Melo Villareal
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival 2019 in Taiwan
Pingxi District, New Taipei, Taiwan — The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is an annual event hosted by the Tourism Bureau body of Taiwan government. The celebrations were voted second biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in the world by Discovery Channel.
There are numerous activities across Taiwan during this event. During the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, thousands of paper lanterns light the skies of Pingxi District. The event is usually celebrated the night of the first full moon of the lunar year. This breathtaking tradition if among the top tourist attractions in Taiwan. During this day villagers release sky lanterns to the heavens. Initially, the festival was used by villagers to signal to those hiding in the mountains that it was safe and sound to return home.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is the biggest lantern festival in Taiwan, and it is easy to see why. The festival made the Fodor’s list of Festivals To Attend Before You Die and also it is one of 52 Things To Do by CNN. The festival originated from the settlers who migrated to Pingxi from southern China in the era of the Qing Dynasty. When the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan launched a campaign that aimed at valuing and respecting cultural traditions, Pingxi Sky Lantern was merged with other lantern festivals and became an annual festival, attracting more than 100,000 visitors.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival lasts for three days, each day comprises of three sessions. Eight lanterns are released in each session. Apart from the three sessions, there is also designated locations and times for visitors to release their lanterns.
The opening session takes place at Jingtong Elementary School, the second at Pingxi Junior High School, and the third session, which is the most crowded of the three sessions, is held at Shifen Sky Lantern Square. The sky lanterns are provided for free by sponsoring organizations in collaboration with the Taiwan Ministry of Transportation and Communications. The climax of the festival is the release of the gigantic lantern at the Shifen Sky Lantern Square.
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival 2019
The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is an annual event held on the 15th day of the first day of full moon of the lunar year. In 2019, the festival will start on 19th February.
How to get to the 2019 Pingxi Lantern Festival in Taiwan
There are three options to get to Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. Check them below.
Train. After landing in Taipei, you can catch a train to Pingxi at Ruifang Station.
Bus. You will find many shuttle buses operated by tour operators in the capital. In Taipei, the shuttle departs from the Muzha MRT station.
Taxi. There are many taxis operating Taipei-Shifen, and a one-way trip will set you about 1,000 NTD (33 USD) back, including waiting time for a ride back to Taipei.
To ensure don’t miss train or bus, get back on time because they are always packed during the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.
Hotels near the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan
Finding accommodation in Shifen during the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is hard, but it is possible to find a place to stay in the nearby Keelung or Juifen. Alternatively, you can make the journey a one day trip and head back to Taipei after the event. Below are hotels you can check in near Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.
Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao
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This hotel is located 1.2 miles away from the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, and it is just $11 via Agoda.com. The rooms are air-conditioned and can be accessed by disabled persons. Each suite room has a minibar, refrigerator, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and room service. The property also has ample free parking space, swimming pool, bar/lounge, on-site restaurant, and Airport transportation.
Pingxi Cottage
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Located in Jing’an Road, Pingxi Cottage is the closest accommodation you will find during the festival. The hotel boasts beautiful mountain views, and they offer accommodation with a balcony, while the rooms are fitted with flat-screen TV, a living room and air-conditioning. There is also a bathroom with bidet, as well as free toiletries and a hairdryer. The apartment comes with a terrace and a shared lounge. The property offers street parking though.
Just For Fun B&B
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This B&B is located in Sankeng. The accommodation includes a flat-screen TV and free internet access. All units have private bathrooms that come with a shower and a hairdryer and free toiletries. Just For Fun B&B is rated for the best value in Pingxi.
Hotel Cham Cham
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Hotel Cham Cham is located near the city’s best infrastructures, such a high-speed rail, metro, railway and bus stations. Some of the offered amenities include free Wi-Fi, Free Parking, breakfast, laundry service, dry cleaning, and concierge. The rooms are air-conditioned and contain refrigerators.
Travel Tips
If you are planning to participate in the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, below are travel tips that you will find helpful. The festival is held at Pingxi, a small alpine town an hour from Taipei.
The earlier the better
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival attracts hundreds of visitors and if you want to catch the real action, arrive there as early as possible. Additionally, you need to signup online or during the day of the event if you wish to launch a lantern.
Check for event’s dates on Tourism Board of Taipei website
The board usually provide three dates so that everyone can participate in the event. You can also research the festival on Google event as the day gets closer. Visit https://eng.taiwan.net.tw/.
Prepare for long queues
As we have mentioned above, this festival is very popular, not only amongst the locals but also the tourists. So get ready to wait in line for launching a lantern, food, and transportation. Bus lines heading back to the city are unbearable, so try to arrive at the bus station as early as possible.
Explore Pingxi and its surrounding
If you arrive early, there are varieties of things you can do to kill time. You can explore the town of Pingxi or the neighboring Shifen, which are both old mine towns. Catch a train in Pingxi and it will take you to Shifen, Houtong, and Jiufen. Watch stunning waterfall in Shifen, it is a sight to behold.
Bring a camera
Pack a good camera because you will come across hundreds of photo op the moment thousands of lit lanterns are launched into the skies.
Alternatively, if you want your Instagram followers or Facebook friends to have a glimpse of what your trip is about, carry a 4G W-Fi device with unlimited data.
Taipei Travel and Tour Packages
2019 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival Day Tour from Taipei
Send your hopes and dreams to the sky in the 2019 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taipei! Since 1990, the lantern festival has been Taiwan’s most important festival and was named “the second biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in the world” by Discovery Channel.
Check out our complete list of recommended Hotels in Pingxi District via Agoda or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.
Also see:
- The Ultimate Taipei Travel Guide
- Best Hotels in Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Best Hotels in Taipei, Taiwan
- Exploring the Northeast Coast of Taiwan
- Eight Things I Love About Taiwan
