TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Popular YouTubers Cai Tai Tai and Cai Sheng Sheng (菜苔苔與菜生生) face mounting fines totaling NT$40,000 (around US$1,333) after releasing sky lanterns on railway tracks at Pingxi Old Street (平溪老街) in New Taipei. The beloved tourist destination in northern Taiwan now warns visitors that photographing or releasing lanterns on the centrally located tracks risks penalties from NT$10,000 to NT$50,000 (around US$333 to US$1,666).
The ancient tradition attracts countless international visitors daily to this famous mountain town destination. Tourists release colorful sky lanterns symbolizing their deepest wishes into the evening sky, believing the ritual will bring good fortune and make dreams come true. A Chinese visitor acknowledged that releasing lanterns on the railway tracks remains a popular tourist experience, expressing eagerness to participate despite knowing about the regulations.
Taiwan's Railway Act strictly prohibits unauthorized access to active railway tracks for safety reasons. The high-profile incident involving the influencer duo "Cai Tai Tai and Cai Sheng Sheng" (菜苔苔與菜生生) demonstrates the serious legal consequences of violating this regulation. Railway authorities confirmed that each individual appearing in photographs taken on the tracks will receive separate fines.
Local business owners express growing concern that rigorous enforcement could severely damage Pingxi's thriving tourism economy and jeopardize their financial survival. Tourism operators and government officials struggle to find the delicate balance between ensuring visitor safety and preserving the area's appeal as a must-visit destination. The ongoing enforcement challenge threatens both Pingxi's future tourism development and the safety of thousands of annual visitors to this historic railway town. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.008)
