By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
The 2014 Taiwan Lantern Festival will open on Valentine's Day, February 14, in Zhongxing New Village, Nantou. Aside from the impressive main and secondary lanterns that are the annual highlights, the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications revealed that this year’s creative light zone – “Forest Rhapsody” – themed around the boundless imagination of a happy forest, aims to create a dreamlike world that brings a novel and joyful fantasy experience to both children and adults, and is expected to become a major hotspot for visitors to stop and take photos during the festival.
A nighttime composite image of “Forest Rhapsody,” a creative light zone designed in a fantastical style for fun shared by both children and adults. (Image provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
This year marks the 25th edition of the Taiwan Lantern Festival, which will take place from February 14 to 23 in Zhongxing New Village, Nantou. The Tourism Bureau especially recommends the creative light zone – “Forest Rhapsody” – which draws inspiration from the joyful atmosphere of children playing in community parks, and is designed around the theme of the boundless imagination of a happy forest. At the center of the light zone stands the giant guardian of the forest, the “Golden Lion King,” perched atop a towering and majestic cliff, leading the Wind Eagle, Ice Wolf, Forest Guardian, and the animals at the foot of the mountain in jointly protecting the Rhapsody Forest. After walking through a romantic light corridor woven with heart-shaped lanterns and adorned with beautiful starlight, visitors will encounter themed light zones surrounding the entire forest, including “The Insect’s Imaginative World,” “Fairy Tale Romance ~ Elf Fairies,” “Magical Barbie,” “Cartoon Rhapsody Superheroes,” “Happy Clowns Having Fun Together,” “~Ride~ Marvelous Animals,” “Forest Candy House,” and “Dreamy Voyage.” Paired with various animals in the woods and the stunning LED lighting environment and light sculptures throughout the area, this will be the most eye-catching light zone of this year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival.
The 2013 Taiwan Lantern Festival’s themed light zone was highly favored by families. (Image provided by the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications)
The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications reminds visitors that this year’s lantern festival venue, Zhongxing New Village, has narrow traffic lanes, no rail transport services, and limited parking availability. It is recommended that visitors use public transportation such as high-speed rail and Taiwan Railways, and take advantage of the special Central Taiwan Lantern Viewing Shuttle Buses. Those who drive should follow the tip: “Take Freeway No. 2 to the festival, Freeway No. 1 back home; head south via Caotun, go north via Mingjian,” to help alleviate traffic congestion through vehicle diversion. For traffic information, please visit the Taiwan Lantern Festival website of the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications.
● Extended Reading:
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: Adorable “Round Baby Sky Lanterns” Soar on Lantern Festival Night
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