2017 Taipei Lantern Festival Is Spectacular: A Complete Guide to All Themed Lantern Zones

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

The Taipei Lantern Festival has a new look and will take place from February 4 to 12. For the first time in 2017, it moves to the western part of the city, with the main performance area set around the Ximen MRT Station. In addition to the main performance area, along Section 1 of Zhonghua Road, there are also interactive “Universiade Interactive Zone,” the festive “Landscape Art Creation Zone,” the happiness-incubating “Blessing Lantern Zone,” the youthful “Student Creation Zone,” the light art “Free Creation Zone,” and the “Lantern Riddle Arena,” among other distinctive themed lantern zones. During the Spring Festival, why not head to Ximending to experience a unique Lunar New Year celebration in West Taipei?

Light Projection Zone
This zone revives the historical memories of West Taipei through two digital 3D light projection animation films: "West Street Party" at Beimen and "West City Grand Theater" at Zhongshan Hall, exploring the historical charm of Taipei City from the 19th century to the present. "West Street Party" transforms Beimen into a uniquely historical costumed figure, performing a classic and stylish costume show across different eras, awakening the most treasured youth memories of different generations in Ximending, and leading audiences to a collective memory of the bustling festivities of West City. "West City Grand Theater" uses a montage technique to recreate images from Taiwan’s cinematic history, inviting audiences to experience a giant outdoor 3D light projection cinema.

Red Egg Zone – Landscape Art Creation Zone
Located in front of the Armed Forces Cultural and Arts Activity Center, paper-cutting artist Yang Shiyi extended the theme of the Year of the Rooster into a home-themed installation, using openwork carving techniques to build a house on the street. The lights within the home are the most beautiful glow. During this festive season of reunion, amidst the joy, one remembers the origin of happiness and also sees that each person is the most beautiful sight within their own home.

Egg Twist Zone – Universiade Interactive Zone
The egg twist zone is located on both the east and west sides of Zhonghua Road. The 2017 Universiade will be held in Taipei. The Taipei Lantern Festival invites the public to become torchbearers lighting the sacred flame for this international event. By conquering various sports challenges in the Universiade lantern zone, you symbolically help the Taipei team raise the torch and ignite the Universiade. The Universiade’s main lantern not only lights the sacred fire but also ignites Taiwan’s dreams and passion for engaging with the world.

Easter Egg Zone – Blessing Lantern Zone
At Ximending Red House, there is a wishful glow tree and an egg wall. Taipei is a diverse society that embraces varied perspectives on love. In the square of Ximending Red House stands a glow tree of wishes radiating the first light of dawn. Tie your faith in love to the glow tree, where you can find the belonging of love and make wishes for eternal love.