New Taipei: Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival Experience in Shifen

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Shifen, New Taipei, offers visitors a chance to experience Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. Held annually, this enchanting event allows participants to personalize and release their own beautifully crafted lanterns into the night sky. Amidst the lively market and local snack stalls, the festival presents a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. With sustainability measures in place, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival not only celebrates the region’s history but also promotes environmental responsibility. Those seeking a unique culture won’t want to miss this unforgettable opportunity.

Key Points

• Explore the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, a cherished Taiwanese tradition, by visiting the vibrant Shifen Old Street in New Taipei City.
• Personalize and release your own sky lantern, symbolizing letting go of the past and making wishes for the future.
• Immerse in the cultural heritage and artistic craftsmanship of the lanterns, with transportation and tour guiding services included in the experience.
• Enjoy the enchanting setting and memorable experiences, while being mindful of environmental sustainability through responsible lantern releases and disposal.
• Discover the deep significance of the festival, which evolved from a 19th-century communication tool into a beloved tourist attraction and cultural tradition.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

The Pingxi Sky Lantern is a beloved traditional activity and popular tourist attraction in Taiwan. Lanterns made of paper and bamboo are released into the sky with hopes of good luck and fortune.

The practice dates back to the 19th century when it was used for signaling between villages during wartime. Today, the annual festival in February attracts thousands of visitors globally.

Year-round participation is available at Shifen Old Street in the Pingxi district of New Taipei City. This magical experience offers a chance to witness the sky filled with glowing lanterns, creating an unforgettable sight for all who witness it.

Shifen Old Street Experience

Shifen Old Street features a bustling market with shops selling sky lanterns, traditional snacks, and souvenirs.

Visitors can purchase lanterns and write wishes or messages in any language. The experience culminates with lighting a candle inside the lantern and releasing it into the sky, creating a magical sight.

The market offers a unique opportunity to take in the local culture and witness the time-honored tradition of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.

Whether seeking a memorable cultural experience or simply a chance to make a wish, Shifen Old Street provides an enchanting setting for visitors to the Pingxi region.

Ticket and Reservation Details

Prices for the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival experience start from ¥524 per person.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can also opt for the "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing them to book without immediate payment.

The experience is valid for 1 day, and customers can check availability for starting times. Along With the sky lantern redemption, the price includes transportation and tour guiding.

The meeting point is at Jixiang Sky Lantern, and the business hours are weekdays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and weekends from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

Included Amenities and Important Information

Included in the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival experience is the redemption of a single-color sky lantern, with options available for multi-color lanterns as well. The package also includes transportation and tour guiding services. Visitors are required to meet at the Jixiang Sky Lantern location on Shifen Street in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City. The business hours for this experience are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekends. Certain attire, such as sandals, flip-flops, shorts, and sleeveless shirts, is not permitted.

Included Amenities	Redemption of Single-Color Sky Lantern
Multi-Color Sky Lantern Options	Yes
Transportation	Included
Tour Guiding	Included
Meeting Point	Jixiang Sky Lantern, No. 94, Shifen St., Pingxi Dist., New Taipei City
Business Hours	Weekdays 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Weekends 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Prohibited Attire	Sandals, Flip-Flops, Shorts, Sleeveless Shirts

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival experience has garnered an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 6 customer reviews.

Travelers have praised the enjoyable experience and the helpful staff, with one UK visitor simply stating, "The flying was good."

A Philippines traveler noted, "The guy who assisted us sure knows how to fly the lantern."

The positive customer feedback highlights the unique and memorable nature of the sky lantern release, as visitors from around the world take part in this longstanding Taiwanese tradition.

Significance of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival holds deep cultural significance for Taiwan, tracing its roots back to the 19th century when the practice began as a way for villages to communicate during wartime.

Today, the annual event has evolved into a beloved tradition and popular tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors worldwide.

Releasing the delicate paper lanterns into the night sky symbolizes letting go of the past, making wishes for the future, and fostering a sense of community.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the festival preserves an important piece of Taiwan’s cultural heritage, serving as a reminder of the island’s resilience and the enduring power of hope.

Artistic and Cultural Aspects of the Lanterns

Each vibrant Pingxi sky lantern is a work of art, masterfully crafted by local artisans. The delicate paper is carefully selected and shaped, while the bamboo frame is skillfully woven to provide structure and stability.

Visitors are invited to personalize their lanterns by writing wishes, messages, or drawings on the surface, imbuing each one with their own unique charm and significance.

This tradition dates back to the 19th century, when the lanterns were used for communication during wartime.

Today, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival celebrates this rich cultural heritage, offering a truly enchanting and meaningful experience for all who partake.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations

Amid the enchanting spectacle of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, there’s a growing awareness of the need for environmental responsibility.

Organizers have implemented several initiatives to address sustainability concerns:

1. Biodegradable lanterns: Lanterns are now made from sustainable materials like bamboo and eco-friendly paper, minimizing waste and environmental impact.

2. Recycling program: Used lanterns are collected and recycled, ensuring responsible disposal and reducing the festival’s carbon footprint.

3. Educational campaigns: Visitors are encouraged to participate in responsible lantern releases, with guidance on proper handling and disposal methods.

These measures underscore the festival’s commitment to preserving the cultural tradition while mitigating its environmental consequences, ensuring a more sustainable future for the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lantern to the Festival?

No, visitors cannot bring their own lanterns to the festival. The experience includes a single-color sky lantern redemption, and additional multi-color lantern options can be purchased on-site. Participants must use the lanterns provided by the organizers.

Is the Festival Open During Rainy or Windy Weather?

The festival may close in rainy or windy weather as it’s unsafe to release the lanterns. However, the experience at Shifen Old Street, with its shops and snacks, can still be enjoyed even if the lantern release is canceled.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating?

There are no specific age restrictions for participating in the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. Children are welcome, but they’ll need adult supervision when releasing the lanterns. The experience is suitable for all ages, with proper safety precautions in place.

How Can I Best Capture Photos of the Lit Lanterns?

To best capture photos of the lit lanterns, visitors should use a camera with a fast shutter speed and a tripod or steady surface to avoid blurry shots. They’ll also want to position themselves with an unobstructed view of the lanterns taking flight.

Are Food and Drinks Available for Purchase On-Site?

Yes, there are abundant food and drink options available for purchase at Shifen Old Street. Visitors can enjoy traditional Taiwanese snacks, hot drinks, and other refreshments while participating in the sky lantern experience.

The Sum Up

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Shifen, New Taipei, offers a captivating cultural experience steeped in tradition. Visitors can personalize and release lanterns into the night sky, symbolizing hopes and wishes for the future. Amidst a vibrant market, participants can indulge in local delights while seeing Taiwan’s heritage. The festival not only celebrates cultural traditions but also promotes environmental responsibility through sustainable practices.

You can check if your dates are available here: