President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) celebrated his first Lunar New Year since taking office by visiting the Jinshan Chengtian Temple and returning to his hometown in Wanli. Lai made several appearances despite not having a public schedule for the holiday.
Lai visited the temple early on Lunar New Year’s Eve this Tuesday, burning incense and dedicating a prayer to Taiwan to hope for its peace, prosperity, good weather, and no natural disasters. Speaking at the temple, he said that he would return each year and noted that his prayers have changed from praying for the safety and wellbeing of his family to praying on behalf of the whole nation. Residents were wished a peaceful, lucky, and happy new year as they lined up in an orderly fashion to receive the lucky bags (福袋) Lai handed out.
After the President made a stop at the Jinshan Cihu Temple and greeted the police officers on duty in Jinshan, he returned to his home in Wanli where he hung up spring couplets and wished his neighbors a happy new year. Lai then sat under a large tree to chat with members of the media and the public.
Aside from spending the holiday with his family, President Lai is also expected to welcome in the new year by ringing the Dharma Drum Mountain Lotus Bell this Tuesday night.