Have you ever seen lanterns as big as houses light up the night sky? That’s exactly what happened at the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taoyuan! Thousands of people gathered, even in the rain, to see incredible lantern displays and enjoy lively performances from different countries.
The festival kicked off with a stunning 18-meter lantern lighting up the night. Imagine a big, bright lantern that looked like a futuristic park, full of colors and lights! As part of the event’s theme “Light Connect All,” they shared Taiwan’s culture and included special performances from Japan and the Philippines. The crowd also saw lanterns shaped like traditional Japanese symbols, including a red lucky cow and a sake bottle.
This year, Japan joined the festival in a very exciting way, showcasing some of their favorite things, like a big lantern of Nagoya Castle and a red dog mascot named Chi-ba+kun from Chiba. Chiba and Taoyuan have become friends, sharing their cultures and traditions.
But it wasn’t just about lights and colors – the festival was also a chance to see Taiwan’s beautiful nature, including the Yehliu Geopark, famous for its funny-shaped rocks, and spots like Jiufen and Shifen, where you can release sky lanterns with your wishes. Taiwan is full of amazing sights, from beautiful mountain villages to bustling markets.
And guess what? Even though Taiwan is already famous for its lanterns and stunning spots, there are still hidden gems that many visitors don’t know about. Places like Yilan, where you can try hot springs and taste delicious local whiskies, are waiting to be discovered!
So, next time you want to experience something magical, think of Taiwan! Whether it’s watching giant lanterns light up the sky, enjoying the peacefulness of nature, or exploring local markets, Taiwan has something for everyone to enjoy.
