New Night View Highlight in Keelung: Zhongyuan Water Lotus Lanterns Illuminate the Riverbanks

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

The 163-year-old tradition of the Keelung Zhongyuan Festival is one of Taiwan’s twelve major tourism festivals. Held throughout the seventh lunar month each year, it features a month-long series of ceremonial events that resemble a carnival. During this time, the entire city of Keelung is adorned with dazzling lights, especially the nine water lotus lanterns on the Tienliao River, which attract many photography enthusiasts. Coupled with the beautiful street scenes and their reflections, the displays leave visitors truly amazed.

The Zhongyuan Festival kicked off on the 22nd with the opening of the ancestral shrine doors at the Keelung City God Temple, marking the start of the series of celebratory events. The city of Keelung is lit up in various spots, including the Civic Square, the Ocean Plaza, and the Tienliao River light sea, all of which come alive at night, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.

In addition to the traditional ceremonies this year, the Zhongyuan Festival also opened with a water lantern parade and featured a large-scale dance drama with local characteristics. The parade floats also collaborated with artists to incorporate rich artistic elements, making the event even more creative and engaging. To manage the large crowds expected on the water lantern parade day, the city government will implement nighttime traffic controls in the urban area. Visitors planning to attend are advised to plan their itinerary in advance.