Kang Kang Vs Fu Lu Monkey [Photo/cankaoxiaoxi.com]

Meanwhile, a series of funny versions of the Taipei monkey created by Internet users prompted laughter online.

Facing the critics, Lan Shicong, the director of the Civil Affairs bureau of Taipei City, quickly and positively responded. He invited visitors to take a look at this "ugliest yet funniest and most creative lamp" on the festival day and said that the public comments on the design were likely to be included in the final design to enhance interaction with audiences.

However, the story does not end easily. Recent humid weather in Taipei apparently made the paint on the giant lantern peeled off, generating the assumption that the pattern may not be able to last until the festival.

The grand celebration for the Lantern Festival will be launched in Taipei's Flower Garden Park on Saturday when the "Fu Lu Monkey" will make its debut.