Yilan City Spring Festival street scene layout

In the Chinese Zodiac, each year in the repeating cycle of 12 years is represented by a zodiac animal. Dragon is one of these zodiac animals. The design team is motivated by the integration of local culture and projection mapping to create visual impact and creativity in celebrating the Year of the Dragon. Lighting techniques enhance the aesthetics and meaning of the design. Due to the upcoming Year of the Dragon in 2024, the design team has been commissioned to create the New Year lighting design for Yilan City. Adopting the theme of “Dragon Comes with Fortune” for the projection mapping, the displays are featured in two major lighting zones: Yilan Bridge and Zhongshan Park in Yilan City.

“Auspicious Dragon Lighting Corridor” is inspired by the zodiac sign of the Dragon. Utilizing the winding Yilan River as its backdrop, decorative lights are arranged to form a 230-meter-long dragon coiled gracefully along the lighting corridor and Yilan Bridge. The geometric-shaped strip lights add a profound dimension to the design, creating a welcoming path to happiness. The majestic dragon appears as a guardian deity of Jioucyong (the ancient name of Yilan), offering protection and blessings to the citizens as they embark on a new year. Yilan was once known as Jioucyong in the past. For Zhongshan Park, located in the old town district, the design team embraces the concept of “Ancient Jioucyong City'' for the themed lantern area titled “Nostalgic moments in Zhongshan.” Vibrant and luminous candy-colored hues dominate the overall design, which symbolize a fresh beginning for the upcoming year. By linking five gates into a circle arrangement, the design harmonizes with the geographical and cultural context of the past. Integrated with the surrounding roads, it creates a sensation of traveling through time and space. Through the varying colors of strip lights and starry string lights, visitors are transported back to the glorious days of the moat, experiencing the passage of time. Engaging the senses, the design evokes a sense of happiness, inviting everyone to experience the magnificent landscape and projection mapping art, fusing traditional and contemporary elements into creative expression.