Taiwan Quick Take: Sun Moon Carnival opens

The 2006 Sun Moon Lake Carnival opened yesterday, promising 16 days of leisure and fun. Since its inception in 2002, the carnival has attracted at least 150,000 visitors every year, said Lin Fang-ming (林芳明), director of the Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration. According to Lin, this year's carnival will feature a huge screen on which documentaries about a tribe that has inhabited the area near Sun Moon Lake (日月潭) for centuries will be displayed. There will also be a swimming competition across the lake, a red tea festival and a fireworks display. Lin urged those planning to visit this year's carnival to arrange accommodation as early as possible.