Taiwan Lantern Festival 2019 invites travellers from United Arab Emirates to be a part of the sparkling ceremony in Pingtung County, Taiwan

Taiwan Tourism Bureau in the United Arab Emirates is inviting UAE residents to attend the Taiwan Lantern Festival 2019, taking place from February 19 to March 03, 2019 in the Pingtung County in Taiwan. Celebrated on the first lunar month of the Chinese New Year, the annual festival marks its 30th anniversary under the theme of “Pingan Penglai. Light-up 30”. Visitors will experience musical and cultural performances, the famous rice-flour dumplings, street shopping, firework display, all underneath a sky full of colourful lanterns.

Speaking about the famous Lantern Festival, Dr. Trust Lin, Director – Taiwan Tourism Bureau in UAE said, “Taiwan Lantern Festival represents our culture. It is a window for other countries to come see our traditions and join in our festivities. You will witness kids holding beautifully crafted lanterns walking around everywhere. The sight when the lanterns are released in the sky is breathtaking. The animal representing the lunar year in the Chinese zodiac this year plays an important role in the festival and will be appearing in all corners of the festival to unexpectedly greet tourists.”

The Heart of Asia, Taiwan has built a strong reputation as a major tourism hub, recognised for its quality infrastructure, safety, stability and connectedness. Fast becoming a preferred halal-friendly destination, Taiwan has noticed a hike in tourism from the GGC countries, and United Arab Emirates in specific. Taiwan Tourism Bureau reported an increase of over 6% in tourism from UAE in 2018. Over 22,000 annual tourists, comprising of both business and leisure travellers, visited Taiwan. Spring is a popular season for incoming tourists with April – June being one of the busiest months. In addition, GCC residents often make travel plans to Taiwan around the long Eid holiday break.

Escaping the heat, travellers flock to the Love River or Ai River that flows 12 kilometers across to Kaohsiung Harbor. Tourists are mesmerized by the A-li shan forest which is home to the famous 2000 years old giant tree. Another scenic beauty is the renowned Ali Mountains which boosts the rare sight of sun rise and sea of clouds. Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Lungshan Temple and Taroko National Park are some of the most visited places for cultural exploration.

Taiwan is also aiming to appeal its visitors seeking to immerse themselves in cultures and build deeper connections with the country by hosting multiple programs throughout the year. Similar to the lantern festival, tourists visit Taiwan around Taichung World Flora Exposition, Biennial Butterfly Beauty Festival or the Yanshuei Beehive Fireworks Festival.

The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications recently completed the selection process for hosting the next Taiwan Lantern Festivals in 2020 and 2021. Famous for its tourist attractions like Fengjia Night Market, Chang-Liao Family Shrine and Baxianshan National Forest, the next year’s Lantern festival will be held in the Taichung City. Going with a new location, for the first time the Taiwan Lantern Festival in 2021 will be held in the city of Hsinchu.