Play the day away at Chinshui Water Park

In the heat of high summer what can be more appealing than a water park? Two hours east of Taipei lies Ilan County's Chinshui Water Park (親水公園), a vast arrangement of wading pools and water fountains located by the Dungshan River.

The park is currently adding to its attractions by playing host to the Ilan

International Children's Folklore and Folkgame Festival (宜蘭國際童玩藝術節), which will run until August 20.

This event, which has been held every summer since 1996, includes performances, exhibitions, games, and of course, water, which can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Launched as a way to expose children to different cultures, the festival includes many action-filled activities such as the "high-net" suspension bridge, tunnel mazes, and obstacle courses and plenty of exhibitions and performances.

The festival is not immediately apparent upon admission to the gate, but a closer look reveals a well-orchestrated inter-national festival. Deeper in the park, a mariachi band on stilts parades before visitors reclining on the grass.

The activities staged indoors are no less interesting.

Children can build their own cities at the toy blocks exhibit (飛行小積蛋), learn about the latest in robotic toys in the A.I. Universe Exhibit (A.I.宇宙站), or make all sorts of arts and crafts guided by local artists (童玩工坊).

The festival's exhibit of commercial mascots and icons that have made lasting impressions on popular culture throughout the past few decades is well-presented.

"The Mascot Exhibition (娃娃大閱兵) is a great way for children and adults alike to learn a little history about the characters they see on television and in stores and which they have become so fond of," said one of the exhibit's organizers.

The Ilan County government invited Chang Jui-liang (張瑞樑), an advertising executive, to donate pieces to the collection; his contribution comprises about half of the 1,058 figurines on display. The other half was donated by the companies that the toy mascots represent. The exhibition is a testament to the influence of commercial advertising and children's characters on popular culture.

"It has something for everyone," said one of the exhibitions curators, amidst a flurry of children running from one familiar, grinning character to the next.

For the businesses and companies represented, this is surely a commercial wonderland, an invaluable opportunity to reinforce brand recognition among a young demographic.

Among the many pieces in the collection are the indelible mid-1990s cubicle denizen Dilbert, the apple of East Asian cute culture's eye, Hello Kitty, and the all-star of French marketing, the Michelin Man.

"It sort of makes you more aware of global interaction no matter where you are," said Sung Choi (崔成旭), an American college student who recently visited the festival.

With dance and music performances from groups representing over 20 different countries throughout the course of the festival, Ilan proves that it too can engage in the world beyond Taiwan. Wandering through the festival, secluded Ilan County proves that it can match Taipei for international flavor.

Festival Notes:

Where: Chinshui Water Park (親水公園), Ilan County

When: Through August 20

Tickets: NT$350 on weekdays and NT$450 on weekends and can be purchased through www.artsticket.com.tw or at the venue.

On the Net: Details about the festival can be found at www.folkgame.org.tw