On October 18, 2025, more than 5,000 Falun Gong practitioners from Taiwan and some other countries gathered at Liberty Square of Taipei’s iconic Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Under the bright autumn sun, they formed massive and intricate patterns — the Falun (Law Wheel) emblem and the Chinese characters “Fǎlún cháng zhuàn (法輪常轉),” meaning “The Falun is constantly rotating.”
The spectacular character formation and group exercise demonstration transformed the vast plaza into a living mandala of color, harmony, and devotion, radiating tranquility and strength that captivated both local visitors and international tourists alike.
History and tradition of character formation
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, was introduced to the public in China in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. Rooted in the principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance (真、善、忍), the practice combines moral cultivation with five sets of gentle exercises and meditation aimed at improving both body and mind. Since its introduction, Falun Gong has spread to more than 100 countries, with millions of practitioners worldwide.
The practice took root in Taiwan in 1995, and since 2000, Taiwanese practitioners have organized annual “character formation” events — assembling in open fields or public squares to create large-scale images and characters associated with Falun Dafa. These gatherings not only display artistic precision and collective harmony but also serve as a peaceful expression of faith and unity.
Symbolism and meaning of the character formation
The centerpiece of this year’s character formation was the grand Falun emblem and the four Chinese characters “Fǎlún cháng zhuàn (法輪常轉)”, symbolizing the eternal rotation of the “Law Wheel” and the universal nature of the teachings. The emblem, measuring about 66 meters (216 feet) in diameter, featured a large swastika (srivatsa 卍) symbol at its center, surrounded by four smaller srivatsa symbols and four Taoist taiji (yin-yang) patterns.
Each of the four accompanying Chinese characters measured approximately 21 meters (69 feet) wide and 17 meters (56 feet) high, forming a magnificent and balanced composition. From above, the entire design — about 90 meters (295 feet) long and 87 meters (285 feet) wide — appeared as a radiant tapestry of color and symmetry, symbolizing harmony between Heaven and Earth.
Highlights of the 2025 character formation event
One of the most striking moments was watching the thousands of participants enter the plaza in an orderly procession, taking their carefully assigned positions across the expanse between the grand Liberty Square Arch and the memorial hall. The coordination and calmness of the gathering created a moving visual of unity and discipline.
After the character formation, thousands of the practitioners demonstrated Falun Gong’s five sets of exercises to the serene melodies of traditional Chinese music. Their graceful, slow movements embodied inner peace and spiritual focus, offering a gentle contrast to the busy rhythm of the city. Many onlookers stopped to observe, capturing photos and videos, while some joined momentarily in the meditative gestures.
Drone footage captured the breathtaking aerial view of the completed character formation, highlighting its vibrant colors and majestic scale. The harmony of thousands moving and meditating together conveyed a profound sense of peace and solemnity. The impressive scene drew admiration from both locals and tourists, who described the display as “majestic,” “beyond words,” and “deeply moving.”
A peaceful message to the world
Despite enduring 26 years of suppression in China, Falun Gong practitioners continue to uphold their belief in Truthfulness, Compassion, and Forbearance through peaceful means. Events like the annual image and character formation in Taiwan not only celebrate the beauty of the practice but also convey a universal message of harmony, courage, and spiritual freedom.
Bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight, the golden character formation shimmered across Liberty Square — a vivid reminder that the principles of compassion and truth continue to shine across cultures and borders, inspiring peace within and beyond Taiwan.
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