2025 Weiwuying New Year Series Activities

Auspicious Lions Offer Congratulations and Add Festive Cheer, Natural Sounds Celebrate the New Year

Usher in the new year with a revitalized spirit by making your way to Weiwuying during the Spring Festival! The 2025 Weiwuying New Year Series promises a vibrant celebration, blending traditional performances with the soothing sounds of nature. Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring blessing drums and the energetic auspicious lion dance, setting the stage for a joyous start to the new year. Complementing these traditional performances will be the beautiful natural sounds from the mountain tribes, offering a simple yet profoundly healing auditory feast — a unique and touching way to receive New Year blessings.

Schedule and Opening Hours

The Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts will adjust its operating hours during the Lunar New Year holiday. Please take note of the following schedule:

• Little New Year’s Eve, January 27th (Monday) to New Year’s Eve, January 28th (Tuesday): Closed
• New Year’s Day, January 29th (Wednesday): Opening hours adjusted to 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• From the second day of the New Year, January 30th (Thursday): Normal opening hours resume, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

This schedule ensures that visitors can plan their visit accordingly and fully immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere. Whether you are a local resident or a traveler exploring the wonders of Kaohsiung, the Weiwuying New Year Series offers a unique cultural experience that is not to be missed.

Visuals and Accommodations

The event promises to be a feast for the senses, with vibrant visuals accompanying the auditory delights. Two images provide a glimpse into the festivities:

• Image of Blessing Drums
• Image of Auspicious Lion Dance

For those planning to extend their stay and fully enjoy the New Year celebrations, a variety of accommodations are available near the event venue. You can find a selection of hotels to suit your preferences and budget through this link: 🛏️ Hotels near the event. Booking in advance is recommended, particularly during this peak season, to secure the best rates and ensure a comfortable stay.

2025 Pier-2 Night Market: Reunion Fun

The 2025 Pier-2 Night Market, themed "Reunion Fun," promises a vibrant and festive experience for all attendees. This year’s event features a unique visual identity crafted by Huang Siwei, the designer behind the 2025 New Year’s Day Presidential Office Flag Raising Ceremony visuals. Drawing inspiration from the year of the Snake, the design incorporates elements of the Kaohsiung Pier-2 landscape, depicting festively attired boys and girls. These figures are shown bringing a variety of Pier-2 Night Market delicacies and adorable animals to the Kaohsiung Pier-2 Art Center, where they join the protagonist – a large, gluttonous snake – for a grand New Year’s reunion, replete with food, drinks, and music.

Event Details

The market will be held over five days, offering ample opportunity to immerse oneself in the festivities. The specific dates and times are as follows:

• Dates: January 29th to February 2nd, 2025
• Time: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily, with the exception of the last day, when the market will close at 8:00 PM.
• Location: The event will be spread across two areas within the Pier-2 Art Center: the Dayong Area Boyou Road and the Dayi Area Red Brick Corridor.

This year’s market stands out due to its unique visual theme, which seamlessly blends the traditional symbolism of the Chinese zodiac with the distinctive character of the Pier-2 Art Center. The involvement of a renowned designer like Huang Siwei ensures a visually captivating experience that sets this event apart from previous iterations. Attendees can expect a feast for the senses, with a wide array of culinary delights, live music, and a lively atmosphere that captures the spirit of reunion and celebration.

The image below provides a glimpse of the vibrant atmosphere that awaits visitors at the 2025 Pier-2 Night Market.


For those planning to attend the market, a variety of accommodation options are available in the vicinity of the Pier-2 Art Center. You can explore and book hotels near the event through the following link:

🛏️ Hotels near the event

2025 New Year’s Festivities: A Fun Time at Xiaoyao Garden

The 2025 New Year’s festivities at Xiaoyao Garden offer a variety of traditional activities for visitors of all ages. From January 29th to February 2nd, the garden will host a series of engaging events, all of which are free to attend and require no prior registration.

Schedule of Events

Spring Couplet Printing DIY 🧧

Dates: January 29th (Wednesday) – February 2nd (Sunday)

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Participation: Share a post from either the Xiaoyao Garden FB fan page or the Bird Town Imperial Tea House FB fan page. Alternatively, check in on Instagram stories to participate in this hands-on activity.

This event allows participants to create their own Spring Couplets, a traditional New Year decoration symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

Patterned Paper Cutting ✂️

Instructor: Xiao Wenxiong

Dates: January 30th (Thursday) – February 2nd (Sunday)

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Learn the intricate art of Chinese paper cutting under the guidance of Xiao Wenxiong. This traditional craft involves creating detailed designs by cutting patterns into paper, often used to decorate windows and doors during the New Year celebrations.

Dough Figurine Making and Sugar Blowing 🍡

Instructor: Xiao Shiyan

Date: January 30th (Thursday)

Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Xiao Shiyan will demonstrate the fascinating techniques of dough figurine making and sugar blowing. Dough figurines are colorful sculptures made from edible dough, while sugar blowing involves shaping molten sugar into various forms. Both are traditional folk arts that showcase impressive dexterity and creativity.

Balloon Twisting 🎈

Instructor: Jian Zidan

Date: January 31st (Friday)

Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Jian Zidan will entertain visitors with the art of balloon twisting, creating a variety of shapes and figures. This activity is particularly popular with children, who can watch in amazement as simple balloons are transformed into animals, hats, and other fun objects.

Storybook Storytelling 📖

Performer: Magumaku Creative Theatre Group

Date: February 1st (Saturday)

Time: 3:30 PM – 4:00 PM

The Magumaku Creative Theatre Group will present an engaging storytelling session, bringing classic tales to life with their dynamic performance style. This event is suitable for families and offers a delightful way to experience the magic of storytelling.

Visual Highlights

The festivities are further enhanced by the beautiful setting of Xiaoyao Garden. Two images capture the essence of the event:

• A vibrant display of traditional New Year decorations
• A close-up of intricate paper cuttings

Accommodation

For those planning to stay overnight, a variety of hotels are conveniently located near Xiaoyao Garden. You can find a selection of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences through this link to Expedia.

The 2025 New Year’s festivities at Xiaoyao Garden promise a memorable experience for all attendees, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in traditional Chinese culture and celebrate the arrival of the new year.

What is Xiaoyao Garden?

Xiaoyao Garden is a traditional Chinese garden that combines natural beauty with classical architecture. Situated in a busy city, it offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can experience China’s cultural heritage. The garden is designed to embody balance and harmony, featuring elements like winding paths, pavilions, and ponds with lotus flowers.

The layout follows classical Chinese garden design, integrating natural and man-made elements. Visitors can explore rockeries resembling mountain landscapes, walk through bamboo groves, and listen to water features. Each part of the garden is arranged to promote peace and contemplation, encouraging a connection with nature.

Beyond its beauty, Xiaoyao Garden is a cultural center, hosting events that celebrate Chinese arts and customs. Throughout the year, it features festivals, tea ceremonies, and performances that highlight Chinese culture. During the Lunar New Year, the garden hosts traditional activities, providing an authentic festive experience.

2025 Fo Guang Shan Chinese New Year Lantern Festival

The 2025 Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Spring Festival Peace Lantern Dharma Assembly will be held from January 29th to February 27th, 2025, corresponding to the first through the thirtieth day of the Lunar New Year. This annual event, initiated in 1980 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, has become a cherished tradition, attracting Buddhist disciples and visitors from around the world for over four decades.

The festival’s core concept, as envisioned by its founder, is the purification of minds and the creation of a "pure land on earth." This philosophy is reflected in the myriad activities planned for the month-long celebration, all designed to inspire joy, compassion, and wisdom in attendees.

A Tradition of Peace and Auspiciousness

For more than 40 years, Fo Guang Shan has welcomed individuals and families to its grounds during the Spring Festival. The assembly provides a unique opportunity to connect with the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha – the three jewels of Buddhism – while also fostering a sense of inner fulfillment. The event is characterized by a vibrant atmosphere of spring outings and festive celebrations, creating a welcoming environment for both new and returning visitors.

A Month of Activities

The 2025 assembly promises a diverse range of activities, both large and small, catering to a wide audience. While specific details are yet to be fully unveiled, the overarching goal remains consistent: to provide an enriching and meaningful experience for all who attend. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or simply curious about Buddhism, the festival offers a chance to immerse yourself in a culture of peace and spiritual growth.

Event Details

• Dates: January 29th – February 27th, 2025 (Lunar New Year’s Day to the 30th)
• Location: Fo Guang Shan Monastery

🛏️ Hotels near the event

What is Fo Guang Shan?

Fo Guang Shan is a Chinese Buddhist monastic order and organization established in 1967 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun in Taiwan. It is among the largest Buddhist organizations globally, focusing on Humanistic Buddhism, which integrates Buddhist principles into daily life to foster peace, compassion, and understanding. The name "Fo Guang Shan" means "Buddha’s Light Mountain," symbolizing its mission to spread Buddhist teachings and illuminate the world with wisdom and compassion.

Located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, the headquarters of Fo Guang Shan is a significant center for Buddhist education, cultural exchange, and spiritual practice. The site includes a monastery, a university, a museum, and various cultural and educational facilities. It is known for its architecture, peaceful environment, and the Fo Guang Big Buddha, which draws visitors worldwide.

Fo Guang Shan’s work goes beyond religious practice, involving social welfare, education, and cultural initiatives. The organization runs temples, schools, and cultural centers globally, building a community that promotes harmony and understanding across cultures. Events like the Chinese New Year Lantern Festival invite people from diverse backgrounds to engage with Chinese culture and Buddhist teachings, promoting peace and unity.

2025 Gangshan Light Arts Festival

The 2025 Gangshan Light Arts Festival will be held from January 25th to February 12th, with the light displays illuminated daily between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM. The festival grounds are located at Gangshan Riverside Park, Agongdian Bridge, and Jian Bridge. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the outdoors in the Gangshan suburbs during the day, and then come to the Light Arts Festival in the evening to see the lights, stroll through the market, and eat.

In addition to the light district exhibition, the festival will also feature the Shimmer Market and street artist performances during the first five days of the Lunar New Year, from January 29th to February 2nd. These special events will also run from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, providing a vibrant and festive atmosphere for all attendees. The Shimmer Market will offer a variety of goods and food, while the street artist performances will showcase local talent, ensuring there is something to satisfy every family member’s needs.

Light District Exhibition Information

• Exhibition Period: January 25th – February 12th
• Lighting Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
• Exhibition Location: Gangshan Riverside Park, Agongdian Bridge, Jian Bridge

Lunar New Year Special Events

• Shimmer Market X Street Artist Performances
• Event Time: January 29th – February 2nd (Lunar New Year’s Day to the fifth day)
• Event Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Public Transportation

Taiwan Railway

• Take the train to "Gangshan Train Station"

Kaohsiung Metro

• Take the MRT to "Gangshan Kaohsiung Medical University Station" or "Gangshan Station"

  • From there, take Bus Red 69 and get off at [Wenhua Street Intersection]. A short 5-minute walk will take you to Riverside Park.
  • Alternatively, take Bus Red 70A, Red 71A, or Red 71B1 and get off at [Hedi Road Intersection (Gangshan Road)]. Riverside Park is just a 3-minute walk away.
  • If you prefer, you can walk directly to the event venue from either station, which will take approximately 15 minutes.

Driving

• Option 1: Take National Highway No. 1 and exit at the Gangshan Interchange. Proceed west via County Road 186 (Jieshou East Road). After passing under the Jieshou Road Bridge, turn right onto Gangshan Road. Continue past Agongdian Bridge (Gangshan Road) and then turn left onto Hedi Road Section 2 to reach Gangshan Riverside Park.
• Option 2: Take Provincial Highway No. 1 to Hedi Road Section 2. Proceed west for about 500 meters to reach Gangshan Riverside Park.

For those planning to stay overnight, a selection of hotels near the event can be found here: 🛏️ Hotels near the event

What is Gangshan District?

Gangshan District is located in the northern part of Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It is known for its mix of traditional Taiwanese culture and modern development. The district plays a significant role in Taiwan’s aerospace industry, with several manufacturing plants contributing to the aviation sector. Gangshan is also recognized for its culinary offerings, especially its mutton dishes, which are popular among food enthusiasts.

The district features several historical and cultural sites, including temples and parks, reflecting its heritage. Visitors can explore local markets, enjoy traditional performances, and experience the hospitality of the residents. With convenient transportation links, including major highways and public transit, Gangshan is accessible for both locals and tourists. The Gangshan Light Arts Festival is another highlight, showcasing the district’s dedication to art and culture.