FEBRUARY OR MARCH.
THIS LOOKS PRETTY.
It’s a stunningly luminous sight. Close to 200,000 lanterns are released into the night sky at the start of the new Lunar Year.
BEAUTIFUL, BUT WHY? AND WHY HERE?
According to ancient legend, the lanterns were originally lit to let Pingxi villagers, who had fled their homes under the threat of outlaw raids, know that it was safe to return. Over the hundreds and hundreds of years, the lanterns have come to represent a release of bad habits and an aspiration to achieve positive ideals.
SO WE ALL TREK AN HOUR OUT OF TAIPEI TO GET INVOLVED?
Just you and 80,000 of your closest friends. It’s an extremely popular way to see out the old Chinese year, so expect to jostle for space to release your good luck lantern.
IS IT WORTH BRAVING THE CROWDS?
The radiant light of the lanterns against the dark night is a spectacle not to be understated. Add to this beautiful sight the goodwill and optimistic vibe of the participants, and you have a night you’ll never forget.
