By MOOK Travel Life Network, reported and compiled by Chen Guanxin
The “2014 Gangshan Lantern Festival” officially begins on January 31 (the first day of the Lunar New Year) and will run for 15 days. In addition to the creative screw-shaped main lantern, there will be a Gangshan rural-themed lantern area and a 3D water dance light show. Visitors are welcome to come and celebrate the Spring Festival in Gangshan, experiencing the strong local happiness.
The main lantern of the Kaohsiung Gangshan Lantern Festival is designed based on local cultural imagery. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government)
The Kaohsiung Lantern Festival is one of Taiwan’s three major lantern festivals. In addition to the city lantern displays, it also includes those in Qishan, Foguangshan, and Gangshan. Each Kaohsiung lantern event has its own unique theme, rich cultural significance, and vibrant presentations for the public. This year, the Gangshan main lantern features a screw as its central element, incorporating eco-friendly concepts along with local specialties such as Gangshan’s famed lamb, honey, and soybean paste. It showcases a variety of themed lantern zones and features exquisite water dance performances, aiming to offer the public a unique audiovisual experience.
The 2014 Gangshan Lantern Festival features as many as nine themes, including the main lantern area, the “Love & Matchmaking – Red Thread of Destiny” lantern area hosted by the local office, the “Second Prison Creative Lantern Area,” the “Basket & Blessing Lantern Area” that combines Gangshan baskets with wishes for good fortune, the “Colorful Lantern Painting Area” and “Creative Lantern Area” that display the creativity of Gangshan students, as well as the “Rural Peak Lantern Area,” “Hope Lantern Wall Prayer Area,” and “All Faiths Protection Area” that highlight Gangshan’s rural characteristics. Each area presents a different charm and appeal.
The exquisite water dance performance adds even more allure to the Gangshan Lantern Festival. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government)
The Gangshan District Office stated that from the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the stage performances at the Gangshan Lantern Festival will feature an explosive opening by international performance group Jiutian Folk Arts Troupe and celebrity host Dong Zhicheng. Other highlights include performances by Golden Melody Award-winning artist Huang Fei, singers Tsai Changxian, Luo Shifeng, Hsu Fu-kai, Huang Wenxing, Lin Lianghuan, and Cai Yide, as well as the 3D water dance light show and colorful fireworks displays from the first to the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, ensuring a joyful celebration for all. For more information on related events, please visit the official website of the “2014 Gangshan Lantern Festival.”
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