Taiwan Railway to Temporarily Lift Sky Lantern Ban on Pingxi Tracks for Tourism Boost

A two-month trial period aims to balance popular tourist activity with safety concerns.

Taiwan Railway Corporation (TR) has announced plans to temporarily lift its ban on releasing sky lanterns along railway tracks in New Taipei's Pingxi District. This initiative, set to begin this weekend and continue for two months, aims to accommodate a popular tourist tradition while exploring safety measures.

The release of sky lanterns, where wishes are inscribed on paper lanterns before being sent aloft by a small flame, is a significant draw for visitors to Pingxi year-round. While this practice is generally permitted in designated areas under New Taipei City regulations, releasing lanterns directly on railway tracks has been prohibited by law.

Despite the existing regulations, many visitors have been observed releasing lanterns from the train tracks, which traverse through the main streets of Pingxi. This practice gained public attention in August when a pair of Taiwanese YouTubers were fined NT$10,000 (approximately US$320) for releasing lanterns on the Shifen railway track. The YouTubers stated they were guided to the tracks by vendors and observed many other tourists engaging in the same activity.

To address the balance between promoting tourism and ensuring public safety, authorities will implement a trial period for lifting the ban. This will occur during specific hours and within restricted zones, starting at Shifen Station and later extending to Pingxi and Jingtong stations. The railway company confirmed that this temporary measure will be in effect until the end of January 2026. The suspension of train services on this line during this period is due to ongoing roadbed repairs necessitated by erosion from recent heavy rainfall.

Local officials have been actively involved in the planning process. The Pingxi District office has submitted proposed timeframes and designated areas for lantern releases at the three stations identified by TR. These proposals have been communicated to the railway corporation.

The city's Tourism and Travel Bureau emphasized that individuals participating in lantern releases must adhere to regulations concerning timing, safety, and designated areas. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to NT$3,000, as stipulated by the Fire Services Act. The bureau plans to actively disseminate information about these regulations and work with lantern vendors to ensure their cooperation.