The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival officially opened on March 3 in Chiayi County. The lighting ceremony commenced at 7:00 p.m., presided over by President Lai Ching-te, who joined Premier Cho Jung-tai, Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai, Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang, and Tourism Administration Director-General Chen Yu-hsiu in illuminating the main lantern, “Alishan, Veiled in Luminous Mist ”.
President Lai warmly invited friends from around the globe to visit Taiwan and experience this international visual spectacle, which brings together traditional culture, artificial intelligence technology, and local resilience.
Returning to Chiayi After Eight Years: A County Rooted in Culture, Powered by Technology
President Lai noted that hosting the Festival in Chiayi County symbolizes the deep integration of local vitality and national vision, reflecting Taiwan’s steady cultural confidence and forward momentum. Chiayi County is transitioning from a traditional agricultural stronghold into a hub of agriculture, industry, and technology, demonstrating Taiwan’s capacity for transformation.
The President emphasized that culture forms the foundation of a nation, while technology provides the wings for development. 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.
Premier Cho Jung-tai 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 Installations Across Two Major Exhibition Areas: An Immersive Narrative of Light and Shadow
Under the theme “Illuminating Taiwan, Lighting Up Chiayi,” the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival features two primary areas: the Main Lantern Exhibition Area and the County Government Exhibition Area. The Festival presents one main lantern, two secondary lanterns, and 22 themed lantern zones, showcasing over 600 works in total.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the exhibition in curatorial sequence, as if embarking on a journey guided by light through the stories of Chiayi:
- “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.
Main Lantern “Alishan, Veiled in Luminous Mist” Demonstrates Commitment to Sustainability
The main lantern was jointly created by artists Yao Chung-han, Lu Yen-chen, and Chen Wei-chih. Centered on the iconic sacred trees of Alishan, the external structure incorporates recycled wood materials, symbolizing the government’s concrete commitment to sustainable development in response to climate change.
Integrating elements of the sun, sacred trees, and water, the main lantern is accompanied by an immersive audiovisual performance that presents Chiayi’s story to the world and reflects Taiwan’s distinctive development path.
Adorable Handheld Lantern “OhBear Arrives in Chiayi”
The 2026 handheld lantern design combines a “Year of the Horse” motif with Taiwan’s tourism mascot, OhBear. In a slight break from the traditional zodiac-centric approach, the lantern features OhBear riding a cute rocking horse. It resembles a child playing and swaying. The Chinese word for “riding a horse” also means “immediately,” and the lantern’s symbols carry the idea of “arriving in Chiayi right away.” It highlights the fun and excitement of the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival. Lanterns will be distributed daily beginning at 3 p.m. in the festival’s main exhibition area, one per person, while supplies last.
Osaka Expo Taiwan Pavilion Returns to Chiayi; March 7th Parade Features Japan's "Aomori Nebuta" Festival
This year's lantern festival also marks the first time the entire "TECH WORLD Taiwan Pavilion" from the Osaka World Expo has been brought back to Chiayi for exhibition, allowing Taiwan’s people to enjoy world-class art without leaving the country. In addition, a grand "TEAM TAIWAN Parade" will be held on March 7th, featuring a giant lantern from Japan's Aomori Nebuta Festival, the Paper Windmill Theatre, and art groups from various countries. Through "international crossover" and "cultural exchange," the event aims to feature the "tourism-driven nation" concept, allowing Taiwan to connect with the world and for the world to embrace Taiwan.
The Tourism Administration invites the public to join in the fun and excitement of the Lantern Festival in Chiayi, where lights dance with the world. The Administration urges the public to use public transportation during the Lantern Festival and to adhere to the policies of "separate entry and exit routes, avoiding pushing for safety." Detailed information about the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival can be found on the official website https://2026taiwanlanternfestival.org/.
