2015 Taipei Lantern Festival: Golden Lucky Sheep and a Lively Festival Celebrating the Lantern Rite

By MOOK Travel & Life Network Editorial Team

The 2015 Taipei Lantern Festival officially began on February 14, with the “Love & Embrace the Sea of Lights” installation along Sections 2-3 of Zhongshan North Road lighting up first. The main exhibition area was held from February 27 to March 8 at the Taipei Expo Park’s Yuanshan site, offering a 10-day lantern art extravaganza. The festival drew large crowds throughout its run, showcasing the vibrant charm of Taipei’s nightlife.

The most anticipated mini lanterns for both kids and adults featured a mysterious blend of colors, sizes, shapes, and creative designs. From February 1 to March 2, these lanterns were distributed starting at 1 PM in 12 districts across Taipei. Yuanshan Park at the Taipei Expo specially extended its distribution period to five days—from March 1 to 5—at the park’s Corridor Plaza. On March 5, which coincided with the Lantern Rite Festival, 8,000 mini lanterns were handed out at Yuanshan Park along with complimentary sweet glutinous rice soup, spreading festive cheer among all visitors.

On the other side of Zhongshan North Road, across from the Taipei Lantern Festival, the Beijing Cultural Temple Fair – Taipei Journey was also underway, featuring its own lantern exhibits that attracted many visitors to stop and take photos. The Zhongshan Jiuquan Pedestrian Overpass, which connects the two events across Zhongshan North Road, was transformed into the “Crystal Lovers’ Bridge,” becoming a highlight attraction.

The highlight of the Taipei Lantern Festival was undoubtedly the Golden Lucky Sheep sound and light theater in the main lantern area. From 7 to 9 PM, themed activities took place around the Golden Lucky Sheep, whose dazzling light show—illuminated every half hour—was accompanied by music and performances. The main lantern lit up every 30 minutes until 11 PM.

Each lantern zone had its own unique features, sparking lively discussions among visitors beyond just photo opportunities.

The Blessing Lantern Zone

Combining traditional blessing elements with modern technology, this zone offered various interactive games allowing citizens to pray for love, wealth, health, and peace. Special appearances by the Moon God, the God of Wealth, and the Earth God were also invited back to the Taipei Lantern Festival. Here, visitors could accumulate blessings and personally write wish cards filled with hopes for a smooth and fulfilling new year.