Taiwan Today
Date: January 22, 2016
Taoyuan City is gearing up for the 2016 Taiwan Lantern Festival next month,
with an estimated 20 million visitors set to experience the event and related activities during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Held for the first time in the northern Taiwan metropolis, the annual event kicks off Feb. 22 and features a 26-meter-high main lantern modeled after the Monkey King from the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West.” The design was selected to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac.
Taoyuan Deputy Mayor Wang Ming-teh said Jan. 21 that the festival is taking place on a 32-hectare site surrounding Taiwan High Speed Rail Taoyuan Station. “It will be home to an exciting array of exhibits on the city’s rich history and vibrant urban life.
“In addition to the eye-catching lantern lineup, assorted activities are planned spotlighting the region’s diverse cultural scene and dynamic tourism resources.” [FULL STORY]