Jiqing Community - Christmas Lane Introduction
The origin of the "Christmas Lane" in the Jiqing Community dates back to the eve of Christmas in 1999, when Pastor Lin Gongzhao of the "Sanai Church" moved the Christmas tree from inside the church to the outdoors. Members of the church decorated Christmas lights at their doorsteps and spread good news to their neighbors. Inspired by the joyful festive atmosphere, more residents joined in year after year. With the efforts of Jiqing Community Chief Huang Shengzong, carpenter Mr. Wen Yongyan, Taipei City University of Science and Technology Associate Professor Pan Tongtai, and pastors Lin Gongzhao and Hou Shuliang, "Christmas Lane" has grown in scale and gained increasing fame. Now, every year around Christmas, decorating with Christmas displays has become a customary festive activity for the households along the lane. In December, residents spontaneously begin to decorate their doorsteps and even start designing and creating new displays months in advance. The residents have an unspoken agreement to start lighting up from the week before Christmas and continue until the Lantern Festival of the following year. The decorations on "Christmas Lane" in Jiqing are arranged by household and feature different thematic installations, such as high-speed rail, cable cars, helicopters, and yellow ducks, with each household’s windowsills and yards showcasing residents' meticulous designs. In 2014, the "Christmas Lane" in Jiqing Community was voted one of the "Top Ten Romantic Christmas Spots" in the country by netizens.
