The “2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi” has entered its countdown stage. On the 28th, the Chiayi County Government held the lighting ceremony for the “Chiayi Dream Lantern Zone” at the plaza in front of the county hall, featuring “A New Path of Light: The Chiayi Dream” × “RE-CHIAYI Art Action in Countryside.” Artist Wang Wen-Chih and curator Hsiang Chia-Hung shared their creative concepts with the public. In the evening, the “Chiayi Dream Lighting—Write Down Your Dream” event attracted many participants.

Although the day was rainy, it did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd. By 4 p.m., people had already gathered early, writing their hopes for their hometown, visions for the future, and wishes for life on specially designed sky lantern balloons. In the evening, County Magistrate Weng Chang-Liang, Legislator Chen Kuan-Ting, Deputy Speaker Chen Yi-Yue, and National Palace Museum Director Hsiao Tsung-Huang led the lighting ceremony, officially illuminating the first light of the festival.

The “Chiayi Dream” lantern zone features large-scale bamboo structures combined with light-and-shadow technology installations, creating a unique nighttime cultural landscape for Chiayi. The “RE-CHIAYI Art Action in Countryside” draws energy from civic aesthetics, focusing this year on areas such as Xikou, Dalin, Minxiong, Meishan, and Alishan. Together with local residents, 13 lantern works were co-created, reflecting regional cultural characteristics.

Wang Wen-Chih explained that bamboo was chosen to embody the spirit of contemporary art. The spacious plaza allowed for larger works. Visitors are invited to remove their shoes and walk onto the platform, meeting and resting inside. Beneath the work, a three-meter-high space was created for play and interaction, while platforms under the trees allow people to lie down and enjoy the moonlight.

On-site screenings included videos documenting the creation process of “RE-CHIAYI Art Action in Countryside” and “A New Path of Light: The Chiayi Dream,” as well as the Chiayi Dream Theater’s “Creators of the Future.” Through these images, the trajectory of the city’s transformation was presented, deepening the city’s brand through lantern curation and artistic action.

Magistrate Weng Chang-Liang emphasized that the lantern festival represents collective effort, including collaboration among multiple teams, cooperation between central and local governments, and support from the county council. Some lantern zones also highlight the policy achievements of various county departments. He encouraged families to bring elders to enjoy the lantern festival, promising a warm and joyful experience.

In recent nights, many visitors have already come to preview the works, taking photos and sharing online. Everyone is invited to return once the festival officially begins. Shuttle services and parking facilities have been fully prepared.

Weng also remarked that Chiayi’s golden decade ahead will shape the next hundred years. He thanked everyone for their joint efforts in enabling Chiayi’s successful transformation. The most important purpose of this lantern festival, he said, is simply to let the world see a different Chiayi.