Seven-minute fireworks, eight major light zones – The “Chiayi Countdown Light Festival” kicks off on the 19th

▲ The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum will officially begin its trial operation this month on the 28th. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

The Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum will open for a trial run on the 28th, and Chiayi County Government is gearing up for this historically significant cultural development,by launching the “Palace Museum Opens Chiayi Gates, Celebrate Art and Lights” light festival starting the 19th. The 66-day event will see the public through New Year’s Eve, the Lunar New Year, and the Lantern Festival..

The Chiayi Countdown Light Festival is divided into two main parts: light zone displays and performance events. The county government has planned eight major themed light zones, located in front of the county government building, along Taizi Boulevard, and around the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum.

▲ The first-ever 3D light projection show in the Chiayi area (Illustration / Courtesy of the event’s official website)

The county government noted that this year’s light festival is themed around Chiayi’s local specialties and landscapes. Must-see highlights include the region’s first-ever3D light projection show, designed by a Singaporean team and incorporating local characteristics. The fun zone also features amusement rides such as a pirate ship and carousel for children, plus creative markets, coffee areas, and food courts. The richly diverse program will entertain residents of southern Taiwan until February 22, 2016..

▲ A seven-minute fireworks show is also a highlight of the Chiayi Light Festival. (Photo / Courtesy of the event’s official website)

Additionally,on the evenings of December 19 and 27, there will be spectacular fireworks displays. A seven-minute themed fireworks show will be launched in open spaces along Bo’ai Road, Boxue Road, and Xinyi 1st Road,with shows scheduled for 20:53 on the 19th and 21:12 on the 27th. The Chiayi County Government also reminds the public that traffic controls will be in place on fireworks nights, so please stay alert.

Chiayi Countdown Light Festival “Palace Museum Opens Chiayi Gates, Celebrate Art and Lights”
Time: December 19, 2015 to February 22, 2016
Location: In front of Chiayi County Government, along Taizi Boulevard, and around the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
Event website:http://www.chiayixmas.tw/