The Little Yellow Duck (Rubber Duck)’s first exhibition in Kaohsiung closed yesterday (20th) at Glory Pier, attracting a total of 3.9 million visitors over the one-month period and generating over NT$1 billion in tourism revenue. At the closing ceremony, it was also announced that due to a two-year contract signed with Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman, the Little Yellow Duck may return to Kaohsiung before September 2015. Next, the Little Yellow Duck will make its appearance at the Taoyuan Land Art Festival on October 26, allowing duck fans in northern Taiwan to enjoy its charm up close.
The Little Yellow Duck bids farewell to Kaohsiung and is heading to Taoyuan. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government)
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu stated that thanks to the collaborative efforts of all parties, the Little Yellow Duck’s exhibition in Kaohsiung went very smoothly and successfully. The duck’s amazing charm caused a sensation across Taiwan, drawing large crowds to Glory Pier and boosting the city’s business and tourism boom. According to statistics, the duck attracted over 3.9 million visitors, with more than 5,000 free shuttle bus trips provided, creating an economic impact of over NT$1 billion. Today, the Little Yellow Duck will temporarily bid farewell to Kaohsiung and continue to spread love and peace to other cities.
The closing ceremony began with a dance between the little duck and a swan, followed by a three-wheeled vehicle shaped like a native Taiwanese duck carrying yellow balloons entering the venue. Guests at the event released environmentally friendly yellow balloons amid a countdown, symbolizing the duck’s departure to its next dream destination and Kaohsiung’s blessings for the little duck. Finally, the Little Yellow Duck returned from Glory Pier to Pier-2 Art Center amidst the sounding of ship horns, water sprays, and cheers from citizens and duck fans, where it underwent hoisting ashore, deflation, packing, and other related work, marking the end of the Little Yellow Duck’s surprising journey in Kaohsiung.
Crowds gathered at Glory Pier yesterday (20th) to bid farewell to the Little Yellow Duck. (Photo provided by Kaohsiung City Government)
The ultra-healing Little Yellow Duck has traveled the world, carrying less commercialism and more pure childlike joy and the laughter of people. This is not only due to the duck’s adorable appearance but also includes artist Florentijn Hofman’s four principles: “no advertisements on the duck,” “no ticket sales (free to view),” “locally made,” and “displayed on water.” These have allowed the Little Yellow Duck to spread joy, love, and peace around the globe.
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