By / MOOK Scenic Spots Home Travel Life Network Editorial Team
The 2016 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is set to grandly kick off on February 11 (the fourth day of the Lunar New Year), 14 (the seventh day), and 22 (Lantern Festival). This year, the Keelung City Government has once again partnered with the New Taipei City Government to launch a sky lantern shuttle service — services will be available from both the Keelung City Bus Office (departing from the main terminal) and Keelung Bus (departing from Ruifang Railway Station). The service will run daily from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM during the three key days: the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, the seventh day, and Lantern Festival. Riders are welcome to hop on board.
The 2016 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is expected to officially begin on February 11. (Image provided / New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
Regarding traffic control, the control point on the Keelung side will be set up at Dong’an No. 2 Bridge to facilitate local residents from Keelung’s Nuannuan area returning home. Control will be in effect from 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM, restricting the passage of public transport vehicles. In addition, considering the large volume of traffic after the event concludes, if the event ends at 6:00 PM, vehicle traffic on Provincial Highway 2B is expected to be restricted from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
Sky lanterns slowly ascend into the air, resembling a fairy-tale scene. (Image provided / New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Bureau)
Additionally, in line with New Taipei City’s arrangements, the Keelung City Government has moved the original shuttle pick-up point from Qidu Railway Station to Ruifang Railway Station. As for the shuttle bus route departing from Keelung Railway Station, it remains unchanged — departing from the bus terminal, passing through Xia’er Road, Nanrong Road, Badu Road, Guogang Road, Nujiang Bridge, Nuannuan Street, Zhengrong Second Bridge, Dongshi Street, the entrance of Kiping Tunnel, Pingshuang Junction, and arriving at Shifen (disembarkation point). Stops include the terminal, Nuannuan Post Office stop, and Shifen. On the return trip, buses can stop at any bus station. For fare, passengers must pay a flat NT$30 upon boarding for the one-way trip, while the return trip is free. Return shuttle buses operate from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and will depart as soon as they are full.
【Info】
2016 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
The first event will take place on February 11 (the fourth day of Lunar New Year) at Jingdong Elementary School, the second on February 14 (Valentine’s Day) at Pingxi Junior High School, and the third on February 22 (Lantern Festival) at Shifen Square.