at Wanhua shops can bring their receipts to the Wanhua Tax Office of the National Taxation Bureau to donate and receive one promotional item. Quantities are limited and will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, history and culture enthusiasts can join the “Wanhua Happy Historical Sites (Photography) Tour” starting at 9:00 AM on September 17. The tour will introduce surrounding areas with Longshan Temple as the center, including the Buddhist Supplies Street, Huaxi Street Night Market, Taipei Jen Ai Hospital, Qingshan Temple, Sage Temple, and Herb Alley. Registration opens on September 1 (contact: Wu Xiufen, Ext. 205, 02-23064468). On September 16 from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM and on September 17 from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM, there will be art and cultural performances and handicraft workshops at the Taipei Film Theme Park. Evening group performances will feature acts from Anping District in Tainan, Lukang in Changhua, local art and cultural groups, and schools from various levels in Wanhua District.

2011 Ximen Cultural Festival: http://www.whcc.org.tw/photo/photogame.asp