By Liu Jiawen, compiled and reported
The Central Taiwan Lantern Festival kicks off today at the Wenxin Forest Park in Taichung City. Over the course of 12 days, visitors can admire the longest main lantern in the history of Taiwan’s Lantern Festivals — the “Flying Dragon in the Clouds,” which, paired with light and sound effects and an electric lifting system, gives the impression of a dragon soaring through the sky. The international lantern area showcases themed lanterns from Hong Kong, Zigong in Sichuan, Xiamen, and other regions, each with its own unique style and well worth seeing. For example, Sichuan’s “Jadeite Cabbage” is modeled after the national treasure housed in the Palace Museum; the “Dragon and Phoenix Auspicious Vase” lantern stands 18 meters tall and is made up of 500,000 small bottles. When illuminated at night, it shines with vibrant colors. The lantern area will also begin distributing small Flying Dragon mini lanterns starting at 6 p.m. tonight. Interested visitors are encouraged to arrive early to claim one.
The Central Taiwan Lantern Festival opens today at the Wenxin Forest Park in Taichung City. The main lantern, “Flying Dragon in the Clouds,” measures 40 meters in length and 15 meters in height, setting a record for the longest main lantern in the history of Taiwan’s Lantern Festivals. (Photo provided by Taichung City Government)
From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. each evening during the event, there will be an hourly main lantern show, which will be extended to 11 p.m. on holidays. In addition to the main lantern show, the secondary lantern area features several large themed lantern displays, including the “Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl,” which represents the concepts of heaven, earth, and humanity, and the “Qilin Bringing Auspiciousness,” symbolizing luck and brightness. Furthermore, four dragon-shaped light corridors have been set up at the four entrances of Wenxin Forest Park, each featuring a wishing dragon ball representing “luck,” “prosperity,” “happiness,” and “joy.” Visitors can personally turn the dragon balls, symbolizing the expulsion of bad luck and the invitation of good fortune.
Zigong City in Sichuan Province will display a giant lantern version of the “Jadeite Cabbage,” modeled after the national treasure housed in the Palace Museum, at this year’s lantern festival. (Photo provided by the Zigong Lantern Trade Committee)
To accommodate the Lantern Festival activities, 11 parking lots will be set up around Wenxin Forest Park. Additionally, on February 4, 5, 6, 11, and 12, free shuttle buses will run between Taichung Railway Station and Wenxin Forest Park. The public is encouraged to make use of this service.