TAIPEI – Across Taiwan, the annual Lantern Festival continues to attract thousands with illuminative artworks, performances and drone shows until Mar 1.
Over at the New Taipei Metropolitan Park in Sanchong District, the New Taipei Lantern Festival kicked off on Feb 7 and will continue until Mar 1, where the show is known to attract millions of visitors yearly.
Here’s what to expect: popular Taiwanese landmarks such as Tamsui Fisherman's Wharf, Hong Lu Di Temple, Pingxi Old Street and Wulai Waterfall, all integrated into various art installations.
There’ll also be a pathway decorated with gigantic sunflower lanterns, and another massive feature: a wall of nine dragon lanterns, moving in unity once lit up.
To preclude the spread of the recent coronavirus outbreak, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih had told media that preventive measures would be implemented throughout the festival’s 24-day period. He also added his hopes that the viral spread will not affect local citizens’ desires to visit the show, encouraging festivalgoers to try out the different food stands and games.
Moving over next to Taichung, is the Taiwan Lantern Festival happening at Houli Horse Ranch Park main exhibition area. Visitors will be enthralled by a nightly drone show, showcasing 2D and 3D images of key city icons the likes of Taichung Park Lake, Houfeng Bikeway, and of course, pearl milk tea.
500 drones will be used daily until Feb 22, the number of drones shooting up to 800 specially for closing night on Feb 23.
In addition, visitors should look out for the main exhibition area – housed at the Taichung Houli Flora Expo Site – called the ‘Forest Park’. Apart from landscape installations, the organisers have used light and shadow, sounds and storytelling to showcase the area’s natural beauty.