The grand lighting ceremony began at 7:00 p.m., where Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te joined senior government officials and tourism representatives to illuminate the festival’s main lantern titled ‘Alishan, Veiled in Luminous Mist.’
The annual festival, which draws visitors from across the world, showcases the vibrant fusion of Taiwan’s traditional culture, artistic creativity and advanced technology. With hundreds of lantern installations, immersive light displays and international cultural performances, the festival offers a compelling reason for global travellers, including those from India, to explore Taiwan in all its glory.
The festival’s return to Chiayi County after eight years highlights the region’s evolving identity as a destination where nature, culture and modern innovation intersect. Known for its scenic landscapes, forests and agricultural heritage, Chiayi has increasingly positioned itself as a hub that combines traditional industries with modern technological development.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Lai emphasised that culture forms the foundation of a nation while technology provides the momentum for progress. The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival is more than a celebration; it showcases how Taiwan, grounded in culture and propelled by technology, charts its own path in the face of global challenges.
Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai remarked that the Festival’s return to Chiayi after eight years reconnects natural ecology with future technology through its lantern artworks, presenting the county’s rich character from mountains and forests to agriculture, fisheries, and high-tech industries. The Festival is not merely an exhibition of lanterns but a national-level cultural event integrating industry, tourism, and future-oriented vision.
The Premier further highlighted that the main lantern design reflects Taiwan’s determination to advance sustainability in response to climate change, while the overall planning of each exhibition zone embodies Taiwan’s core values.
Over 600 Lantern Installations Across Two Major Exhibition Zones
Held under the theme ‘Illuminating Taiwan, Lighting Up Chiayi,’ the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival features more than 600 lantern artworks and light installations spread across two main exhibition zones, the Main Lantern Exhibition Area and the Chiayi County Government Exhibition Area.
The festival includes one main lantern, two secondary lanterns and 22 themed lantern zones, offering visitors an immersive storytelling journey through Chiayi’s culture, history and natural beauty.
Highlights include:
- ‘Tracing the Light of the Deer’ introduces Indigenous cultural heritage and harmonious coexistence with the land.
- ‘Light Shining in the Woods’ revisits Chiayi’s historic forestry legacy.
- ‘Harvest Jubilee’ highlights the agricultural abundance nurtured by the Chianan Irrigation Canal.
- Passing through the welcoming gateway ‘From Chiayi, to the world’ visitors arrive at ‘Around Taiwan Adventures’ celebrating Taiwan’s scenic beauty and confidence.
- ‘Light Arrives in Chiayi’ reflects international friendship and cultural exchange.
- Finally, ‘Tech Carnival’ transitions from cultural foundations to technological leadership, outlining a vision for future smart cities.
The curated route encourages visitors to explore the festival as a journey through light and storytelling, culminating in a vision of Taiwan’s future.
Main lantern celebrates Alishan’s natural heritage
At the heart of the festival stands the main lantern ‘Alishan, Veiled in Luminous Mist,’ created by artists Yao Chung-han, Lu Yen-chen and Chen Wei-chih.
Inspired by the legendary sacred trees of the Alishan mountain region, the lantern integrates elements of sunlight, water and forest landscapes. Its structure incorporates recycled wood materials, symbolising Taiwan’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
An immersive audiovisual performance accompanies the main lantern, bringing to life Chiayi’s story while highlighting Taiwan’s dedication to sustainable development and innovation.
Handheld lantern adds a fun element for visitors
Adding to the festival’s charm is the official handheld lantern titled ‘OhBear Arrives in Chiayi.’ The design features Taiwan’s tourism mascot OhBear riding a rocking horse, symbolising joy, travel and the excitement of arriving in Chiayi.
The lantern cleverly combines the Year of the Horse motif with playful symbolism suggesting travellers can arrive in Chiayi ‘right away.’ A limited number of handheld lanterns will be distributed daily to visitors at the main exhibition area while supplies last.
Osaka Expo Taiwan Pavillion returns to Chiayi
This year’s festival also highlights international collaboration and cultural exchange. For the first time, the TECH WORLD Taiwan Pavilion, originally showcased at the Osaka World Expo, has been brought back to Chiayi for public viewing.
Another highlight will be the TEAM TAIWAN Parade on March 7, which will feature an impressive giant lantern from Japan’s renowned Aomori Nebuta Festival, performances by the Paper Windmill Theatre and cultural groups from around the world.
A must-visit festival for global travellers
The Taiwan Tourism Administration has invited travellers worldwide to experience the spectacle of light, culture and creativity that defines the Taiwan Lantern Festival. Visitors are encouraged to explore Chiayi’s attractions while enjoying the vibrant festivities.
Recognised as one of Asia’s most visually stunning cultural events, the Taiwan Lantern Festival continues to position Taiwan as a dynamic destination where tradition, innovation and international cultural exchange come together.
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