Happiness for a long time leaps into the Year of the Tiger—The 2010 Taiwan Lantern Festival shines in Chiayi

As the Lunar New Year approaches, from New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the first lunar month, vibrant celebrations will unfold across Taiwan. Among them, the most dazzling and colorful event—the Taiwan Lantern Festival on the night of the Lantern Festival—will be grandly held next to Chiayi Park in Chiayi City on February 28. The central theme lantern of this year’s festival, with the theme “Blessings Descend Upon the Island,” captures the imagery of a leaping tiger in the Year of the Tiger, presenting blessings to the precious island of Taiwan.

The highly anticipated main lantern of the festival incorporates traditional elements, cutting-edge technology, innovative thinking, and local culture. It features a tiger leaping over a colorful rainbow arch bridge, symbolizing the image of a tiger leaping with blessings. Abstract techniques depict the surrounding mountains of Chiayi and the sea of clouds and sunrise of Alishan. Accompanied by two cute cartoon-style baby tiger lanterns, the luxurious decorations present an even more majestic momentum.

The tiger-year main lantern is sculpted from metal perforated panels, with a total height of 19.3 meters and a total weight of 36 metric tons. In terms of overall lighting effects, in addition to using spiral-patterned omnidirectional films developed by the Institute of Optoelectronics Industry of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, combined with ever-changing internal and external lighting, it integrates computer-linked synchronized lighting performances. It also introduces an innovative concept of an infinite light tunnel that extends endlessly, using mirrors and semi-reflective mirrors to create high-tech lighting effects with the light source, making the nighttime lighting effect of the main lantern more technologically aesthetic and dazzlingly brilliant than in previous years.

This year marks the 99th year of the Republic of China, and the mini lantern has been specially named “Happiness for a Long Time.” Its design features a cute little tiger pulling a ring and doing somersaults, wearing a jersey with the number 99. By utilizing the properties of paper and the principles of mechanics, the Year of the Tiger mini lantern is not only a static handheld item but also has dynamic rolling movements. The changing lights showcase a vibrant and colorful glow, making its adorable appearance truly lovable.

The “2010 Taiwan Lantern Festival” will officially light up at 7:00 PM on the evening of the Lantern Festival, February 28. The main lantern will present a light show every half hour, with the festivities continuing until 10:30 PM on March 7. This year, the lantern displays have been specially arranged along Zhongshan Road in Chiayi City, extending all the way to Chiayi Railway Station, creating a dazzling rhythm of lights that makes Chiayi more beautiful as the night deepens. Visitors wishing to experience the festive atmosphere of the Year of the Tiger are advised to use public transportation to reach Chiayi City, and then walk along Zhongshan Road to enjoy the lantern displays on the way to the main exhibition area, sharing in the joyful and colorful spirit of the Lantern Festival.

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Further reading: Stunning Snow Lantern Path in Otaru (Provided by Tripass, the attraction home)