New Taipei Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival Concludes Successfully – Hiking and Clean-up Efforts Promote Environmental Sustainability
New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Department Press Release 114.02.17
New Taipei Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival Concludes Successfully – Hiking and Clean-up Efforts Promote Environmental Sustainability
【New Taipei City News】The "2025 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival" concluded successfully on February 12 at Shifen Square. To preserve the natural ecology of Pingxi, the New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Department once again collaborated with the New Taipei City Mountaineering Association yesterday (16th) to organize two mountain clean-up events. These initiatives attracted more than a hundred enthusiastic participants who joined in protecting the environment, ensuring that both the ecological landscape and the cultural heritage of sky lanterns can coexist sustainably.
Yesterday’s mountain clean-up activities in Pingxi were divided into two sessions: the "Pingxi Route" and the "Shifen Route." Renowned mountaineering experts, Mr. Wu Yuntian and Mr. Cui Zuxi, led the event as guides. The "Pingxi Route" covered Xiaozishan Trail, Dongshige Crossing Trail, and Guanyinyan Mountain Trail, while the "Shifen Route" included the Wufenshan (Shifen section) Trail and the Shifen to Wanggu Industrial Road. Under the guidance of these experts, participants used long-handled grabbers and trash bags to collect sky lantern debris and litter along the trails. Through in-depth guided tours, they gained insights into Pingxi’s hidden scenic spots, local flora and fauna, historical relics, and cultural heritage. Across both sessions, over 650 kilograms of waste—equivalent to approximately 53 bags—were collected.
The "New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival," first held in 1999, has continually strived to balance the tradition of sky lantern releases with environmental conservation, emphasizing the coexistence of nature and culture. This year’s meticulously planned clean-up initiative, in collaboration with local organizations and the public, not only helped preserve Pingxi’s ecology but also provided participants with a deeper understanding of the area. Many attendees expressed that the event allowed them to immerse themselves in nature while actively contributing to environmental preservation, making it a truly meaningful experience. Additionally, the clean-up effort showcased the public’s commitment to protecting the planet and raised awareness about sustainability, further advancing Pingxi’s development as both a tourist destination and a model for environmental conservation.
Yang Tsung-Min, Commissioner of the New Taipei City Government Tourism and Travel Department, expressed his gratitude to all participants of the "2025 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival" and the mountain clean-up activities. He emphasized that the festival will continue to uphold the essential balance between cultural tradition and environmental sustainability, ensuring that Pingxi remains a model destination rich in both cultural charm and ecological value. Everyone is invited to contribute to sustainable tourism efforts. For more information about the "2025 New Taipei City Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival," please visit the official links.
【This news release has been translated by ChatGPT.】
