The highly anticipated results of the “2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi” National Lantern Competition have officially been revealed! A total of 282 entries from across the nation competed, and after two days of rigorous evaluations on February 26 and 27—both at night and during the day—the jury selected 123 award-winning works.

Among them, the five most prestigious titles of “Lantern King” were awarded to works such as “Oyster Treasure Breaking Waves Forward,” which integrates interactive technology, and “Righteous Spirit Soaring, Gallant Horse Leading,” which embodies local culture, showcasing the extraordinary charm of Taiwan’s lantern craftsmanship.

The piece “Oyster Treasure Breaking Waves Forward,” created by teachers and students of Dongshi Elementary School in Chiayi County, amazed the audience. Using composite materials to delicately present marine ecology, it also incorporated touch and sensor devices, allowing visitors to rotate the ship’s body 360 degrees by hand—breaking the traditional limitation of lanterns being “only for viewing, not for playing.”

Chiayi County Dapu Junior High and Elementary School’s “Righteous Spirit Soaring, Gallant Horse Leading” employed a realistic style to depict galloping horses, while geometric collage techniques highlighted Chiayi’s unique mountain and sea features. The composition was solid, with distinct layers of lighting.

Chiayi City Huanan Senior Commercial & Vocational School’s “Dynamic Sunrise · Auspicious Phoenix” won the Lantern King title. The work skillfully combined Indigenous culture, Taiwan’s ecology, and the iconic sunrise and sea of clouds of Alishan. With a sturdy frame and exquisite fabric-covering techniques, it perfectly merged tourism promotion with artistic vision.

In the college and social group category, United Creation Workshop’s “Auspicious Mythical Beast Carousel” won recognition. The piece was grand in scale, structurally solid, with evenly bright lighting, demonstrating superb craftsmanship and elegant visual effects.

In the institutional group category, Hsinchu Prison of the Agency of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, won with “Fairy Tale.” The lantern base featured a candy house theme, with bright and vivid colors that successfully created a warm, dreamy atmosphere. Its lively design especially attracted children’s attention and received high praise.

Judges noted that this year’s entries were outstanding both in quantity and quality, particularly in the “Parent-Child Group” and “Institutional Group,” which together accounted for more than 200 entries.

Creators not only devoted effort to fundamental techniques such as framing and fabric covering but also experimented with modern design language and interactive technology, transforming lanterns from one-way displays into experiences that resonate with audiences.

The Chiayi County Department of Education announced that the 123 award-winning works (including Lantern King, Special Excellence, Excellence, First Class, and Honorable Mention) will be grandly exhibited in the competition lantern area of the Taiwan Lantern Festival from March 3 to 15, inviting people nationwide to visit and experience this dazzling visual feast that combines craftsmanship, culture, and creativity.