Tainan’s YanShui Beehive Rockets Invite Public to Experience the Thrill

On February 12, the century-old Guan Sheng Di Jun of YanShui Guan Temple will make its first-ever northward journey, giving residents in northern Taiwan the opportunity to witness the divine presence and experience the power and thrill of YanShui Beehive Rockets.

Li Bojia, principal of Zhongshan Elementary School, said that this is a highly educational event, allowing northern residents to first learn about the assembly of beehive rocket "forts" and the cultural history of YanShui Beehive Rockets up close, feel the power of the rockets, and then further participate in the folk festivities in YanShui during the Yuanxiao Festival.

Ye Zeshan, director of Tainan City Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau, said that February 12 will be a full-day event. Starting at 10 a.m., the onsite assembly of beehive rocket forts will be conducted, with the Southern Taiwan Cultural Heritage Interpretation Service Team explaining the fort-making process, history, and culture to the public. From 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Lord Guan parade procession will march along Songjiang Road in Taipei to Section 1 of Minquan East Road, arriving at Zhongshan Elementary School. A total of 10 palanquins will take part in this event. The site will feature 10 traditional beehive rocket forts, approximately 30,000 beehive rockets, and 100 meters of continuous firecrackers, encircling the experience area in a “besieged from ten sides” formation. Participants are guaranteed to feel the intensity and thrill of the rockets. Those wishing to take part must take safety precautions.