Taiwan officially unveils the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi County, marking the beginning of one of the country’s most iconic cultural celebrations. The grand lighting ceremony took place earlier this week on Tuesday 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 around 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 global travellers, including those from India, an opportunity to explore Taiwan’s culture and scenic beauty.
The festival’s return to Chiayi County after eight years highlights the region’s growing identity as a destination where nature, culture and modern innovation intersect. Known for its scenic landscapes, forests and agricultural heritage, Chiayi is increasingly positioning itself as a hub that blends traditional industries with modern technological development.
Speaking at the ceremony, president Lai Ching-te 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 demonstrates how Taiwan, grounded in culture and driven by technology, continues to chart its own path amid global challenges.
Minister of transportation and communications Chen Shih-kai noted that the festival’s return to Chiayi reconnects natural ecology with future technology through its lantern artworks, presenting the county’s unique character from mountains and forests to agriculture, fisheries and high-tech industries. He added that the festival represents a national-level cultural event integrating industry, tourism and a future-oriented vision.
The premier further highlighted that the main lantern design reflects Taiwan’s commitment to sustainability in response to climate change, while each exhibition zone reflects the nation’s core values.
Over 600 lantern installations across two 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 across two major 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 landscapes.
Key highlights include themed zones such as “Tracing the Light of the Deer,” which introduces indigenous cultural heritage; “Light Shining in the Woods,” revisiting Chiayi’s historic forestry legacy; and “Harvest Jubilee,” celebrating the agricultural abundance supported by the Chianan Irrigation Canal. Visitors then pass through the gateway “From Chiayi, to the world” leading to “Around Taiwan Adventures,” followed by “Light Arrives in Chiayi,” reflecting international cultural exchange. The experience culminates in “Tech Carnival,” showcasing Taiwan’s vision for future smart cities.
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 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 Chiayi’s story to life while highlighting Taiwan’s dedication to sustainable development and innovation.
Handheld lantern adds visitor engagement
Adding a playful element to the festival 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 creatively combines the year of the horse motif with 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.
International collaborations and cultural performances
This year’s festival also highlights international 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 is the TEAM TAIWAN Parade scheduled for March 7, featuring a giant lantern from Japan’s Aomori Nebuta Festival, performances by Paper Windmill Theatre, and cultural groups from around the world.
Recognised as one of Asia’s most visually spectacular cultural events, the Taiwan Lantern Festival continues to position Taiwan as a vibrant destination where tradition, innovation and international cultural exchange come together.
