Jiqing Community - Christmas Lane Introduction
The "Christmas Lane" of the Jiqing Community originated from the "San'ai Church," where Pastor Lin Gongzhao moved the Christmas tree that was originally placed indoors to the outdoors on Christmas Eve in 1999. The church members in the lane then decorated their homes with Christmas lights and spread good news to their neighbors. Inspired by the festive atmosphere, more residents joined in over the years. With the dedicated efforts of Jiqing Community leader Huang Shengzong, carpenter Mr. Wen Yongyan, Taipei City University of Science and Technology Associate Professor Pan Tongtai, and pastors Lin Gongzhao and Hou Shuliang, the scale of "Christmas Lane" expanded and gained more fame. Now, during the Christmas season every year, it has become a customary activity for every household in the lane to set up Christmas decorations. In December, the residents spontaneously begin decorating their doorsteps, with some even designing and creating new shapes or installations months in advance. The residents have a mutual understanding that the lighting starts from the week before Christmas and continues until the Lantern Festival of the following year. The decorations in Jiqing's "Christmas Lane" are arranged unit by unit, featuring various themed installations such as high-speed rail, cable cars, helicopters, and giant rubber ducks, with carefully designed windows and yards by the residents. In 2014, the Jiqing Community's "Christmas Lane" was also voted as one of the top ten romantic Christmas spots in the country by online users.
