By Liu Jiawen | Compiled & Reported
The series of events under “2012 Celebrate the New Year in Kaohsiung” officially launched and will run until January 21 (Little New Year’s Eve). Various distinctive commercial districts in Kaohsiung have rolled out promotions such as discounted New Year goods and free Spring Festival couplets, aiming to send everyone home with armfuls of goodies. On January 18, an event will be held at Xingzhong Night Market, featuring discount coupons for a 10% discount when spending over NT$200 at participating shops. On Little New Year’s Eve, January 21, at the plaza in front of Hanshin Dome, there will be a “Lucky Chain” and “Fortune from the Sky Giveaway” event. Thousands of pounds of New Year goods will rain down from the sky for a limited-time grab-and-run, and participants in the “Lucky Chain” game can also win extra goodies during the rush.
The 2012 Celebrate the New Year in Kaohsiung event has now begun, with more New Year goods promotions to follow at Xingzhong Night Market and the plaza in front of Hanshin Dome. (Photo provided by Chuangzhao Integrated Marketing)
Additionally, free red envelopes will also be handed out at both event venues. The envelopes are decorated with gold foil trim, and their pop-up pages feature a three-dimensional dragon embedded with a NT$10 coin design, symbolizing wealth and blessings. The background showcases iconic architectural landmarks of Kaohsiung — such as Qishan Station, the Old Fengshan City Gate, Meinong Dongmen Tower, and the Zuoying Dragon and Tiger Pagoda — as well as future landmarks including the Kaohsiung Port International Traveler Center, the Kaohsiung Harbor Music and Cultural Center, and the World Trade Exhibition Center, representing a blend of modern chic and traditional local charm. They are truly worth keeping as souvenirs.
On January 21, the event at the plaza in front of Hanshin Dome will offer thousands of pounds of New Year goods for a limited-time public grab. (Photo provided by Monochrome Editorial Department)
The theme of this year’s event is “Long Lai Xing Fu,” which phonetically means “Everyone Comes for Happiness” in Taiwanese Hokkien, symbolizing that everyone can enjoy a blessed year during the Year of the Dragon. The festive street decorations have been extended throughout Greater Kaohsiung, including LinYuan, Hunei, Fo Guang Shan, Meinong, and major freeway interchanges. Travelers entering any major gateway to Kaohsiung will see festive dragon flags symbolizing a happy new year fluttering in the breeze. Through festive activities hosted in these distinctive commercial districts, aside from encouraging consumer spending, they also allow returning travelers and domestic and international tourists to immerse themselves in the lively festive atmosphere.