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  In the Nantou Lantern Festival held in lantern-zone-on-the-Water, Puli; the main lantern zone was opened consecutively on February 9 and 10. As a major earthquake happened in Hualien on the 6th, in the lantern lighting ceremony held on the 9th, 108 monks were invited from Chung Tai Chan Monastery to chant sutras to appease the living and the dead. Lighting up Taiwan, they also prayed for Hualien. On the 10th, Lei Tsang Temple and about one thousand people lit up lamps to make their wishes. County Magistrate Lin also released a sky lantern to wish that Hualien recovers soon, cheering up Taiwan.

  In the eve of the Nantou Lantern Festival, an earthquake devastated Hualien. County Magistrate Lin encouraged enterprises and groups to donate for the victims. In the opening ceremony of the Lantern Festival, a sum of 10.2 million NTD was donated to Hualien. He expressed that 18 years ago, when the 921 Earthquake happened, Nantou folks stood up from ruins. Now, an earthquake wrought havoc on Hualien, the folks of Nantou can share their feelings. As Nantou could recover and re-start their lives, Hualien can do it as well. Nantou will continue to give its concern to Hualien, helping victims to overcome their difficulties.

  The main lantern in Nantou Lantern Festival – “Spring Comes, Good Fortune Abundant” is represented with a high-tech dog to recall the year of the dog. The main lantern – a high-tech dog will perform a light show every 30 minutes after 6:00 p.m. When the cabin door opens, the 4 little space dogs will come out to accompany the main lantern in the form a dog. They symbolize “wu fu lin men” (five fortunes come to your door). In the main lantern zone, there are 18 major theme zones, including indigenous culture, features of local tourism, religion, handicrafts and more. Some of the lanterns are made by students, including 220 creative dog lanterns, batman lanterns, spider man lanterns and more. It has become a popular check-in spot.

  The Nantou Lantern Festival aims to present people with a marvelous spring tour. There are 72 groups of creations in 9 new exhibition zones in Nantou International Sand Sculpture Art and Culture Park by the Maoluo River banks display another kind of charm when lit in the night light. For people that love animation, there is the final Incident in the Conan Exhibit, including the manuscripts and the cartoons. It is very popular among visitors.

  In this year’s Nantou Lantern Festival, the Chongqing Fire Dragon show is invited to perform in the festival again. It is going to perform at 7:00pm on March 2, 3, and 4 on Piaosha Stage in Nantou City; and March 5 and 6 at Puli Junior High School. In this year, the “First Drum in China” – the waist drum dance from Ansai, Shaanxi is newly added to the performance this year on February 21 and 25 at Puli Junior High School; and February 23 and 24 on the Piaosha Stage. In addition, there are also the Haining shadow play shows in the festival. All these three special performances are listed as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, making them valuable performances.