2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival to feature 15-meter tall ‘tree of light’

The main exhibit of the 2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival opens in Taichung on Feb. 8. On Monday, organizers gave a sneak peek of the festival''s main lantern, a multicolored "tree of light" that towers up to 15 meters. Visitors will be able to walk under the tree to experience the lantern installation up close. This is a scale model of the "tree of light," the main lantern at the 2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival. The tree will stand 15 meters tall, with 368 lantern flower buds at its top. In previous festivals, the main lanterns were meant to be enjoyed at a distance. This time, revelers will be able take a walk under the lantern to enjoy the lights up close. Lin Chia-lungTransportation ministerThis time the main lantern is a tree of light that protects the forest. It represents the spirit of sustainable development. It represents how a seed takes root and thrives to become a towering tree. We feel that this is very much a design concept that''s full of ideals.Organizers also unveiled the design of this year''s DIY hand lanterns. To celebrate the Year of the Rat, the design draws inspiration from the folktale "The Mouse Bride." It''s a mouse bride that can be flipped inside out to become a mouse groom.Lin Chia-weiLantern designerChildren will get one sheet of paper that can be used to create two completely different characters. When children get the paper, they can use the front to make the bride, or use the back to make the groom. After they assemble their mouse, they can play and interact with other kids.Lin Chia-lungTransport ministerThis year, the festival''s budget is bigger than in the past: NT$155 million. On top of that, our Tourism Bureau and the Directorate General of Highways have put around NT$55 million toward transportation plans and marketing. The 2020 Taiwan Lantern Festival opens on Feb. 8 at Taichung''s Houli Forest Expo Site. Visitors to Taichung are welcome to enjoy the dazzling spectacle of lights.