Release colorful lanterns with heartfelt wishes

Lee Szechien, Deputy Mayor of New Taipei City Government, said that the fourth day of the Lunar New Year marked the first day of the 2011 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. As 2011 is also the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China and a pivotal moment when Taipei County was upgraded to New Taipei City, it is truly a year of extraordinary significance. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival has thus been specially themed “Hope for Taiwan, New Taipei Stays Young.” A series of activities have been planned, hoping to use the release of 10 waves of sky lanterns, special performances for the New Year, and appearances by well-known singers as the starting point to ignite the hopes for the centennial celebration of the Republic of China.

On-site, limited-edition souvenirs such as Pingxi miner’s headlamps, sky lantern blessing magnets, and train-themed pencil sets were prepared. Public demand was very high. Those who were unable to receive souvenirs on the day can still exchange their ticket stubs for the above-mentioned souvenirs from 2 PM on February 12 and February 17, at the event service desk. Commuters on shuttle buses can also receive a limited quantity of souvenirs from staff at the Muzha Zoo and Shiding rest areas starting at noon. (A limit of 2,000 sets will be available on both February 12 and February 17, with each person allowed to exchange for one souvenir per visit.)