By Wei Ruyu, compiled and reported
The 2012 Taiwan Lantern Festival held in Lukang, Changhua, featured a grand lantern lighting ceremony and a parade of 24 theme park mascots on the day of the Lantern Festival. From today (February 7) to February 19, the public can continue to view creative lantern displays from nine theme parks in the "Happy Lantern Area," including Miniature Land, Janfusun Fancyworld, Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, Leofoo Village Theme Park, Shoufeng Forest Recreation Farm, West Lake Resort, Formosan Aboriginal Cultural Village, Doraemon Science Theme Park, and Atayal Resort. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings from 6:30 to 9:00 pm, there will also be performances by the various parks' mascots. On weekdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm (and until 9:00 pm on holidays), hosts will host fun quizzes and give away prizes and other activities, spending a wonderful lantern night with the public.
The main lantern "Dragon Soaring Amidst Clouds" lights up every evening at 7:00 pm, with a light show every half hour. (Photo provided by Changhua County Government)
Additionally, the Happy Lantern Area, the intersection of Jianguo Road and Zhongzheng Road, and Longshan Temple and Wenchang Temple will distribute free "Majestic Dragon" mini lanterns starting at 3:00 pm daily, one per person while supplies last. To encourage the use of public transportation, during the Taiwan Lantern Festival, the Taiwan Tourist Shuttle Lukang Line also offers free shuttle services. The public can board at Taichung High-Speed Rail Station, Changhua Railway Station, Changhua County Government, Cultural Center, and Changhua Railway Station.
This 2012 Taiwan Lantern Festival, in terms of the main lantern design, exhibition area, performance lineup, attending dignitaries, and participating public, can be said to be the largest in scale in past years. Especially the first-ever appearance of cartoon characters from Tokyo Disneyland in Japan at the Taiwan Lantern Festival has really thrilled the public.
The lantern festival runs until February 19. The main lantern "Dragon Soaring Amidst Clouds" located at the Lukang Township Stadium lights up every evening at 7:00 pm, with a light show every half hour. In addition, the North Lantern Area (Lukang Sports Park), Zhongshan Road Charm Lantern Area (Tianhou Temple, Guild Hall, Longshan Temple, Folklore Museum), and South Lantern Area (Wenchang Temple, Hugan Temple, Ksitigarbha Temple) not only feature dazzling lanterns but also quite exciting activities. The public can visit the "Chang Lantern Festival Color" download section at the Changhua County Government’s website at 2012taiwanlantern.net/download.php for more information.