Taiwan Lantern Festival – The Country of Lights

Dating to a Chinese tradition over 2000 years old, on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year, Chinese people celebrate the end of the Spring festivities with a closing ceremony, the Lantern Festival, one of the world’s most famous festivals, lighting up the night with glorious lanterns. Every year a different city is chosen to host the main ceremonies, and for 2010 it was held in Chiayi. Celebrating the Year of the Tiger, the theme of 2010 was “Happiness and Good Fortune” incorporating the Chinese character ‘fu’ or ‘good fortune’ with its homonymic proximity to ‘hu’ or tiger. Lanterns in every form from various hand lanterns of tigers, to elaborate floats and temples were on display while thousands of red lanterns were strewn above illuminating this ancient city. Attracting thousands of onlookers and families, the festivities were similar to watching the New Years ball drop in Times Square with performances and a countdown to see the centerpiece Tiger light up replete with a grand fireworks display. It was also significant to the Taoists to visit various temple floats created out of lanterns and light incense and burn offerings to their Gods that were embodied in glowing lanterns which outlined the festivities.

Another magical sight is the Pinghsi Sky Lantern festival held on the first day of the week long lantern festival where glowing red lanterns are released into the evening sky like twinkling stars. This tradition dates back to the 1800s, when villagers would use the lanterns to signal to those in the mountains that all was safe and there were no invaders. They heavenly lanterns are created by using thin paper over a bamboo frame with a kerosene soaked base that allows the lantern to rise when lit. The lanterns are often inscribed with wishes and prayers which are used to deliver their message to the heavens and it is believed they will come true if the lantern never returns.

Natural Beauty

Although Taiwan is principally known for its semi conductors and manufacturing capabilities, it’s a misconception to believe that its only a business destination. Smaller than the size of California, 2/3 of the island is kept as a national park with many geological wonders set against natural and beautiful landscape that remains as intact as it did millions of years ago when the island was formed by volcanoes.

Taroko Gorge and National Park is one of Taiwan’s most famous vacation spots, rivaling the same awe and beauty as the Grand Canyon. Formed by water seeking its way to the ocean, there are many hiking trails to admire the vast canyons, waterfalls, rushing rivers, and dramatic cliffs. You can even view the ancient suspension bridges and paths carved by the Aboriginal settlers thousands of years ago. The only 5 star hotel to stay at inside the park is the luxuriously appointed Silks Place Taroko where every suite sized room is enriched by the lush beauty of the park. You can fall asleep listening to the rushing stream outside your window and wake up to admire the gorgeous scenery.
Taroko.silksplace.com.tw
www.taroko.gov.tw

Equally as unique to Taiwan is the Yehlui Geopark which has the landscape similar to a set from Star Trek. These fascinating and bizarre rock formations have been created by millions of years of sea erosion molding coastal bedrock into strange sculptures. This geographical curiosity along the Northern Coast is only 45 minutes outside of Taipei and is a sight unlike anywhere else in the world.

Nearby is the charming and picturesque mountainside town of Jioufen, which has its roots as a gold mining town. Colonized by the Japanese during their rule, there is a strong Japanese influence in the architecture and streets. Strolling through the narrow winding streets lined with craft stores, tea houses, and breathtaking views of the ocean reminded me of an Asian version of Positano and the Amalfi coast. Known for its seafood delicacies, the town has become a destination amongst the Japanese as it has served as the backdrop for a popular TV series, “Spirited Away.” A top choice to take in the expansive scenery overlooking the mountainside and ocean is Kunohe Restaurant located in the center of the quaint town.
www.kunohe.com.tw

To learn more about the fascinating history of this region and development visit the neighboring town of Jinguashi which houses the Gold Ecological Park, where the Japanese mined gold in these mountains until all the gold was exhausted. Visitors can go back in time and walk through the Museum of Gold and the Benshan Fifth Tunnel, one of the actual tunnels, to learn about the bittersweet history of the prisoners of war who served in the mining and development of this industry which has become a chapter in history.
www.gep.tpc.gov.tw

Major Attractions

With the Taiwan high speed railway system you can reach the top of the island, Taipei, to the bottom Khaosiung in just 90 minutes. Khaoshung, Taiwan’s second largest and important city is largely a port town and has a beautiful river running through the center. The aptly named Love River, is a “lovely” setting lined with shops and cafes that can be experienced by a frequently running night cruise or by foot. The best place to stay is at the Splendor Kahosiung that stands 85 stories overlooking the Love River offering stunning views of this port city. An interesting restaurant offering an array of traditional Taiwanese cuisine is at Old Taiwan. Established during the Japanese occupation, Old Taiwan still has its original store counter from the 1940s in the front of the store, and relishes the past with 1940s wartime chachkies and relics adorning the walls and tables.
www.thesplendor-khh.com.tw
www.oldtaiwan.com.tw

The major epicenter of Taiwan business stems from the bustling metropolis of Taipei. One of the top hotels is the 5 star Formosa Regent Hotel located in the center of Taipei anchored by the most fashionable brands and labels in the world in the lobby and basement. The rooms are luxurious and spacious with excellent views overlooking this regal city that holds nightly firework displays. For the Taiwanese, shopping is second nature. At 101 stories, Taipei 101 was the tallest building in the world, but recently lost that title to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Boasting the fastest elevators in the world this high tech skyscraper also is the first to use dampers to prevent any movement from any of the numerous earthquakes and tremors that pass through Taiwan. At the bottom the mall houses top luxury and premium brands from around the world and the top two floors are dedicated as the observatory level where you can find endless 360 degree views of Taipei and its mountainous region. If your wallet is feeling a bit light, head to one of the many night markets. The most famous is Shilin Night market bustling with young people out on the town shopping for bargains and tasty street snacks. Open from dusk til about 2 am nightly, this is one of Taiwan’s favorite nighttime activities.
www.grandformosa.com.tw
www.taipei-101.com.tw

Even though Taipei is a modern bustling city, their secret garden, also known as Yangmingshan National park is only a half hour away with excellent views of the metropolis. Once up here the only sounds you will hear along the numerous hiking trails are the hot springs bubbling, indigenous birds chirping, or an active smoldering volcano. All of the hot springs are complementary and open daily.

Cultural

One of the most famous museums in the world is The National Palace Museum. Its vast collection of artifacts, retraces almost 5,000 years of Chinese history and houses many of the greatest treasures from China. The main sources of the relic collections are from the Ching Imperial Palace. One of the most famous pieces is the Jadeite Cabbage with Insects from the Imperial palace. There are so many fascinating important pieces stored in the museum that only a fraction are on view at any time.

The austere Chiang Ka-shek memorial hall is a magnificent building memorializing the former president and its grounds serve as the backdrop for outdoor concerts and world class performances held in the National Theater and National Concert Hall.

Recently the Taiwanese have adapted their cuisine to become healthier and lighter using less oil and sodium than tradition Chinese cuisine without sacrificing taste. Their dishes tend to be a bit sweeter and less spicy than Chinese food, and the Taiwanese have good reason to be proud of their culinary heritage. One of the best insider secrets is the Sit Fun Restaurant that serves excellent Taiwanese dishes for a moderate price. Also quite popular for dim sum is Din Tai Fung, which can be found easily by the long line of patrons waiting outside rain or shine.
www.sit-fun.com.tw
www.dintaifung.com.tw

No trip would be complete without a stop at a traditional tea house. Sample small cakes and sweets and experience the ancient ritual of tea culture at Wistaria Tea House, which was formerly a refuge for political dissenters and a new generation of intellects and artists. To this day, Wistaria embraces the Daoist aesthetics and is a meeting place for social activists and critical scholars holding many symposiums and public discussions.
www.wistariateahouse.com

After all of the sightseeing and eating, take some time to relax and indulge in a traditional reflexology foot massage. It is thought that every organ in your body can be cleansed through the nerves in your feet. Depending on how clean you are in the inside will determine how much pain you will endure during this hour long detoxifying massage for less than US$20. This gives new meaning to the motto, no pain, no gain, and in the end it will be well worthwhile.
www.footmassage.com.tw

The best way to get to Taiwan from North America is through China Airlines which offers daily flights from Los Angeles and New York. www.china-airlines.com