How to Enjoy the Peach Blossom Lantern Festival Along the Stream: A One-Day Guide to Four Major Lantern Zones

By MOOK Scenic Spots Home, compiled and reported
 
The 2019 Taoyuan Lantern Festival kicked off on February 12, featuring four major lantern zones: the Sanmin Lantern Zone, Luzhu Lantern Zone, Guishan Lantern Zone, and Shuibiantou Lantern Zone. Aside from admiring the lantern displays, Taoyuan also boasts many unique attractions worth visiting. Explore Taoyuan during the day and enjoy the lanterns at night. This article specially compiles a “Streamside Itinerary” for a one-day tour of the 2019 Taoyuan Lantern Festival. Follow the four lantern zones and discover the highlights of Taoyuan.

1. Sanmin Lantern Zone – A Whirlwind Tour of Foreign Lands
Recommended Itinerary: Aer Forest School → Taoyuan Station Front Commercial District (lunch) → Qiqi Arts and Culture Street → Nanyao Taoyuan Sightseeing Experience Factory → Sanmin Lantern Zone

Start your day at Aer Forest School, known as the “Back Garden of Taoyuan,” where you can observe trees and bird ecology. Then head to the bustling Taoyuan Railway Station commercial district for lunch, with a wide selection of international cuisines. Next, visit the Qiqi Arts and Culture Street, filled with Japanese-style architecture that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Japan in an instant – perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Alternatively, go to the Nanyao Taoyuan Sightseeing Factory to enjoy diverse international cuisine and a variety of DIY experience classes. In the evening, head to the Sanmin Lantern Zone to admire lanterns, including sweet treats symbolizing happiness and rose garden lanterns that are simply adorable.

2. Guishan Lantern Zone – Fun with Wisdom
Recommended Itinerary: Shoushanyan Guanyin Temple → Maple Tree Pit → Guishan Back Street → Xian’guang Second Village → Xiangyi Robot Dream Factory → Guishan Lantern Zone

Start your morning with a visit to Shoushanyan Guanyin Temple to pray for blessings. The garden behind the temple also features a stunning secret spot for cherry blossom viewing. Alternatively, you can visit the Taoyuan version of Taiwan’s famous “Balan Road” – the “Maple Tree Pit” – to enjoy pastoral scenery. For lunch, head to Guishan Back Street to sample local snacks and pick up souvenirs.