TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) pledged full support for the three-day Qingshan King Festival (青山王祭) marking its 170th anniversary Tuesday (Dec. 9). The Department of Civil Affairs, Taipei's municipal religious affairs office, hosts the festival themed "Bravo Taipei" featuring traditional Eight Generals performances with cultural significance. Eight performers portray red- and green-faced Generals in the traditional ceremony honoring the deity's arrival in Taiwan.
Chiang emphasized the Qingshan King's significance as Wanhua's main spiritual center during the opening ceremony. The mayor announced promotional initiatives, including Qingshan King-themed trains and platform lightboxes on the MRT Bannan Line, Taipei's metro system. The Ximen Red House (藝文紅壇) has expanded programming to promote traditional culture throughout the city. The festival's first day featured a procession symbolizing community protection and stability.
The festival showcases performances from Taipei's Gong Le Xuan Chinese Orchestra (台北共樂軒北管), Taipei Ching Ho Kuang Lion Dance Troupe (台北慶和館舞獅跳樁), and Yan Yang Stunt Troupe (焰陽劇坊鼓陣將登場) from 6 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 10). 26 art floats depicting Bangka's, Taipei's oldest district's, culture and folklore will parade through Ximending at 7:30 p.m. Japan's Fushiki Hikiyama Festival participates with decorated floats during daytime and lantern-lit displays at night.
Chiang mentioned the first phase of Wanda Line MRT vehicles, metro trains, arrived in Taiwan in November last year with operations expected to begin in 2027. Renovation projects for Bangka Park and the first fruit and fish markets are underway, with completion scheduled for August 2026. The mayor's involvement in the festival highlights his focus on temple events and community engagement. ◼
