Text by MOOK Scenic Spots Family, compiled and reported
The 2019 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival will be held on February 16 and 19 (Lantern Festival), taking place at Pingxi Junior High School and Shifen Square respectively. On the day of the event, surrounding areas will implement traffic controls. It is recommended to use public transportation, and the festival will also continue its regularly promoted “Sky Lantern Recycling Program,” allowing traditional lantern culture to coexist sustainably with environmental care.
A spectacular scene of hundreds of lanterns released into the sky (Photo / Ministry of Transportation and Communications Tourism Bureau)
From 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM on the day of the event, a full traffic control will be enforced for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. Shuttle buses will be arranged: the one-way fare is NT$50 when boarding from Muzha, NT$30 when boarding from Shiding District, Keelung, or Ruifang District, and NT$15 when boarding within the Pingxi area. Return trips on the shuttle bus are free of charge. Electronic ticketing is also accepted on all shuttle bus routes.
Transportation shuttle bus. (Photo / New Taipei City Government)
Additionally, the February 19 Lantern Festival session will feature, for the first time, a free shuttle bus service on the “Shuangxi–Shifen Line.” From 12:00 PM to 9:20 PM, shuttles will run between Shuangxi Railway Station and the base of Shifen Jiping Bridge. Train schedules for the Pingxi Branch Line of Taiwan Railways on the event days will differ from regular times, so those planning to take the train should check in advance.
Pingxi event traffic control route map for February 16. (Photo / New Taipei City Government)
On the day of the event, the eco-recycling exchange activity from last year will continue. By bringing designated quantities and types of sky lantern paper or recyclables to the Environmental Protection Bureau booth, participants can exchange them for special, finely crafted small gifts. This year, an interactive game area with a recycling theme has also been designed, where playing games offers more insights into environmental conservation.
Shifen event traffic control route map for the Lantern Festival on February 19. (Photo / New Taipei City Government)
After the event, the sky lantern paper recycling and exchange program will continue on regular days. By assisting in the recycling of sky lantern paper, participants can exchange it for eco-friendly, practical garbage bags or daily necessities at designated times and locations. Local shops have also set up “Sky Lantern Recycling Kiosk Affiliate Stores.” Until the end of the year, bringing collected sky lantern paper to affiliate stores allows for discounts on purchases. A “complete full sheet” of leftover sky lantern paper can be redeemed for NT$1 off.
This year’s main lantern at the Pingxi Junior High School venue centers around the concept of a “Northern Common Living Circle,” incorporating New Taipei, Taipei, Taoyuan, Keelung, and Yilan as part of a single-day living region.
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