The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is a traditional sky-lantern release held annually around the Lantern Festival in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, and is one of Taiwan's four major Lantern Festival celebrations. The custom traces back to the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty, when Anxi settlers fleeing bandit raids took refuge in the mountains and, once it was safe, released lanterns during the Lantern Festival as a signal to return; lanterns can be purchased and launched individually on the old street year-round, with timed mass-release sessions added during the festival.
The sky lantern custom traces back to the Daoguang era of the Qing dynasty, when Anxi settlers who cleared land around Shifen took refuge in the mountains to escape bandit raids; once danger had passed, residents released sky lanterns during the Lantern Festival as a signal that it was safe to return. This tradition evolved into today's Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, now one of Taiwan's four major Lantern Festival celebrations.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival held each year?
It is held annually around the Lantern Festival, usually mid-February on the Gregorian calendar, with the exact date depending on the lunar calendar.
Where does the sky lantern custom come from?
It traces back to the Qing dynasty's Daoguang era, when Anxi settlers fleeing bandits hid in the mountains and released lanterns at the Lantern Festival to signal it was safe to return.
Can visitors release lanterns on the old street outside the festival?
Yes, lanterns can be purchased and launched individually on the old street year-round, with timed mass-release sessions added during the festival.
Sources
- 平溪天燈節 - 臺灣宗教文化地圖（內政部民政司） — 天燈起源、清代安溪移民報平安習俗
- 平溪天燈節 - 維基百科 — 節慶沿革與時程