The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is held annually around the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month, usually in mid-February on the Gregorian calendar) and is one of Taiwan's four major Lantern Festival celebrations, drawing domestic and international visitors to the Pingxi Old Street area. Sky lanterns originated in the Qing dynasty, traditionally said to have served as signals between mountain-community residents to relay news of safety. The old street offers sky lanterns for individual launch year-round; during the festival, timed mass-release sessions are also held.
Highlights of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
Sky lanterns are framed with bamboo strips and covered in mulberry paper. A fuel block attached at the bottom is lit, hot air fills the lantern body, and the lantern rises on its own. The launch area is along both sides of the railway track through Pingxi Old Street. After liftoff, lanterns drift with air currents above the mountain valley; when many rise together they form patches of moving light — especially dramatic after dark. The number of lanterns per wave and the venues for the official Lantern Festival release are announced each year; check the official event notice for that year's details.
Traffic restrictions are broader during the festival, and additional Pingxi Branch Line trains run but still see large crowds. In recent years environmental concerns have led to adjustments in the launch area and lantern numbers; some years include centralized recovery measures. On-site rules are determined by the organizer's announcements each year. Visiting the old street for a lantern launch outside the festival period means smaller crowds and a more relaxed experience; operators also offer custom calligraphy writing services.
How to make the most of your visit
Practical information
Getting there & timing
- The Pingxi Branch Line is accessible from both the Ruifang and Jingtong directions. Extra trains run during the festival — check the Taiwan Railways official website for detailed schedules.
- Driving is heavily restricted during the festival; public transportation is strongly recommended. Outside the festival, you can drive to Shifen or Pingxi Old Street and park in roadside paid spots.
Nearby connections
- Pingxi Old Street is walkable in the direction of Shifen Old Street; a short walk along the railway or one stop on the Pingxi Line is enough. The hike to Shifen Waterfall takes about 20–30 minutes.
- The Pingxi mountain area sits at a relatively low elevation. In spring (March–May), mountain mist is common; visiting around the sky lantern event may also yield misty scenery.
Sources: New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Department, Wikipedia entry for Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival. Photos pending replacement with Dio's own shots.