About this activity
| Operation Day | Feb 24 |
| Departure | 1:00PM; Meet up at Taipei Main Station, East Exit 2 |
| Duration | 7 hrs |
| Group Size | Public Tour; Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 1 participant |
| Language | English / Mandarin |
Overview
For centuries, the tradition of releasing sky lanterns has been a cherished part of Chinese culture, now embraced worldwide. Each year, during the week of Taiwan Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first month of Chinese Lunar Calendar), Taipei City bursts into a dazzling display of radiant lights and vivid lanterns, illuminating the tranquil nights and spreading a contagious atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Highlight
- Experience the world renowned Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, acclaimed by the Discovery Channel as “the second biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in the world”
- Secured slots at this exceptional, limited-capacity event venue is guaranteed
- Delight in a joyful bus ride as you pass by the captivating venues of the Taipei Lantern Festival
- Stroll along Shifen Old Street and relish its nostalgic ambiance
- Thoughtfully organized itinerary and transportation arrangements to sidestep traffic congestion
- Select from two downtown Taipei City drop-off locations for your convenience
Description
Assemble at the Exit East 2 of Taipei Main Station, where your tour guide will be eagerly awaiting your arrival near the train locomotive installation to welcome you.
In 2024, the Taipei Lantern Festival will span across Zhonghua Road, from MRT Ximen Station to Beimen Station, brightening up Taipei’s Western District for 31 days, starting on February 2nd.
Before your journey to Shifen for the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, you will enjoy a scenic bus ride passing by the venues of the Taipei Lantern Festival. This route includes iconic attractions like Taipei City Wall-North Gate (Cheng’en Gate), Ximending, and other remarkable sights.
Simply sit back, unwind, and relish the ever-changing scenery passing by your window. Your tour guide will share intriguing stories about the attractions, offering knowledgeable insights. His/her informative commentary will provide you with a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s rich history and its people.
Your tour proceeds to Shifen in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City, where the tradition of releasing sky lanterns in Taiwan originated. Today, these lanterns symbolize peace and prosperity, carrying on a tradition deeply rooted in the area’s heritage.
Shifen Old Street runs adjacent to the train track, hosting an array of souvenir shops, local eateries, and stores that sell sky lanterns. This creates an enchanting view of trains passing by doorways, showcasing the area’s essence. As you explore the shops or enjoy the local delicacies, be attentive to the train whistle—you might catch a glimpse of the train rolling through the street, adding an extra touch of excitement to your visit.
At last, the much-anticipated Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is here. Praised by the Discovery Channel as “the second biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in the world” and recommended by CNN Travel as a must-do in their “52 things to do” list. Watching countless sky lanterns gracefully ascend into the night sky is a visual feast that will blow you away, making traveling to Taiwan for this experience an absolute must.
Stay composed, hold your excitement, and get ready to follow the event staff’s guidance before releasing the sky lantern. Typically, 4-6 people will share one lantern. Each participant can write a message on one side before lighting it up and letting it ascend into the sky. After that, embrace the serene moment and watch as the lantern floats away, gradually fading into the night sky.
After the mind-blowing experience of releasing the sky lanterns, please adhere to the event staff’s instructions for the bus ride back to Taipei. You’ll have the option to disembark at Raohe St. Night Market, where you explore Taipei’s vibrant nightlife on your own. Alternatively, you can return directly to Taipei Main Station, marking the end of this unforgettable journey.
<< READ LESS >>Inclusions
- Professional licensed tour guide (Mandarin / English)
- Local transfer by air-conditioned vehicle
- Sky Lantern launching experience (4-6 people share 1 lantern)
- Local general liabilities insurance
Exclusions
- Food and Beverage
- Gratuities
Remarks
- Tour commentary will be provided in Mandarin and English.
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The sequence and time of stay at tour stops may be adjusted according to the traffic/weather condition.
- If the tour has to be canceled due to bad weather, we will contact you no later than the evening before the excursion day by email or SMS.
- Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes earlier than the pick-up time.
- Each guest is allowed to bring one piece of carry-on baggage.
- This tour is not recommended for wheelchair users and people with physical disabilities.
- Ensure you carry enough cash with you to cover your expenses for meals, beverages, souvenirs, tips, etc. Convenience stores and most of the eateries in Taiwan don’t accept credit cards as a form of payment.
Rescheduling, Cancelations and Refunds
If you need to cancel or reschedule the activity for any reason, please contact us via email at info@getmetotaiwan.com. If you have any other questions, feel free to get in touch.
Cancelations made 48 hours or more prior to the departure time will be fully refunded.
Cancelations made less than 48 hours prior to the departure time will not receive refunds.
Please be aware Taiwan Time is (UTC +8 CST)
