Second-generation eco-friendly sky lantern crowdfunding, building a deep tourism system for Pingxi

People each take a side, surrounding the four corners of the sky lantern, watching the golden paper burn and burn in the middle, the flames sending the prayers on all four sides up to the sky. The master craftsman is the guardian of the sky lanterns, escorting every sincere hope as it burns and rises into the air, while also watching each generation come and go in Pingxi, new wishes replacing old ones, drifting up to the sky without end.

"In fact, in the earliest days it wasn't only the Pingxi area that released sky lanterns. According to historical records, the custom of releasing sky lanterns existed all over Taiwan, carrying meanings of mourning the dead and praying for peace." Shao Aiting, founder of Culture Bank, points out that later, due to terrain and safety factors, other places banned sky lantern releases, so it became the case that only Pingxi could release sky lanterns, and afterwards a uniquely Taiwanese sky lantern festival even developed.

But as time passed, the cultural meaning of sky lanterns gradually faded from memory, and at the same time environmental awareness rose, and the pollution caused by releasing sky lanterns sparked controversy, including fire hazards, carbon dioxide emissions, and waste. "Every year as the Lantern Festival approaches, there are opinions on both sides. Some people think releasing sky lanterns is not eco-friendly and harms the environment, and should be banned; others think it is a traditional custom that should be well preserved." Amid the disagreement between the two sides, the Culture Bank team found a solution - eco-friendly sky lanterns - hoping to balance environmental protection and traditional value.