Written/Compiled by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Net, Chen Guanxin
The sensational Japanese Sleeping Dragon King from the 2013 Taiwan Lantern Festival is making a comeback in 2014. In addition to the 2014 Zhubei Lantern Festival running from now until February 16, and the Bao Mountain Township Noon Culture Festival & Hakka Opera on February 13, the “Xinpu Lanterns Welcome Tianchuan – The Return of Japan’s Sleeping Dragon King” festival will officially begin on February 14. A pre-festival night ceremony will be held at 18:00, featuring a static display of the Sleeping Dragon King giant lantern at Xinpu Elementary School, the Righteous People’s Giant Lantern at Xinpu Junior High, the Tianchuan Sky Lanterns along Tianxin Outer Ring Road, and the Maitreya Giant Lantern at the God of Wealth Temple. On February 15, a creative street carnival will take place in front of Guanghe Temple in Xinpu Town, recreating the spectacular Sleeping Dragon parade from the 2013 Taiwan Lantern Festival.
The sensational Japanese Sleeping Dragon King giant lantern that wowed crowds at last year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival will join the street carnival in Xinpu on February 15. (Photo provided by Hsinchu County Government)
The 3.5-meter-tall, 8-meter-wide, and 3-meter-deep Sleeping Dragon King giant lantern will be on static display at Xinpu Elementary School on February 14 and will participate in the street parade in front of Guanghe Temple in Xinpu Town on February 15. In addition to the Sleeping Dragon giant lantern, displays will also include the Maitreya Giant Lantern, Tianchuan Giant Lantern, and Righteous People’s Giant Lantern, along with around 100 performance groups featuring brass bands, flag teams, and indigenous dance troupes.
The Sleeping Dragon, designated as an “Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property” by Japan, was created by designer Kitamura Renmei with the hope that people would hold gratitude in their hearts and pray for world peace. The “Dragon King” Sleeping Dragon giant lantern joined the Xinpu “Dynamic Lanterns,” as well as various creatively designed lanterns from schools across Taiwan, in the 2013 Taiwan Lantern Festival parade. Its stunning visual impact, unified drumbeats, and energetic performances brought the parade to a thrilling climax. This year’s parade is scheduled to officially kick off at 18:30 on February 15, with the planned route along Zhongzheng Road and Tianxin Road in Xinpu Town. The public is warmly invited to attend.
The 3.5-meter-tall, 8-meter-wide, and 3-meter-deep Sleeping Dragon King giant lantern will be on static display at Xinpu Elementary School on February 14 and will participate in the street parade in front of Guanghe Temple in Xinpu Town on February 15. In addition to the Sleeping Dragon giant lantern, displays will also include the Maitreya Giant Lantern, Tianchuan Giant Lantern, and Righteous People’s Giant Lantern, along with around 100 performance groups featuring brass bands, flag teams, and indigenous dance troupes.
The Sleeping Dragon, designated as an “Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property” by Japan, was created by designer Kitamura Renmei...
Additionally, from 17:30 each day between February 14 and 16, visitors can exchange five unified invoices from January or February 2014 for a beautifully crafted gift at the pavilion next to St. Joseph’s Church in Hukou Old Street—limited to one per person per visit while supplies last. On February 16, an extra offer will be available starting at 17:30 at the event venue behind Sanyuan Temple in Hukou Old Street: one lottery ticket for every unified invoice from January or February 2014—limited to three per person per visit. Prizes include cars, 42-inch TVs, refrigerators, and more. On the evening of February 16, special performances will be delivered by award-winning stars such as Golden Horse Best New Performer Guo Shu-yao, Golden Melody Awards Male Singer of the Year Jerry Huang, and Hakka music icon Xiao Zhong.
● Read More:
Yanshui Beehive Rockets Set to Explode – Essential Protective Gear Guide for Viewing the Festival
www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=9609