By MOOK Scenic Spots Home, compiled and reported
In 2017, the Taipei Lantern Festival was held in the West District for the first time. More than just a traditional lantern-viewing event, the festival’s top 10 highlights promise a brand-new lantern experience and will be a hot spot for photos during the Spring Festival holiday.
The historical charm of the West Main Temple is recreated through light and shadow, transforming the area into a “gallery of light” for the neighborhood. (Photo provided by Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
The top 10 highlights are as follows:
1. With the participation of over 10 artists and designers, this is truly an unprecedented initiative.
2. In the West District, organized by blocks, starting from the origin of the West District Gateway Plan at Beimen (North Gate), along Zhonghua Road, various “lights” and “illuminations” transform the entire West District into a street theater.
3. Light Sculpture Area: The North Gate, liberated from the elevated highway, presents the “West Street Party” through a 3D architectural projection light sculpture show on the city gate; then head to Zhongshan Hall, where a montage collage technique invites audiences to experience the 3D light sculpture projection of the “West City Grand Theater”!
The Egg Hunt Area – Wishing Light Tree located in front of Ximending Red House. (Photo provided by Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
4. Gashapon Area (Universiade Interactive Zone): Located on both the east and west sides of Zhonghua Road, this interactive experience zone invites the public to participate in various sports such as running, swimming, table tennis, and billiards. You can even light the torch together with Bear Chang, experiencing the Universiade that will be held in Taipei in August through light and shadow.
5. Red Egg Area: Located in front of the Armed Forces Cultural and Arts Activity Center on Zhonghua Road, featuring traditional lanterns of the “Five Virtues Chicken” representing literary, martial, brave, benevolent, and trustworthy qualities, as well as paper-cut art inspired by the word “home” (derived from the Taiwanese pronunciation of chicken, ㄍㄟ), immersing visitors as if entering a big red lantern.6. Egg Yolk Area: Not far across from the Red Egg Area, at the site of the West Main Temple ruins, the history and charm are recreated through light compositions, turning the area into a neighborhood gallery of light.
7. Egg Hunt Area: Ximending Red House is a representative landmark of the diverse culture in Ximending. Here, you’ll find the Wishing Light Tree and the Egg Hunt Wall, allowing visitors to make wishes for love and faith and to pray for themselves and their families.
3D Light Sculpture Projection at Zhongshan Hall: “West City Grand Theater.” (Photo provided by Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
8. Golden Egg Area & Egg White Area: The Golden Egg Area, where exchanges with sister cities and folk organizations like Tianhou Temple take place, is located at the forefront of Zhonghua Road near Beimen and close to the main performance area. The Egg White Area, showcasing student creations, surrounds Zhongshan Hall, and a lantern riddle competition will also be held here.
9. West City Carnival Parade: A carnival-style street parade designed and executed by the Paper Windmill Theater Group will liven up the night of Ximending on the day of the Lantern Festival.
3D Light Sculpture Projection at Beimen: “West Street Party.” (Photo provided by Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
10. Mysterious Main Performance Area: The theme of this year’s “main lantern” is still under wraps, but we know it’s designed by Taiwan’s first internationally renowned anime aesthetic artist, Ikki You, which is definitely something to look forward to. The area will surround the Exit 6 of Ximen Station, Ximending Red House, Hanzhong Street, and the intersection of Chengdu Street – all must-visit and must-photograph spots. Make sure to visit the Taipei Lantern Festival during the Spring Festival holiday.