Located to the north of Tainan, Taiwan; Yanshui is a small and old town with a famous annual festival : danger, folklore and delight combine at the Yanshui Fireworks Festival. Associated with the Lunar New Year, it attracts travelers and thrill seekers from all over the world. Read on to learn more about this festive and traditionnal event in Taïwan, on February 23-24 (2024 edition) !
An exhilarating experience
The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is considered as one (if not the most) dangerous festival in the world. The “fireworks barrage” means that thousands of fireworks (rockets) are launched into the air, and the participants protect themselves against embers and sparks. It’s a crowd equipped with helmets and thick jackets, creating an adrenaline-fueled experience like no other. While it may seem risky, safety measures have been implemented to ensure your safety as you experience the craziness of having fireworks blasted all around you. Morever, people of all age participate. Then, this festival is a captivating showcase, a cultural heritage and an exhilarating experience. It has a lively atmosphere, when tradition meet celebration.
The origines and belief
This festival has a rich historical background : back to the late Qing Dynasty (19th century), a cholera epidemic swept through the Yanshui region in 1875 (it lasted for over 20 years). The survivors prayed the God of War, Guan Yu, symbolism of protection and loyalty, at the Yanshui Wu temple (Taoïsm) dedicated to him. To chase away the evil spirits tied to the epidemic, locals carried a statue of Guan Yu around the region and exploded huge fireworks to ward off the disease. Then, the epidemic receded, and the promise of an annual tradition was created. Indeed, in Chinese culture, fireworks are traditionally believed to bring wealth, prosperity and protection from evils spirits.
It is after the second world war that locals used bottle rockets. Since 1980, layered platforms expulse fireworks in multiple directions : participants are hit by it. Nowadays, the more you are confronted to their displays, the luckier you get for the coming year. in addition, Taiwanaise people celebrate Guan Yu (seeking his protection and blessing) by carring his statue through the street : it is called the « divine sedan chair procession ». The festival involved many rituals to ask for good fortune : temple ceremonies, dragon dances, martial arts performances…
Accomodation
There are several transportation options available for Taipei to Yanshui : the train offers convenience with direct routs and comfortable seating (approximately 2h00) for Chiayi station ; while the bus provides a more affordable option (slightly longuer than train) for Xinying station. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, as the festival attracts a large number of visitors. Another option is to catch a ride (you can use social media to find a departing group) or hiring a car (exit at Xinying interchange and head towards Yanshui, drive west along county highway No.172 for almost 2.6Km). Local taxie service will be helpful if necessary at Yanshui.
To fully immerse yourself in the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival experience, tourists should consider staying in Yanshui during the festival period (2 days), and try various accommodation : Hostel (the popular XYZ Hostel), guesthouse (ABC guesthouse) or Homestay ; and Yanshui Night Market (you can savor traditional Taiwanese dishes) or local restaurant (Japanes specialities at Tokyia or some milk fish at Yong Tong).
To conclude, the Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival is an extraordinary event that combines entertainment and cultural discovery. As it is deeply rooted in Taiwanese tradition for years, it is a must-attend event for tourists seeking an authentic cultural immersion in Taïwan. This adrenaline-fueled celebration that encapsulates Taïwan’s rich cultural heritage is a unique event in the world !
