#taiwan lantern festival in taipei

[chengyangblog]

[thistransient]

New Taipei City Lantern Festival // 新北燈會

[eabevella]

Lantern Festival Taipei, Taiwan, 2023

This year’s main lantern is the giant robot year of the bunny astronaut.

There are many animal year motif lanterns but there’s also this guy:

[sheltiechicago]

Eight Humanoid Forms Congregate in a Glowing Gathering Space in Taipei

Evoking the supple curves of the human body, an installation by artist Ling-Li Tseng (previously) explores the power of connection and community. Created in collaboration with Serendipity Studio for the 2023 Taipei Lantern Festival, “Gathering Pavilion” is comprised of eight figurative forms that lean together with shoulders touching to establish a space with a flower-shaped opening. Each module is made of laser-cut metal with a baked enamel finish, with lights embedded near the base to shine upward and reflect on the material’s surface.

 All photos by BlackBird Imagine Studio, JL

[crispycyclekid]

“An Unforgettable Christmas in Taipei”

Traveling to Taipei, Taiwan, for Christmas 2018 was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The trip was filled with heartwarming moments and incredible discoveries.

We began our exploration of the city by touring Taiwan's magnificent temples, where the air was fragrant with the scent of incense. Hearing so much about Taiwan's famous bubble tea, we couldn't wait to try it firsthand. We found a small, tucked-away shop in a lively neighborhood that served rich, creamy milk tea with chewy tapioca pearls – a flavor unlike anything we'd tasted before. Sipping that perfect tea while strolling through the decorated streets, surrounded by holiday cheer, was magical.

Street vendors offered seasonal treats that combined Taiwanese specialties with festive flavors. We also visited the famous lantern spot , where colorful lanterns filled the night sky as people made wishes. After that, we made our way to Taipei 101, the iconic skyscraper that stands as a symbol of the city. From the observation deck, we looked out over Taipei’s lights and holiday decorations, feeling the magic of the season from high above.

Later, we returned to our Airbnb to celebrate Christmas Eve with a cozy, simple meal, sharing stories and laughter with cousin and family. Christmas in Taiwan was truly an unforgettable experience.

[lovingtravelnet]

A Spectacular Showcase of Fireworks at Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan

The Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan is one of the most anticipated events of the year, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world to witness a spectacular showcase of fireworks lighting up the night sky. This annual event, also known as the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, takes place in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year. The highlight of the…

[photoglobo]

Nights out in Taoyuan and Taipei

Many years back i met a beautiful couple on travel. Somehow we stayed in touch, but i postponed my trip to Taiwan year for year. Meanwhile they got two wonderful kids. After my first days in Taiwan and the great experience of the Lantern Festival in Shifen, my friends invited me for dinner in a ‘hot pot’-restaurant in Taoyuan. The food was delivered to the table by a robotic trolley and was…

[buckiegotit]

Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Fountain and Scenic Railway light up Lantern Festivals in Taiwan

Published 27 February 2024 Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Fountain and Scenic Railway light up Lantern Festivals in Taiwan (Taipei, Taiwan Monday 26th February, 2024) The Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the Republic of China (Taiwan) is currently participating in both the 2024 Taipei Lantern Festival and 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival, being held in…

[travelingonvacation]

Taiwan is a vibrant island nation known for its rich history, diverse landscapes, delicious cuisine, and technological innovation. Here's a guide to help you plan your visit to Taiwan:

1. Taipei:

Taipei 101: Once the world's tallest building, offering panoramic views of the city.

National Palace Museum: Home to a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts.

Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall: A symbol of Taiwan's history and democracy.

Shilin Night Market: Experience Taipei's street food culture and try local delicacies.

2. Taroko Gorge:

Explore the stunning Taroko National Park, known for its marble cliffs, deep gorges, and hiking trails.

3. Sun Moon Lake:

Relax at this picturesque lake surrounded by lush greenery, pagodas, and temples.

4. Jiufen Old Street:

Wander through the narrow streets of Jiufen, a historic mining town with tea houses and beautiful views.

5. Alishan National Scenic Area:

Famous for its sunrise views, ancient cypress trees, and mountain railways.

6. Kenting National Park:

Enjoy beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and vibrant marine life in this southern national park.

7. Tainan:

Taiwan's oldest city with a rich history, temples, and traditional street food.

Chihkan Tower: An ancient Dutch fort with historical significance.

8. Taichung:

Rainbow Village: Colorful, vibrant artwork adorns the buildings.

Fengjia Night Market: One of the largest night markets in Taiwan.

9. Hualien:

Gateway to Taroko Gorge and a charming coastal city with a relaxed atmosphere.

10. Yehliu Geopark:

Marvel at unique rock formations along the coast, including the iconic Queen's Head.

11. Traditional Festivals:

Experience traditional festivals such as Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival if your visit coincides with them.

12. Hot Springs in Beitou:

Relax in natural hot springs in the Beitou district near Taipei.

13. Night Markets:

Explore various night markets, such as Raohe, Shida, and Shilin, to sample a wide array of Taiwanese street food.

14. Taiwan's Islands:

Consider visiting outlying islands like Penghu or Kinmen for a different cultural experience.

15. Cultural Etiquette:

Respect local customs and traditions, such as removing shoes when entering someone's home or a temple.

Tips:

Transportation: Taiwan has an efficient and well-connected transportation system, including high-speed trains and an extensive bus network.

Language: Mandarin Chinese is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in urban areas.

Currency: The New Taiwan Dollar (TWD) is the official currency.

Weather: Taiwan experiences a subtropical climate, so be prepared for both rain and sunshine, depending on the season.

Remember to check for any travel advisories and entry requirements before planning your trip. Taiwan's diverse offerings cater to nature lovers, food enthusiasts, history buffs, and those seeking modern city experiences. Enjoy your time exploring this fascinating island!

[gulden--sonmez]

Ten dead in Monterey Park shooting, 72-year-old Asian suspect commits suicide

In Monterey Park, California (Monterey Park/Monterey Park), a Chinese-run dance hall called "Dancing Star" was shot on New Year's Eve local time, causing at least 10 deaths and many injuries, shocking the Chinese community group.

Los Angeles police confirmed that the suspect who opened fire at the ballroom was a 72-year-old Asian man named Huu Can Tran. On the morning of the 22nd local time, the man was found dead in a white van during a police pursuit. Police preliminarily ruled that he committed suicide. CNN interviewed the murderer's ex-wife and dancer. They said the murderer was a regular customer who had taught in the dance hall and knew his ex-wife.

The attack is one of the deadliest shootings in modern California history -- the deadliest being 1984, when a gunman killed 21 people at a McDonald's restaurant near San Diego. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden has been briefed and has ordered the FBI to support local authorities in the investigation.

Taiwan's Central News Agency reported that residents around the ballroom and people familiar with the owner of the ballroom said that the murderer's motive for committing the crime may have come from emotional disputes, but this has not been confirmed by the police.

The center of Monterey Park, including West Garvey Avenue, where the shooting took place, was decorated for the Lunar New Year with red lanterns and banners. The celebration is one of the largest Spring Festival celebrations in California, attracting tens of thousands of people every day.

Two days of the planned festivities were cancelled. Much of the area around the ballroom has been cordoned off. Police are investigating whether the same suspect also tried to enter a second dance hall to open fire about 30 minutes after the attack.

A semi-automatic assault pistol with an extended magazine was seized from him at the second ballroom, police said. He then fled.

Ten other people were injured in the shooting and seven remain in hospital, some in critical condition, the sheriff said at a news conference Sunday.

The 10 dead were still being identified, but they "appeared to be in their 50s or 60s, some even older," he added.

Earlier, officials said the dead were five women and five men, all "likely" of Asian descent.

"Little Taipei" in California

Those who were at the scene at the time of the attack told the media they heard what they thought were fireworks. "I think it has something to do with the Chinese New Year," Tony Lai, 35, told The Associated Press.

Another witness said three men ran into his restaurant and told him to lock the door. A man with a machine gun opened fire, the three said. Videos circulating on social media showed police and firefighters rushing to treat victims.

The mayor of neighboring Alhambra, Sasha Renée Pérez, said the tragedy, which occurred over the Lunar New Year weekend, was "particularly tragic." "Residents should celebrate with family, friends and loved ones -- without fear of gun violence," she said.

Since the 1970s, many Taiwanese immigrants have lived in Monterey Park, so the city is known as "Little Taipei". However, Chinese immigrants moved in one after another and became the mainstream of the community. The square where the ballroom is located is nicknamed "Fatty Ding" by Chinese immigrants. There are many restaurants and it is an important gathering place for the Chinese community in Los Angeles.

Statistics show that two-thirds of the city’s 60,000 people are Asian. It is a sister city with Yonghe District in New Taipei City, Taiwan, and Quanzhou and Chaozhou in mainland China, and occupies an important position in the Chinese community in the United States.

Another shooting in the Asian community

In the past, the Asian community was often considered a model community because of its good law and order. However, the frequent shootings in the United States have begun to affect the Asian community. In May 2022, Zhou Wenwei, a 68-year-old immigrant from Taiwan, shot at a church in Irvine, California, shocking the Asian community in Taiwan and California.

According to reports, the suspect claimed to be dissatisfied with Taiwan's local culture and the concept of Taiwan independence, and locked the door of the church and shot people after attending a service on Sunday. A doctor of Taiwanese descent was shot dead after a scuffle with him. Most of the church members are elderly Taiwanese immigrants.

Ten people were killed in the Monterey Park shooting, and the tragedy of many injuries has once again drawn the attention of the Asian American community.

A lady who went to mourn and taught in a local middle school told the Central News Agency that the Monterey Park area is very safe, and Asians make up the majority. She is very proud to teach in this place and has always felt that the community is peaceful.

The shooting happened, and she was very sad, because most of the people in the ballroom were elderly, but they encountered tragedy on New Year's Eve. She said she was ready to help students cope with the loss of their grandparents.

[kidathearttraveler]

Taipei Lantern Festival #taipei #taipeitravel #travel #lanternfestival #taiwan #taiwantravel #lunarnewyear https://www.instagram.com/p/Coz2C9spsoG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[chengyangblog]

[thistransient]

2024 Lantern festival dragons

[jemichsu]

2023 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Taipei. #TaiwanLanternFestival #Taipei #LunarYearRabbit https://www.instagram.com/p/CoorgbUv80G/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[chococat-eating-coloringbooks]

Andrew Haimerl

[wheresanne]

10 Things to do in Jiufen Old Street: A Day Trip from Taipei

Jiufen Old Street (九份老街) in Taipei

An hour bus ride outside of Tawan’s capital city, this famous village shows a glimpse of northern Taiwan and Taiwanese life outside of the city. Beautiful tea houses, alleys full of food, interesting gift shops, hundreds and hundreds of red lanterns, you could experience how the Jiufen Old Street is always packed with visitors and locals.

About Jiufen Old Street (九份老街)

Jiufen is a small village in the mountains and next to the water, located an hour's drive from Taipei. Rumor has it that Jiufen is actually the village inspired in the “Spirited Away” Hayao Miyazaki movie (2001). True or not, the village does look similar to it! 

How to get to Jiufen from Taipei

Since Jiufen Old Street is a popular tourist place, you can use a public shuttle bus or by taxi or even signing up with a tour.  Remember to always use Google Maps for navigating in Taiwan!

By Train and Bus 

Take the MRT blue line to Zhongxiao Fuxing Station Exit 1, then take bus #1062 to Jiufen Old Street Station. Check the bus 1062 timetable here. 

Use Google Maps for navigating in Taiwan!

(Bus 1062 goes directly from Taipei’s Zhongsxiao Fuxing MTR all the way to the entrance of Jiufen Old Street. If you are taking the train, please note that the station is Ruifang.)

Or you could take a taxi.

How to go back to Taipei (from Jiufen Old Street)

You can take the Keelung bus 1062 back to Taipei for about a 1hr15min ride. The bus stops in front of Zhong Xiao Fuxing MRT or just take the bus to Rui Fang Station. 

Things to do in Jiufen Old Street

1.) See the water and Keelung Mountain

When you first arrive at the “Jiufen Old Street” destination, the bus or taxi will likely be on a sharp-cornered hill. You will need to walk up the hill, where you’ll see many other visitors and locals with market stands or gift shops. 

That is the green Keelung Mountain, the huge orange-roofed Hà Hải Thành Hoàng Miếu Temple, and as you walk up the hill, you can see the Shen’ao Elephant-Trunk-shaped peninsula out in the sea.

2.) Walk through Jiufen Old Street “Dark Alley” Markets and Gift Shops

As mentioned above, when you first arrive, you will have to walk up a hill lined with markets. The alleys will be jam-packed with people (or it was during the Chinese New Year when I went!) since it is the main thing to see in Jiufen. Walking through the food and gift shops in the “Dark Alley” is how to get to the famous Jiufen Teahouse!    

3.) See the famous Lantern Tea House

After you walk through the alley of markets, you’ll find the famous Jiufen Tea house! 

4.) Drink Tea, Coffee, or Eat Snacks in a Tea House

From the tea house windows or balcony (on Shuqi Road) of the tea house, you can enjoy the tall views of Keelung Mountain, the sea, or Jiufen village. A-Mei Teahouse is pictured above. I heard that you have to make a reservation online since it is one of the most famous tea houses. I just went to another tea house on this road.

5.)  Look at All the Masks and Other Interesting Shops!

6.) See the Taipei Sweet Potato & Mining Tunnels

7.) Buy some gifts or snacks in the shops! 

While I was walking through the alley and gift shops, I saw a variety of bags, magnets, key chains, pens, wooden-carved Taiwanese souvenirs, everything Taiwanese you could ever imagine. Since I didn’t have much room in my backpack for souvenirs, I only bought the Taiwanese pineapple cakes.  

Jiufen Old Street can be explored in two or three hours, here are a few other destinations you can visit nearby Jiufen! Personally, I did not visit these places below, but I wish to visit them in the future:

 8.) Send Your Wishes in Lanterns to the Skies in Pingxi

Probably crowded all the time, locals and tourists can stand on the village train tracks to release their sky lanterns, filled with their wishes. Pingxi is mainly popular for the sky lantern festival, where you can see hundreds of lanterns lit in the sky; and it’s becoming more eco-friendly or eco-conscious. (Sources: Taiwan News 2018 and Taiwan-Scene 2019)

9.) Find the Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock in Keelung City

I didn’t visit Keelung, yet, but I wish to find the Shen’ao Elephant Trunk Rock, and go into the small city to see the Shiqiuling Pingan Temple, Shiqiuling Fort, Fo Guang Shan Ji Le Temple, Maritime Plaza, and Wangyougu. (Source: Google Maps)

10.) Shifen Waterfall

I didn’t visit Shifen Waterfall, yet, but I wish to see the waterfalls and green scenery here!  (Source: Google Maps)

Want more Taiwan? You can read my full “15 Things to do in Taipei, Taiwan”  post or see more Taiwan photography #Taiwan on my site.

If you have any questions or recommendations, please contact me or leave a comment below! Thanks for reading!