Longqi Light Sky Mountain Festival ( 龍崎光節空山祭)
Tainan is hosting various Christmas and New Year's Eve activities this year, including the Longqi Light Sky Mountain Festival (龍崎光節空山祭), which is renowned as the most beautiful mountain and forest lantern festival in Taiwan. The festival runs from December 25th, 2020 to February 28th, 2021. Admission is free from today (December 25th) until December 27th. However, when we arrived at the festival, which was a little after 7 PM, it was challenging to find parking space. The road leading to the park was already blocked due to limited parking availability. Many people had parked their cars along other roads, as well as near gas stations and parking lots. Luckily, we managed to find a parking spot, but there is also a shuttle bus service available for convenience. Before entering the festival, it is important to wear a mask, scan a provided QR code, and register your name, phone number, and the number of people in your group if you are visiting as a family. You will receive a small sticker after registration. Additionally, children can obtain lanterns to carry around the park (which must be returned after use).
Huxingshan (虎形山)
Huxingshan, named for its mountainous terrain resembling a fierce tiger, stands 113 meters above sea level and is not heavily crowded with tourists. It can be considered a hidden gem among the many mountains in Tainan. The park is well-maintained, and the natural ecology is rich, with frequent sightings of various wild animals.
Many tourists enjoy hiking along the trail that surrounds the mountain, passing by Wanglong Suspension Bridge and walking through the forest. It is also common for families to camp and have barbecues in the park. Summer nights are particularly popular, as many visitors bring their children to observe the fireflies. The fluorescent lights of the fireflies create a magical atmosphere, making it an educational and ecological experience in Tainan's Houshan area.
The limited exhibition route at the festival spans 2 kilometers. Whether you are ascending stairs or traversing slopes, you can enjoy unique scenery along the way. The walk takes approximately 40 minutes. Colorful light bulbs guide the path for visitors walking at night.
One of the featured art installations is Xin Qi's "Flower Tree: Reunion," which showcases the art of "light insects" that feed on light. The various colored lines create a magnificent scene that is both vibrant and dazzling up close, but also breathtaking when viewed from a distance.
This year's mountain festival has undergone changes compared to the previous year. Not only has the scale of the festival expanded, but the exhibition period has also been extended to 66 days. Additionally, a ticketing system has been implemented for the first time to support local arts and cultural activities. On-site tickets are priced at 100NT, while online tickets receive a 50% discount. In addition to the stunning artistic lighting displays, the ticket price includes free shuttle bus connections and ecological guided tours. Ticket holders can also enjoy discounts at local stores by presenting their ticket stubs. Residents of Longqi District can enter the venue for free every day, while residents of Rende, Guiren, and Guanmiao, belonging to the Nanguan line, are entitled to free admission from Monday to Thursday. For those who do not drive, the Tainan Bus Red Route or Kaohsiung Bus 8050 can be taken to reach the "Longqi Bus Station."
You can also visit market and Longqi Old Street, just in front of the park. Easy to find some traditional food and drinking here.
Address:
719台南市龍崎區虎形山公園
