New Taipei: Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival Experience in Shifen

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Shifen, New Taipei, is a captivating tradition that’s mesmerized visitors for generations. Thousands flock to this enchanting event, where they can write personal wishes on colorful lanterns before releasing them into the night sky. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Shifen Old Street, the festival offers a unique opportunity to take in Taiwanese culture and celebrate the joys of hope and good fortune.

Key Points

• Shifen Old Street in Pingxi District hosts the centuries-old Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, a symbol of peace, hope, and good fortune.
• Visitors can purchase and personalize sky lanterns made of lightweight paper and bamboo, then release them into the night sky.
• The festival creates a mesmerizing visual display as thousands of lanterns carrying personal wishes and messages ascend.
• Tickets start at $6.05 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• The experience is wheelchair accessible, but a dress code prohibiting certain attire is enforced.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Centuries-Old Tradition

Although the tradition of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival dates back to the 19th century, it originally served an important purpose during wartime. Villagers used the lanterns to communicate with each other, signaling important messages across the mountainous region.

Over time, the sky lantern evolved into a symbol of peace, hope, and good fortune. Today, thousands flock to Shifen Old Street to partake in this centuries-old ritual.

Visitors can purchase a lantern, write their wishes, and release it skyward, watching their dreams float away into the night. This cultural experience connects people to Taiwan’s rich heritage.

Vibrant Shifen Old Street

Where does one find the vibrant Shifen Old Street? Located in the Pingxi District of New Taipei City, Shifen Old Street is a lively market where visitors can purchase sky lanterns and participate in the centuries-old Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. The narrow streets are lined with shops selling traditional snacks, souvenirs, and of course, the iconic lanterns. Visitors can write their wishes on the lanterns, light the candles, and release them into the sky, creating a mesmerizing visual display.

| Attraction | Operating Hours |

| — | — |

| Shifen Old Street | Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekends: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |

| Sky Lantern Purchase | Available year-round |

| Lantern Release | Based on festival schedules |

| Traditional Snacks | Sold throughout the day |

The vibrant Shifen Old Street offers a unique cultural experience, allowing visitors to enjoy Taiwan’s rich heritage and participate in a timeless tradition.

Purchasing Your Sky Lantern

One of the first steps in participating in the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is purchasing a sky lantern. Visitors can find an array of lanterns in various sizes, shapes, and colors at the shops along Shifen Old Street.

Each lantern is made of lightweight paper and bamboo, ready to be filled with dreams and aspirations. Guests select their lantern, then write personalized messages or draw designs on the surface.

A candle is carefully placed inside, and with a gentle release, the lantern floats upward, carrying the wishes of the holder into the night sky.

Writing Your Wishes and Messages

Next, visitors personalize their sky lanterns by writing wishes and messages on the delicate paper surface.

With markers provided, they can express their hopes, dreams, or prayers in any language. Some choose inspiring quotes, others write the names of loved ones.

The act of carefully crafting each lantern becomes a thoughtful, meditative process. Visitors take their time, ensuring their lantern reflects their unique desires.

Once complete, they secure the bamboo frame and prepare to release their lantern into the sky, watching it join the luminous display over Shifen Old Street.

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Lighting and Releasing Your Lantern

With their lanterns personalized, visitors eagerly prepare to light and release them into the sky.

The ritual involves:

The ritual involves carefully lighting the candle, holding the lantern steady, and letting go to watch it drift skyward.

1. Carefully lighting the candle inside the lantern, ensuring a steady flame.

2. Holding the lantern steady as it begins to fill with hot air, slowly lifting it off the ground.

3. Letting go of the lantern, watching it drift upwards, carrying their wishes and messages skyward.

4. Catching a glimpse of the lantern as it joins hundreds of others, creating a captivating scene of gentle, glowing lights against the night sky.

Connecting With Taiwanese Culture

As visitors release their lanterns into the night sky, they connect with Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage.

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival dates back to the 19th century, when it served as a means of communication between villages during wartime. Today, the tradition continues, with participants writing wishes and messages on the lanterns before lighting and releasing them.

This experience offers a unique opportunity to engage with Taiwanese culture, symbolizing good luck and fortune.

The vibrant Shifen Old Street further enhances the culture, with its shops selling traditional snacks and souvenirs.

Ticketing and Booking Options

To make booking the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival experience as convenient as possible, visitors can choose from several flexible ticketing options.

Tickets start at $6.05 per person, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can also take advantage of the flexible booking option to reserve now and pay later.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and the meeting point for redemption is Jixiang Sky Lantern, located at No. 94, Shifen St., Pingxi Dist., New Taipei City.

However, it’s important to note the dress code – no sandals, flip flops, shorts, or sleeveless shirts are allowed.

Accessibility and Dress Code

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival experience is wheelchair accessible, allowing visitors of all abilities to participate in this centuries-old Taiwanese tradition. Proper attire is required, as the site has a dress code. Visitors should avoid wearing sandals, flip flops, shorts, or sleeveless shirts. This helps maintain the cultural atmosphere and ensure everyone’s safety.

| Accessibility | Dress Code |

| — | — |

| Wheelchair accessible | No sandals, flip flops |

| All abilities welcome | No shorts, sleeveless shirts |

| Cultural experience for all | Maintain respectful atmosphere |

Adhering to these guidelines ensures a smooth and memorable Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival experience for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Lantern to the Festival?

Visitors are welcome to bring their own lanterns to the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. However, the lanterns must meet safety standards, and festival staff can provide guidance on proper release procedures to ensure an enjoyable and responsible experience.

Is It Possible to Reserve a Specific Lantern Design?

Yes, visitors can reserve specific lantern designs. The festival offers a variety of lantern options, and guests can choose the one that best suits their wishes and preferences when booking their experience.

Do the Lanterns Have a Weight or Size Limit?

There’s no specific weight or size limit for the sky lanterns, but the vendor recommends lightweight paper models that can easily take flight. Larger or heavier lanterns may require more care and effort to launch successfully.

How Do I Dispose of the Used Lanterns Properly?

When done, visitors should place used lanterns in designated collection bins to ensure proper disposal. The lanterns are then recycled or disposed of responsibly to minimize environmental impact after the memorable experience.

Is There a Recommended Time to Visit the Festival?

The ideal time to visit the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is during the weekends, when crowds are larger and the atmosphere is more festive. Weekdays tend to be less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.

The Sum Up

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Shifen, New Taipei, offers a unique opportunity to connect with Taiwanese culture and tradition. Witnessing the mesmerizing spectacle of hundreds of lanterns illuminating the night sky is a truly unforgettable experience. Whether you’re writing your hopes and dreams on a lantern or simply observing the serene beauty, this festival is a must-visit for any traveler seeking a meaningful cultural encounter.

You can check availability for your dates here: