News

    Visit Nantou to witness the most exciting Lantern Festival activity! The Nantou Lantern Festival and all associated activities that have drawn wide attention are reaching their climax. The fire dragon dance show in a shower of sparks from Chongqing, China was presented free of charge for the first time in Taiwan from February 9th to 11th. The four performances over three consecutive days drew large audiences. County mayor Ming-Chen Lin stated on the 11th that the fire dragon performances received enthusiastic feedback and he would strive to keep these performances in Nantou for the next Lantern Festival in an attempt to turn Nantou into a tourism capital in Taiwan.

    The county government invited the fiery dragon dance troupe from Chongqing, China to present their show in Taiwan for the first time. The show was an instant sensation. Online and TV coverage of the powerful fiery dragon performance drew large visitor crowds. The venue was packed with spectators long before the performances since many people occupied their seats early. County mayor Lin pointed out that the reason why visitors found the Nantou Lantern Festival so epic and exciting this year lies in those eye-catching performances, especially the fiery dragon performance. The popularity of the Nantou Lantern Festival far exceeds that of similar events in other areas of Taiwan.

    County mayor Lin also stated that the Chongqing fiery dragon dance has a 600-year history. Molten pig iron heated to 1500 degrees centigrade is tossed and scattered in the air generating blazing sparks resembling flowers scattered by heavenly maidens in a fusion of smoke and fire. The fiery dragon dances in a cloud of sparks and smoke in an unrestrained fashion with fascinating postures. This performance electrified the audience, generating an auspicious image of the New Year for local citizens.

    He also emphasized that the four fire dragon performances in Nantou were very positively received. He personally watched two of these brilliant performances. In view of the enthusiastic response from the public, the county government will continue to pursue opportunities to offer fire dragon performances in Nantou in the upcoming year.

    In line with the Lantern festivities, a series of promotional activities were held in the indigenous people’s area of the Nantou Lantern Festival to introduce travel itineraries to tribal villages. Little indigenous warrior lanterns were given away to visitors and Ms. Iwan, Deputy Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples was present at the venue to celebrate the Lantern Festival with the public. The Nantou Lantian Academy of Classic Learning organized a lantern riddle guessing competition on the festival stage. The whole festival was bustling with activity.