New Taipei, May 16 (CNA) - The 2026 Tamsui Sailing Adventure officially kicked off tonight at the Tamsui Golden Waterfront. New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih, alongside the protagonist Luffy from the anime 'One Piece,' lit up the 12-meter-tall 'Thousand Sunny' main lantern, marking the official start of the nearly two-month summer festival. The New Taipei City Tourism and Travel Department noted today that the event is timed with the opening of the Danjiang Bridge, transforming the Tamsui River estuary into the 'New Route' from the 'One Piece' story. Hou Yu-ih said that the opening of the Danjiang Bridge not only significantly reduces travel time between Tamsui and Bali but also symbolizes the opening of a new route, hoping to convey a spirit of adventure, courage, and partnership. The department stated that the highlight installation is the 12-meter-tall 'Thousand Sunny,' a giant ship body created by combining inflatable art with steel structure technology. It attracted a large number of fans and tourists on its opening day. During the event, the public can board the deck daily from 1:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Furthermore, starting from the 17th, a 'Setting Sail Light Show' featuring light beams and smoke effects will be performed every half hour from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. The related installations will remain lit until 10:00 PM, continuously illuminating the Tamsui riverbank. The department also mentioned that the '2026 Tamsui Sailing Adventure' will run until July 12. Due to the event coinciding with the bridge opening excitement and the popular IP exhibition, the public is advised to use public transportation. (Edited by Chen Yen-chun) 1150516