National Taiwan Ocean University (NTOU) is once again collaborating with Beigan Township in Lienchiang County to host the "Matsu Daqiu Dark Sky Night" in August. Following the themes of "Motion and Stillness"(Chinese: 動靜) in 2020 and "Inception"(Chinese: 初心) in 2022, the 2023 Daqiu Dark Sky Night will be themed "Swirling Stars"(Chinese: 星漩; Pinyin: xīng xuán). It invites all enthusiasts of starry skies and nature to experience the boundless starry sky of Matsu and indulge in a musical feast amidst nature. Building upon the accumulated visits of over a thousand people to Daqiu Island, the event aims to further establish the brand awareness of "Daqiu Dark Sky Night."

Daqiu Dark Sky Night is the only period throughout the year when nighttime visits to Daqiu Island are allowed, allowing people to explore the island and observe the Formosan sika deer during the day, and enjoy various themed performances at night. In line with this year's "Swirling Stars" theme, the event will focus on the Eastern "string" instrument represented by the guzheng (Chinese zither) and the Western "string" instrument represented by the cello. It invites Taipei Cheng-Hsin Orchestra(台北正心箏樂團), Professor Chang Chen-Chieh(張正傑) on cello, Lu Kuan-Ting(呂冠葶)  on piano accompaniment, Weng Jo-Pei(翁若珮) as mezzo-soprano, and Shaobin(小冰), a cubic art performer who has previously served in the Matsu Administration, to lead visitors in understanding the spirit of the dark sky and experiencing the importance of "reducing light" to actively reclaim natural light in their lives.

Cellist Professor Chang Chen-Chieh from NTOU welcomes guests during the sunset at Daqiu.

Since its establishment in Matsu in 2019, NTOU has actively engaged in local affairs, promoting interaction and communication between the university and local residents. With the spirit of "local revitalization," NTOU aims to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of the local community. By cultivating talents in local revitalization, NTOU highlights the advantages of Daqiu, including ecological conservation, astronomy stargazing, and low light pollution. In addition to actively seeking certification from the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) to designate Daqiu Island as a "Dark Sky Island," Taiwan Dark-Sky Association and local government, NTOU also promotes the Daqiu Dark Sky Night to deepen its brand awareness in Beigan and establish international connections based on sustainable development goals.

The "Matsu Daqiu Dark Sky Night - Swirling Stars" event is organized by the Lienchiang County Tourism Bureau and the Matsu National Scenic Area Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, with the Beigan Township Office as the main organizer. NTOU is responsible for planning and execution, collaborating with Starry Seascape Homestay for ticket sales and assistance in transportation between Beigan Qiaozi Port and Daqiu Island. The event brings together the faculty, students, and local youth of NTOU's Matsu campus to jointly promote the Daqiu Dark Sky Night. It is expected that the unique activities of the Dark Sky Night will lead people to immerse themselves in the natural environment of Daqiu, quietly gazing at the starry sky and enjoying the splendid performances themed "Swirling Stars."

✦ Event Information ✦

Dates: 19 Aug. (Saturday, VIP and Resident Reserved Session), 20 Aug. (Sunday), 21 Aug. (Monday)

✦ Ticket Price:       NT$800 (includes ferry ticket, activities, and insurance)
✦ Early Bird Price: NT$600 (available until 20 July.)

✦ Ticket Booking Website: https://reurl.cc/LA1rL7

✦ Event Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Daqiudarksky