By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network, Reported by Chen Guanxin
The 2014 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival has kicked off. Whether you take public transport, cycle, jog, stroll, or opt for a one-day or two-day trip—whether you're solo or in a group—you can explore the Kaohsiung Lantern City Carnival and enjoy food, fun, shopping, and entertainment all in one go. This year’s festival stretches along Zhongshan Road, Wufu Road, and both sides of the Love River, connecting popular commercial districts such as the San Duo Shopping Area, Wufu Shopping Area, Yuzhu Shopping Area, and Nanhua Shopping Area. It also includes youth-favorite trendy shops in Xinqijiang, as well as major department stores like Shin Kong Mitsukoshi, SOGO, Pacific Sogo, Dayeh Takashimaya, Dayi Boutique, and Hanshin. Moreover, Kaohsiung’s renowned hotels and business lodgings are all nearby, offering convenient transportation and easy shopping.
Cute lantern designs attract many visitors eager for photo ops. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau Director Hsu Chuan-sheng noted that most of the areas traversed by this year’s lantern displays are well-known local commercial districts. In addition to admiring the lanterns and shopping, visitors should also take time to appreciate the unique urban charm of Kaohsiung. For example, strolling along both banks of the Love River offers sweeping views of the river and sea, while a walk through Yancheng District and Gushan District lets you experience the old street vibe of Kaohsiung. The famous Pier-2 Art Center is a must-visit cultural and creative hub for literary youths from both sides of the Taiwan Strait. Heading west to Sizihwan, Gushan Shaochuantou, and then Qijin presents the most authentic mini-travel route in Kaohsiung.
A Buddha Light Mountain lantern display in the Love River Art Lantern Area. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Hsu Chuan-sheng also recommends that the public make use of the convenient Kaohsiung MRT, and not miss visiting the Formosa Boulevard Station and Central Park Station. These two stations have been voted the second and fifth most beautiful metro stations in the world, respectively, thanks to their stunning “Dome of Light” designs and grand architectural exteriors. They’ve even been listed by discerning New Yorkers as world-renowned metro stations that one must visit in a lifetime. Both stations are located near the Wufu Shopping Area lantern displays during the festival, making them must-see spots for street photography.
A "Take a Break" lantern installation along Central Park. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Various themed lantern zones attract many couples and families to stop for photos. Along the Love River, in addition to the Buddha Light Mountain lantern area and artist Huang Renlai’s painting lantern boxes, the riverside is also adorned with colorful fish-themed lanterns, incorporating elements of the harbor city. The spectacular Love River fireworks show every Saturday at 9:00 PM also consistently draws large crowds.
A butterfly-dancing lantern display in Xingzhong Shopping Area. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)
Additionally, the Kaohsiung City Government will distribute the first wave of mini lanterns at 5:00 PM on February 8. These will be handed out not only at the Zhongshan Sando Service Desk and Hedong Wufu Service Desk in the city center but also simultaneously at Gangshan Riverside Park and Qishan Railway Station. The next distribution will take place at 7:00–7:30 PM on February 14, in conjunction with the “Love 'Happiness' Lantern Parade,” along the section of Zhonghua Road to Yingxiong Road on Wufu Road. After receiving a lantern, participants can immediately join the parade and relive the traditional joy of lantern parading, celebrating the Lantern Rite Festival together.
Feb 14, the Lantern Rite Festival, also coincides with Valentine’s Day. The Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau is calling on everyone to come admire the lanterns, watch the flower floats, and join the grand parade. Couples are encouraged to plan ahead to celebrate the holiday together. Many hotels in Kaohsiung have launched special holiday packages that include lantern viewing, fireworks, and accommodation. Additionally, starting now, there’s a Colorful Butterfly Light Show at Sando Shopping Area every night from 7:00–9:00 PM on the hour, as well as weekly Saturday events featuring Love River fireworks shows with different themes, competition lantern displays, street performances, and riverside food streets. For event details, check the official website of the 2014 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival Arts Festival.
● Extended Reading:
The World’s 8 Most Beautiful Metro Stations – Two Kaohsiung MRT Stations Make the List
www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=9560
The Happy Horse comes in light blue and peach pink. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau)