The Tourism Administration yesterday said that artist Akibo Li’s (李明道) Paradise would be the featured installation at next month’s Lantern Festival marking the Year of the Snake.
The 36th edition of the festival is scheduled to take place from Feb. 12 to Feb. 23 in Taoyuan, officials told a news conference, showcasing a scale model of the creation at the agency’s office in Taipei.
The 18m-tall main lantern is an infinity symbol that evokes a roller coaster’s streamlined appearance in a homage to the festival’s nickname, “Taiwan’s Disneyland,” Li said, adding that the design emphasizes the event’s celebratory mood.
Photo: CNA
The main installation and surrounding geometric installations would be displayed on a rotating pedestal, he said.
An artificial intelligence-generated video utilizing images of Taiwan’s champion baseball players, national attractions and cultural sites would also be played at the festival, Li said.
Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱), Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang (張善政), Tourism Administration Director-General Chou Yung-hui (周永暉), professional baseball cheerleaders and international students contributed to the project by providing images and motion captures, he said.
Photo courtesy of the Tourism Administration
Chou said snake-themed lanterns comprised of up to seven sections would be distributed to children participating in the festival and that the toys could be manipulated into numbers or other shapes.
The small lanterns use rechargeable batteries compatible with common mobile power banks as a measure to protect the environment, he said.
Chen said that he was glad to see Taoyuan host the festival for the second time in nine years, and added that the event is a prime example of the central and local governments working together to promote Taiwan.
Up to 10 million visitors are expected to attend the event, he said.
The Taoyuan City Government would use the event to showcase the multicultural heritage of the city and its famous attractions, including the Bade Pond Ecological Park (八德埤塘自然生態公園) and baseball stadium, Chang said.
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