15-minute pyrotechnic Fire Lion ritual dazzles crowd

15-minute pyrotechnic Fire Lion ritual dazzles crowd

2026-05-01

The annual Baosheng Cultural Festival has kicked off once again in Taipei, at the historic Bao’an Temple in Dalongdong. One of the highlights of the religious celebration called the Fire Lion ritual took place on Thursday evening. The fire lion combines paper sculpting with modern fireworks technology for a dazzling display. The paper lion statue stuffed with firecrackers was created by master artisan Lee Ching-jung. Once it was lit, a 15-minute pyrotechnic festival held the crowd rapt. By the end, the lion was just a pile of ashes, symbolizing the dispersal of disease and misfortune. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Watched Fire Lion Ceremony
They bring out the Fire Lion out on a procession to trap disease, bad things and misfortune in its belly. Then, they bring it back out and set it on fire, signifying that all these calamities inside it are destroyed along with it. It’s the fifth time for me to take part. Every year, they invite different performers. What I like the most is the Fire Lion ritual, and also the Taiwanese opera performances that take place every evening.

Besides the Fire Lion, there’s all sorts of events during the day and at night. There’s Beiguan opera performances and lots of traditional folk shows and activities. The Baosheng Cultural Festival runs until June 16, so there is plenty of time to visit still and get a sight of the century-old traditions.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#folk #lion #fun #fireworks #taipei #events

保生文化祭迎接最高潮！放火獅15分鐘超震撼

2026-05-01

國定古蹟台北市大龍峒保安宮，舉辦年度宗教盛事「保生文化祭」，30號晚間重頭戲「放火獅」儀式登場，火獅結合傳統紙紮工藝，與現代煙火技術，是李清榮藝師精心打造，火獅腹內放入蜂炮，點燃後火光四射，整整燃燒15分鐘，最終化為灰燼，象徵瘟疫與厄運的消散。

[[民眾]]
“他把火獅抬出去遶境之後，他們相信火獅會把疾病，壞東西、厄運什麼，都是到他的肚子裡去，然後他們抬回來之後，就會在邊就地火化，然後就表示說，這些災厄也一起被消滅。我已經來了第五次了，每年都邀請，不同那種文藝團體來，最吸引我的，就是他的火獅祭，還有他每天晚上，有不同的歌仔戲”

不只火獅吸睛，一連串活動，從白天熱鬧到傍晚，有北管戲曲、七星八卦陣法等多組民俗陣頭接力演出，保生文化祭活動一路延續到6月16號，不只延續百年信仰，也讓更多人走進民俗文化的世界。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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Air force pilot shares stories of time abroad in France

Aerospace Industrial Development Corp chairman Tsao Chin-ping recently gave an exclusive interview on News Observation discussing Taiwan’s domestic flight program. A former air force pilot, Tsao said that when he was serving as Taiwan’s military representative in France, a scandal erupted triggering a diplomatic crisis. He managed to keep communication going by taking the same early trains as French military officers, where he staged chance encounters and exchanged military intelligence.

With over 40 years of experience as a pilot and instructor, the chairman of Aerospace Industrial Development Corp, Tsao Chin-ping, has had an impressive, meaningful career.

Tsao Chin-ping
AIDC chairman
Chief Shen Yi-ming gathered everyone together and gave us an important message before we left for France for training. The last air force group that went to France was led by Gao Zhihang. Many years had passed since the last exchange between our two countries, so we had to succeed. Failure was not an option. There was no turning back.

Former chief of general staff Shen ingrained an important principle in Tsao: Failure is not an option.

Tsao Chin-ping
AIDC chairman
One day we were flying a two-seater—he was in the front, and I was in the back. We were assigned a low-altitude mission in the mountains along the Xiugulan River. The scenery was beautiful, but the valley twists and turns and is difficult to fly through. During such a complex mission, he remained calm, telling me what to do in each moment. He was teaching me that when we serve as flight leaders, our greatest achievement is that our subordinates can complete the mission even when they have no clear understanding of the situation.

When Tsao was serving as a military representative in France, the Lafayette scandal broke out, severing military exchanges. But he found a way forward.

Tsao Chin-ping
AIDC chairman
At 2 or 3 in the morning I arrived in the office and completed all the work I had to do that day. Around 5am when the trains started running, I went to stations close to where French military officers lived, gathering information about what trains they took. I arranged chance encounters, using train rides as opportunities to exchange intelligence.

Shen gave Tsao courage during these deliberate “chance encounters” that went on for six months. Then on Jan. 2, 2020, they were both on board a Black Hawk helicopter that crashed in New Taipei. Shen and seven others on board tragically lost their lives.

Tsao Chin-ping
AIDC chairman
I visited him early in the morning on the anniversary of his death, when no one else was around. I had time to have a heartfelt conversation with him, letting him know that thanks to his guidance, the air force was continuing to grow strong.

Tsao has gone from soaring in the skies to leading AIDC. He keeps General Shen’s legacy alive as he continues to safeguard Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Septuagenarian gets machining certification, sets sights on university

The continuing education department at National Caotun Vocational Senior High School boasts a gold-star student who also happens to be in his golden years! 73-year-old Tsai Chia-tsai not only comes out top of his class every semester, but also spent a year of rigorous study to earn Class B certification as a machining technician. He said he wants to be an example for his grandson and is working hard to achieve his next dream: getting into university.

A man adjusts a machine with intense focus, looking like he has decades of experience behind him—maybe a senior instructor or a master technician.

Scratch that, this young man is actually the instructor! 73-year-old Tsai Chia-tsai is a student in the continuing education department at National Caotun Vocational Senior High. After missing out on an education when he was young, he started taking night classes at 60. At 70, he enrolled in this mechanics program. He’s not only top of his class every semester, but after passing Class C machining technician certification in his second year, he studied hard for a year to attain the difficult Class B level.

Tsai Chia-tsai
Machining technician
The hardest part of the exam was the theory. There are 1,000 questions for that part, including multiple-choice questions that might have more than one answer. Memorizing it all was exhausting. But I want to show young folks and my classmates that we old people can do it too.

While his physical stamina and eyesight may be in decline, Tsai’s resolve is unshakable. His teachers are all impressed, and work hard along with him.

Chen Shih-pin
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He’s currently 73. In my 10-plus years of teaching, I’ve never seen someone of his age attain Class B certification. He might be the only one in the entire country to pass at his age.

You’re never too old to learn. Tsai said his greatest motivation is his grandson, who recently started the mechanics program at a Taichung high school. As the “upperclassman" in the family, he wants to set a good example.

Tsai Chia-tsai
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When I found out I passed, I almost cried. Seriously. I’m not joking. My grandson said he wants to keep at it, since he’s planning to take the Grade C exam this year.

Hand trembling as he shows his license, this senior student is taking that same passion and roaring headfirst into his next challenge: getting into university!

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#lifelonglearning #continuingeducation #machining #mechanicalengineering #inspiration #technician #senior

2026-05-01

Pingtung globally recognized for ornamental fish breeding

Pingtung has been developing its ornamental fish industry, carving out a place on the global stage. One of the most common species, the guppy, generates about NT$500 million annually in Taiwan, with Pingtung accounting for around 70 percent of production. With today’s advanced breeding techniques, features like tail shape, body length, and color can all be selectively bred. Pingtung recently hosted an international ornamental fish competition, welcoming competitors from around the world.

Guppies come in many colors—some solid red, others with a pink, transparent hue and blue-shimmering tails, and even some with zebra stripes. Because they have so many different looks, guppies are a very popular ornamental fish.

Kuo Tsung-chih
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We have raised almost 300 kinds. The most popular domestically are the red and white ones and the blue tail suit, or sky-blue ones, because their colors are so vibrant. The industry’s output value is close to NT$500 million.

The guppy is the most popular ornamental fish in Taiwan. About 70 percent of Taiwan’s guppies come from Pingtung, where the hard water and tropical climate are especially suited for breeding them. Breeders have continued to refine their techniques, making it possible to tailor specific traits such as color, tail shape, and body form.

Hung Ming-chang
Pingtung Ornamental Fish Association director
These traits can all be improved through selective breeding. For example, a triangular tail might need to be at about a 65-degree angle, which isn’t something normally seen in wild guppies. So, breeders go through many generations, selecting and refining, to achieve that specific angle. Or if its body needs to be around 35mm, these are all special requirements.

These translucent tools show all kinds of guppies, carefully measuring their tail fin and body length. Only those that meet the standards are eligible to compete in international competitions. Pingtung hosted the 26th World Guppy Contest in late February and early March, solidifying its position as a major hub for the ornamental fish industry. The event welcomed competitors from around the world, with about 800 groups participating.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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Business finds success from making running sandals out of oyster shells

As more Taiwan’s footwear industry is moving overseas, one factory in Luzhou has broken through by cracking the circular economy. Lu Shu-cheng, general manager of Decheng Shoes, was inspired by annoying oyster shell waste common in her hometown. After calcifying and then grinding the shells, then combining the powder with rubber-like EVA materials, she can make naturally antimicrobial sandals. Ever since famous marathon runner Lo Wei-ming was spotted wearing the shoes, they’ve gained international renown. Lu makes it her mission to give back to her community by recycling old shoes, serving as a shining example of the resilience of Taiwan’s traditional industries as they embrace green manufacturing.

This avid marathon runner is wearing... flip flops? Actually, these running sandals were already made famous at home and abroad by Taiwan’s ultramarathon champ Lo Wei-ming. Even former US secretary of state Mark Pompeo and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have them.

Tang Shih-ching
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Running in sneakers is nothing special. But is it possible to run fast in flip flops? After running for a bit in them, I actually find that the soles are very soft and flexible, and it has enough bounce. Most importantly, the thong area between the toes doesn’t hurt.

These running sandals come from a factory in New Taipei’s Luzhou District. But you’ll never guess what they’re made out of.

Lu Shu-chen
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These are the shells left over from making oyster omelettes. These annoying things can be made into something useful.

When she was growing up in Yunlin, Lu Shu-chen never thought the oyster shells she was tired of seeing all the time could be broken up, calcified, and ground into a powder, then made into pellets and mixed with EVA materials to make shoes.

Lu Shu-chen
Decheng Shoes general manager
Although they’re not easy to make, since they’re naturally antibacterial, during the COVID-19 pandemic we hit a 40-year high in sales.

These are the first fully recycled sandals in Taiwan to be made with carbon plating, achieving sustainability and environmental goals. The business also encourages customers to bring their old shoes back to be recycled.

Lu Shu-chen
Decheng Shoes general manager
Making shoes that are sustainable and eco-friendly is a mission of mine. Having reached this point as a business, we have a sense of mission that—since we’ve produced a lot of pollution—shouldn’t we give back?

Exercising their corporate responsibility to reduce their carbon footprint to the absolute minimum sets high expectations for the rest of Taiwan’s footwear industry.

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Over the next 10 years, we hope to elevate the entire industry. My greatest goal is of course, if I have the chance, I’m willing to share the results of our research with our peers, and I hope that they will follow us in moving toward sustainability. If all of us as a whole can achieve so-called sustainability, this is a better way to boost our industry. Otherwise, with so much of the shoe business already moved overseas, what else can Taiwan do?

Lu’s business has grown from a small cottage industry to a warehouse that can hold thousands of shoes with a massive flagship store. This unassuming pair of running sandals has redirected the fate of Taiwan’s entire footwear industry toward a brighter, sustainable future.

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Spotlight on Repair Expert, Kevin Liao

Tonight, we take you to meet Kevin Liao, who gave up a career in technology for his passion: jewelry. After studying computer science and business management in the US, he decided to switch tracks and pursue professional training in jewelry design and restoration. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the story.

He washes the jewelry in a machine, then, under the microscope, he quickly repairs a broken necklace.

This is Kevin Liao. With a background in computer hardware and software, he first entered the jewelry field through 3D computer modeling. That doorway opened up a passion for gemstones and metal craftsmanship.

Kevin Liao
Jewelry repair professional
I first entered the jewelry field through 3D computer modeling. I used digital design as a way to learn how to make jewelry and create. Later on, through different opportunities, I started working with the real jewelry piece. That is when I discovered my strong interest in gemstones, identification, and metal craftsmanship. About 20 years ago, I traveled to India on my own to learn about gemstone cutting and production. At this time, I didn’t realize how many skills this industry required, but the more I learn the more I realized this was a field worth deeply exploring and something I was truly passionate about.

Passion alone wasn’t enough. Jewelry restoration requires a wide range of professional skills and the barrier to entry is high.

Kevin Liao
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Jewelry restoration has a very high barrier to entry especially because I chose to work in a fully integrated one-step process, from identification and design to production and restoration. Every step requires strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience. I also studied under masters in Hong Kong, mainland China, and Taiwan. I trained in stone settings, 3D design, metalwork, electroplating, and polishing.

Liao studied computer science and business management in the United States. Driven by his passion for jewelry, he pursued professional training in jewelry design and restoration. Around 10 years ago, he returned to Taiwan and founded a jewelry repair store, and has since accumulated nearly 20 years of practical experience. He said, many people don’t realize that even broken jewelry still holds value.

Kevin Liao
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When jewelry is broken, bent, or damaged, most people feel lost. Their first reaction is often that the piece has no value anymore. From our professional advice, that is simply not true. The problem is usually a lack of clear information. Our company has strong identification capabilities. We don’t just look at the surface, we evaluate gemstone characteristics, metal composition, and the true value of a piece.

He says that beyond technical mastery, educating consumers is at the heart of his mission. He hopes to guide people to understand the true value of their jewelry, whether through identification, restoration, or redesign.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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