The 2023 Nanjing-New Taipei "Cloud Lantern Festival" was held in Xiansi Palace, Sanzhong District, New Taipei City on Saturday.
Five groups of lanterns sent by Nanjing City were shown at the New Taipei City Lantern Festival and Exhibition for the people of Taiwan.
The lantern group was designed and produced by Chen Baihua, a national inheritor of the Qinhuai Lantern Intangible Cultural Heritage. Traditional techniques were employed in the production of these five groups of lanterns while sound and light elements were added. Through the display of streamers and colors, they bring the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture to the compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
He Chengyao, Director of Taiwan Affairs Office of Nanjing Municipal People's Government said, "The five groups of lanterns sent to New Taipei City this year have different forms and far-reaching meanings and embody our wishes to the people of New Taipei.""
Wang Wei, Interior Designer said, "I think of the time when I was little, my parents took me to the Confucius Temple. I feel like I were there again, I were home again."
Shao Xin, Self-employed entrepreneur in Taiwan said, "Many thanks to my compatriots in Nanjing. We miss you."
The Nanjing New Taipei New Year Lantern Festival was also held at Nanjing Confucius Temple to wish a happy New Year. Since 2010, Nanjing Qinhuai Lantern festival has been staged in Taiwan with the first show held in New Taipei city in 2018.
Lian Yueqin, Director of Taiwan Affairs Office of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government said, "The year 2023 marks the 5th year that Nanjing Qinhuai Lantern festival has been staged in Taiwan. Although affected by the COVID-19 epidemic in recent years, we and Taiwan compatriots enjoy strong relationship. Today, we honor our shared tradition via video link to experience the enduring Chinese culture and the cross-strait affection that blood is thicker than water."
Since signing a memorandum of exchange and cooperation in 2008, Nanjing and New Taipei have had frequent interaction in the fields of culture, art, agriculture, and grass-roots communities, drawing the relationship closer on both sides.
