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When does the Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan take place?
In Taiwan, each region holds its own version of the Sky Lantern Festival at different times. Most of the festivals typically take place at the start of spring, from mid-January to early March. The festival usually spans three days.
The beginning of spring marks the time for the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
The origin of Taiwan's Sky Lantern Festival
With a history spanning over a century, there are numerous stories about the origin of the Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan. The oldest of these tales comes from the migrants who moved from Fujian Province to Taiwan. Back then, raids were frequent, and after harvest, people would hide their wealth and belongings on high hills. Some brave men would return to the village to scout the area, and if it was safe, they would release sky lanterns to signal that it was safe for everyone to return.
Additionally, there is another version of the story related to the origins of the Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan. Some people believe that the lanterns began as a way to send wishes for abundant harvests at the beginning of spring—the annual planting season. During this time, women often wished for children to help with the family farm. Therefore, they would release sky lanterns, hoping for smooth childbirth and a bountiful harvest.
The origin of the sky lantern tradition in Taiwan
To this day, the release of sky lanterns in Taiwan has become a unique tradition, carrying a message of peace. It also serves as a reminder for those far from home to find their way back to their roots.
The significance of Taiwan's Sky Lantern Festival
Taiwan's sky lanterns are made from bamboo frames and paper, available in a variety of colors. People write their wishes and desires on the body of the lantern before releasing it into the sky.
Each color carries a unique meaning for the wish being made:
- Red: A wish for health and tranquility.
- Yellow: A desire for luck in wealth and prosperity.
- Blue: Hopes for success in career and public life.
- Purple: Wishes for success in studies and exams.
- Orange: A peaceful and harmonious married life.
- White: A bright and successful future.
- Green: Achieving the highest levels of success.
- Pink: A wish for luck and happiness.
- Combined colors: A desire for success across various areas of life.
Each color carries a specific wish of its own.
Do you need to buy tickets to join the Taiwanese Lantern Festival?
According to Taiwan travel tips, you won’t incur any costs for attending the lantern festival. You only need to purchase a lantern based on your personal wishes and release it into the sky yourself.
Participation in the Taiwanese Lantern Festival is free for visitors.
The most popular places to experience the Lantern Festival in Taiwan
In Taiwan, many locations host lantern festivals. Below are some of the most popular destinations that you may want to consider visiting.
Jiu Fen Old Village
Jiufen, also known as Cửu Phần, is a must-visit destination for its remarkable sky lantern festival. The surroundings here offer a romantic setting, perfect for couples. The village's charm lies in its traditional yet poetic Chinese style. It has also been featured as a backdrop in famous films like Spirited Away, City of Sadness, and City of Love.
The poetic beauty of Jiufen Village in Taiwan
Shifen Old Village
Located in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City, Shifen Old Village attracts visitors with its ancient houses, majestic waterfalls, and especially its spectacular sky lantern festival. This is considered the site of the world’s largest lantern event, with over 10,000 lanterns. It is said that those who release lanterns here will have their wishes granted, drawing curious tourists eager to experience this captivating legend.
Shifen Old Village - host of the world’s largest Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Ximending District
Ximending District is one of the most dazzling places in Taiwan for its spectacular lantern festival. The lanterns here are crafted by skilled artisans, offering a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. If you love vibrant colors, don’t forget to snap some stunning photos under this colorful sky while attending the festival.
Taichung Park
Taichung Park is a popular destination in Taiwan known for its sky lantern festival, attracting many visitors. It is a must-visit location on most Taiwan tour packages. During this time, visitors can admire the giant, colorful lanterns decorated with the year's zodiac theme. The massive size of the lanterns is sure to leave you in awe.
The Sky Lantern Festival in Taichung Park, Taiwan
The city of Chiayi
If you're visiting Taiwan's sky lantern festival with children, Chiayi City is an ideal spot. The festival space here is decorated in vibrant colors with themes inspired by fairy-tale landscapes and magical worlds. Additionally, the lanterns in this area are crafted with advanced technology, making them massive, with a wide range of colors and durable construction.
Guide to releasing sky lanterns in Taiwan
When releasing a sky lantern, be sure to follow these helpful tips:
- Check the lantern for any rips or tears. The lantern won’t fly if hot air escapes through holes.
- Write your wishes on the lantern.
- Use oil-soaked paper to attach to the wire beneath the lantern.
- Carefully open the lantern so all four corners are fully extended and flat. Have someone hold the bottom to ensure there’s enough hot air inside to lift it up.
- Light the oil paper and wait for the hot air to fill the lantern.
- Expand the lantern before releasing it.
Guide to releasing sky lanterns in Taiwan
Lễ hội đèn trời Pingxi có gì đặc biệt?
Là một trong những phong tục truyền thống lâu đời, lễ hội thả đèn trời ở Đài Loan được rất nhiều du khách quan tâm. Pingxi được đánh giá là nơi diễn ra lễ hội này lớn nhất tại Đài Loan.
Tại Pingxi, lễ hội thường được tổ chức vô cùng hoành tráng vào ngày Rằm tháng Giêng âm lịch. Lễ hội này được Kênh Discovery ưu ái đặt tên là “Lễ hội đón giao thừa lớn thứ hai trên thế giới".
Lễ hội đèn trời Pingxi được tổ chức trong 3 ngày, mỗi ngày bao gồm ba buổi và được tổ chức tại ba địa điểm khác nhau. Tuy nhiên, ngoài những buổi này thì du khách cũng có thể thả đèn lồng của riêng mình ở các địa điểm với thời gian được chỉ định.
Du khách cần nắm rõ lịch trình lễ hội thả đèn trời Đài Loan để thuận tiện tham gia:
- Opening Ceremony: held at Jingtong Elementary School
- Second Event: hosted at Pingxi Junior High School
- Third Event: takes place at Shifen Sky Lantern Square
Join the world's largest sky lantern festival in Taiwan
Important things to know when participating in the Sky Lantern Festival
To have the most wonderful and meaningful experience at the Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan, there are a few important things to keep in mind below:
- The festival tends to be very crowded, so it's advisable to arrive early to choose a prime spot for watching and releasing lanterns.
- Bring a camera to capture unforgettable moments, but be mindful of keeping it safe to avoid dropping or losing it.
- If you plan to attend the festival, it's a good idea to book your flight, train tickets, and hotel room in advance to ensure availability and secure the best rates.
- Maintain cleanliness and respect shared spaces during the festival.
- Spring evenings in Taiwan can be chilly, so it's recommended to pack a light jacket for your comfort and health.
Advice for attending the Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan
Here is detailed information about the Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan – one of the most unique traditional festivals. If you're planning to attend, don't forget to contact Mytour via the hotline 1900 2083. With over 10 years of experience in the travel industry, we guarantee fast service and the most competitive prices.
Author: Phuong Thao
Image source: Internet
