By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
Carrying on the festive atmosphere of the Lantern Festival, lantern displays in Taichung, Nantou, and Kaohsiung will all wrap up this week, while the cherry blossom season at Wuling Farm — a popular blooming destination — will also come to a close next Monday. If you haven’t yet enjoyed the lanterns or blossoms, this weekend is your last chance to act fast！
Wuling’s cherry blossoms bloom in vibrant competition, attracting numerous visitors every year. (Photo／Chen Guanxin)
Taichung City — 2014 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival
The 2014 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival kicked off today at Wenxin Forest Park. This year features an astonishing number of lantern sets, with a total of 8 major themes, 17 lantern zones, and hundreds of individual lantern displays. The international section includes the Sichuan Zigong Lantern Area “Auspicious New Spring” and “Grand Palace Lanterns,” where red lanterns are adorned with two koi fish and a unicorn Pegasus, creating an extraordinary presence. The Xiamen Lantern Area presents the festive “Southern Fujian Traditional House” lantern set, along with the “Feel Macau, Touching Moments” display that highlights iconic Macau landmarks such as “Ruins of St. Paul’s” and “Macau Tower.”
Date: Now until February 23
Venue: Wenxin Forest Park, Taichung City
2014 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival on display at Wenxin Forest Park. (Image source／From the official website of the 2014 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival)
Taichung City — Wuling Cherry Blossom Season
The early spring cherry blossom extravaganza — Wuling Farm’s Cherry Blossom Season — runs from now until February 24. According to Wuling Farm’s official website, the park is currently graced with blooms of white and pink plum blossoms, as well as vibrant purple-red mountain cherries, while the “Pink Princess” cherry blossoms are still in bud. The best viewing period is approximately from now until February 29. Additionally, Wuling Farm enforces a daily visitor limit of 6,000 people during the cherry blossom season, and the park is cleared at night. Except for guests with lodging, camping, or hiking bookings, as well as staff, the farm will be completely off-limits after dark. Visitors without a valid vehicle pass issued by the farm are not permitted to enter Provincial Highway 124 and will be barred from entering the premises.
Date: Now until February 24
Venue: Wuling Farm
Wuling Farm’s cherry blossom season activities will conclude on February 24. (Photo／Chen Guanxin)
Nantou — Taiwan Lantern Festival
The 25th edition of the “2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival,” held for the first time in Zhongxing New Village, Nantou, kicked off today and runs until February 23. Themed “Love for the Earth, Heart of Taiwan,” the festival centers around the main lantern area near the sports field of Zhongxing Hall, extending to the “North Lantern Area” at the Provincial Government Circle and the “South Lantern Area” at the Taipei Arena. These are further connected via a “green tunnel” along Guanghua Road and Guangrong North Road, integrating Zhongxing New Village with the Lantern Festival experience. Visitors can easily “enjoy the greenery by day and admire the lanterns by night.”
Date: Now until February 23
Venue: Zhongxing New Village, Nantou
2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival set to conclude in Zhongxing New Village, Nantou. (Image provided／Tourism Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
Kaohsiung City — 2014 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival
The 2014 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival runs from now until February 23, featuring a variety of fun-themed lantern decorations across areas such as the San Duo Commercial District, Wu Fu Commercial District, and both banks of the Love River. Street trees along Xin Guang Road, Zhongshan Road (from Xin Guang Road to Formosa Boulevard Station), Wu Fu Road (from Lin Sen Road to the Love River), and Cheng Gong Road (from San Duo Road to the Exhibition Center) are also illuminated in a sea of joyful lights. In addition, a fireworks show will be held every Saturday evening at 9:00 PM by the Love River, adding dazzling colors to the festival.
Date: Now until February 23
Venue: San Duo Commercial District, Wu Fu Commercial District, both banks of the Love River, and surrounding areas
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Adorable lantern designs have drawn many visitors eager to take photos. (Image provided／Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)