Taiwanese Actress Lin Chi-ling Faces Railway Investigation Over 2022 Lantern Photos
Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling is facing potential fines up to 50,000 New Taiwan dollars after a 2022 social media post showing her family standing on an active railway track sparked formal citizen complaints, according to reports from the Taipei-based newspaper United Daily News.
Railway Police Summon Actress After Viral Social Media Post Prompts Formal Complaints
The controversy stems from a social media post published by Lin two years ago. According to United Daily News, the images show Lin alongside her husband, Japanese performer AKIRA of EXILE, and their son standing on the tracks near the Shifen Old Street to release a sky lantern.
Public scrutiny intensified after a travel influencer couple was fined 10,000 New Taiwan dollars last year for taking photos on the exact same section of the Shifen Old Street railway tracks. Citizens questioned why Lin had not faced similar penalties for the same infraction, prompting formal complaints to the Railway Police Bureau.
According to the Railway Police Bureau, investigators issued two separate summonses for Lin to appear for questioning. Following her failure to respond to both requests, authorities transferred the case to the Railway Bureau to initiate official administrative punishment procedures. While the Railway Bureau has not confirmed whether a fine has been finalized, officials stated that confirmed violations carry penalties of up to 50,000 New Taiwan dollars.
Local Tourism Business Model Clashes With Strict Railway Safety Regulations
Releasing sky lanterns on the Pingxi Line tracks remains a widespread practice among tourists visiting the region. According to United Daily News, local shops have established a commercial model where vendors actively guide tourists onto the tracks and surrounding rail corridors to pose for souvenir photographs with their lanterns.
Many visitors remain completely unaware that stepping onto the active tracks violates safety laws, often following shopkeeper instructions before facing sudden fines or citizen reports. Railway Bureau statistics show that approximately 60 people have faced legal penalties over the past five years for trespassing on the Pingxi Line tracks to take photographs or launch lanterns.
To balance local tourism promotion with safety mandates, the Railway Bureau implemented a policy revision earlier this year. The updated framework explicitly bans unauthorized public access to tracks while establishing an exception for municipalities that submit formal administrative applications. However, neither the New Taipei City Government nor the Pingxi District Office has submitted an application for public track access under the new rule, and individual tourist applications are not permitted.
Lin Chi-ling Responds to Investigation and Urges Legal Lantern Release
In response to the ongoing legal proceedings, Lin issued a public statement addressing the controversy. According to United Daily News, the actress stated, “I will honestly go pay the fine. Thank you everyone for your concern,” while urging visitors to release sky lanterns only within legally designated areas.
Did you know?
Over the past five years, approximately 60 individuals have faced official penalties for trespassing on the Pingxi Line tracks to capture photographs or launch traditional sky lanterns, according to Railway Bureau data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lin Chi-ling facing an investigation?
According to United Daily News, Lin is facing administrative punishment procedures after citizens reported a 2022 Instagram post showing her family standing on the railway tracks at Shifen Old Street.
What is the maximum penalty for trespassing on the Pingxi Line tracks?
The Railway Bureau stated that confirmed violations can result in a maximum fine of 50,000 New Taiwan dollars.
Can tourists legally release sky lanterns on the tracks?
No. Stepping onto the tracks is prohibited under railway safety regulations, though local shops frequently guide tourists onto the rail lines. Only designated areas outside the active tracks are legal for lantern releases unless local governments secure formal authorization from the Railway Bureau.
What are your thoughts on balancing tourism traditions with railway safety? Share your perspective in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more regional updates.
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