3-D tree to light up New Taipei Christmas

2015/11/06

New Taipei City’s annual holiday season celebrations are set to kick off Nov. 20 featuring Taiwan’s tallest 3-D-illuminated Christmas tree at Citizen Plaza in Banqiao District, according to New Taipei City Government Nov. 3.

Created by Australia-based The Electric Canvas, the light show will boast 360-degree 3-D projections of high-definition animation on a cone-shaped Christmas tree, with a luminance equal to the flashlights of 24,000 smartphones.

“We are pleased to take the event to new heights by joining hands with the award-winning lighting specialist behind the celebrated Vivid Sydney spectacle,” said Chen Kuo-chun, commissioner of the NTCG’s Tourism and Travel Department. “This year’s world-class display in Banqiao is sure to attract a record number of visitors from home and abroad.”

Launched in 2011, the local government-run program of yuletide-themed activities has become one of NTC’s most popular festivals. The 2014 series drew approximately 3 million participants during its 51-day run, creating business opportunities topping NT$2.4 billion (US$74 million).

According to Chen, the light show will be accompanied by original music composed by local violinist Lee Szu-hui, as well as an array of bear illustrations by the Taipei-based First of May studio.

“Following the Nov. 20 inauguration, the Christmas tree will light up every 30 minutes between 5:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. on a daily basis, firing up the fairytale-like image of a winter wonderland in the northern Taiwan metropolis,” Chen said.

The festival will run until Jan. 3 next year, with special events slated to take place every weekend. Highlights include a cartoon-themed carnival Nov. 21-22, a Dec. 6 parade featuring beloved characters Open-chan and his friends, and live concerts Dec. 19-20 headlined by some of Taiwan’s biggest pop music acts.

“This is a unique opportunity for families to come together and create precious memories for a special time of the year,” Chen said, adding that all are invited to join the festivities.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=238517&ctNode=2194&mp=9)