Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in 2014
Observed byResidents of Northern Taiwan and visitors
TypeCultural festival
DateTaiwan Lantern Festival (15th day of the first lunar month)

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival (Chinese: 平溪天燈節; Tongyong Pinyin: Píngsī Tiāndēng Jié; Tâi-lô: Pîng-khe thian-ting-tsiat) is an annual festival held in Pingxi District of New Taipei City, Taiwan, during the Taiwan Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. The event is known for the release of large numbers of sky lanterns into the night sky, often bearing written wishes or prayers.[1] Originally a local custom, the festival gained wider recognition around the turn of the 21st century and now attracts visitors from across Taiwan and abroad.[2]

History

According to local tradition, the custom of releasing sky lanterns in Pingxi originated in the early 19th century. At that time, the mountainous area surrounding Pingxi was reportedly affected by bandit activity.[3] Villagers would leave their homes after the harvest and take refuge in nearby hills for safety.[4]

Before returning to the village during the Lantern Festival, scouts were sent ahead to check whether it was safe. If conditions were secure, they would release sky lanterns into the air as a signal to inform others that they could return home. Over time, the signaling practice developed into a ceremonial activity associated with the Lantern Festival.[5]

Festival activities

The festival usually takes place over several days around the Lantern Festival (15th day of the first lunar month), typically in late January or early February.[6] Organized lantern releases occur after dark, usually between early evening and around 21:00, at designated open areas in Pingxi.

Participants commonly write wishes, blessings, or messages on the surface of paper lanterns before releasing them into the sky. The lanterns are often released in coordinated waves, creating the appearance of large numbers of lights rising simultaneously. Individual lantern releases may also occur at designated times and locations.[7]

Lanterns are available from local shops and vendors, and they are produced in various colors and shapes. Different colors are traditionally associated with particular wishes, such as prosperity, health, or happiness.[8]

Tourism and recognition

Since 1999, the New Taipei City Government has promoted the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival as a cultural and tourism event. The festival has become one of the most widely known Lantern Festival celebrations in Taiwan and is visited by large numbers of domestic and international tourists each year.[9]

The event has appeared in international travel media and tourism promotions. In 2013, the travel guide publisher Fodor's included it among a list of notable global festivals to experience.[10] In 2025, the Tourism Administration listed Pingxi as one of the "100 Tourism Highlights of Taiwan".

Environmental concerns

The release of large numbers of sky lanterns has generated environmental concerns because the lantern frames and paper may fall in nearby mountainous areas after landing. Critics have argued that the debris can contribute to waste accumulation and may pose risks to wildlife.

In response, local authorities and community groups have introduced recycling and cleanup programs to collect lantern remains after the festival.[11] Some initiatives have also explored the development of biodegradable lantern materials and other environmentally friendly alternatives. Digital or LED-based lantern displays have also been introduced in certain locations as an alternative form of participation.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ Weaver, Scott (2015-07-14). "The Romance of Taiwan's Historic Coal Country on the Pingxi Railway". American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  2. ^ Edensor, Hannah (7 November 2016). "Festivals you don't want to miss!". Travel Weekly. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  3. ^ "Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival". taiwangods.moi.gov.tw. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  4. ^ Yeh, I-chun (January 2016). "New Taipei City: Sky Lanterns in Pingxi". Taiwan Panorama. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  5. ^ Liu, Marian (August 16, 2018). "A Taiwan village where wishes light up the night sky". CNN. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  6. ^ Liao, George (January 8, 2023). "2023 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival to kick off early February". Taiwan News. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  7. ^ "Offbeat Traveler: Sky lanterns". Los Angeles Times. March 15, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  8. ^ Gilmore, Robin (December 18, 2023). "Why You Should Attend the Taiwan Lantern Festival". roadaffair.com. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  9. ^ "Pingxi Sky Lanterns Festival". New Taipei City Governmentaccess-date=March 9, 2026.
  10. ^ 楊茜雯 (2013-12-08). "平溪天燈「死前必遊」　入選全球14大節慶". TVBS. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  11. ^ Hamacher, Fabian; Wang, Ann (February 28, 2024). "After Taiwan's striking lantern festival, school kids help clean up the mess". Reuters. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  12. ^ Teng, Hsin-rung (2018-06-16). "Is Taiwan's Famed Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival an Environmental Plague?". CommonWealth Magazine (Taiwan). Retrieved March 9, 2026.
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