The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival will take place in Chiayi County from March 3 to March 15, 2026 (Year 115 of the ROC calendar). The festival will feature two major exhibition areas—the Central Exhibition Area and the County Government Exhibition Area (covering the County Government Front Plaza and surrounding venues). The main lantern, “Radiant Glow – Alishan of the World,” was successfully installed this afternoon (the 29th). Guests including Tourism Administration Director-General Chen Yu-hsiu, Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang, and representatives from Chunghwa Telecom, the sponsor of the main lantern, gathered at the designated site to select an auspicious time for a blessing ceremony, marking the beginning of the festival’s preparation phase and praying for safety and smooth progress.

After an eight-year interval, the Taiwan Lantern Festival returns to Chiayi in 2026. Across the two major exhibition areas, the festival will feature one main lantern, two secondary lanterns, and 22 themed lantern zones, showcasing more than 600 works. By integrating traditional lantern craftsmanship, aesthetic design, digital technology, and multimedia art, the festival will present a dazzling visual feast.

The curatorial concept of the Central Exhibition Area is based on “Lighting Up Taiwan · Shining in Chiayi.” It integrates local characteristics of both Chiayi and Taiwan, drawing inspiration from variations in elevation and translating them into spatial design. Incorporating the symbolism of the Tropic of Cancer, the exhibition layout gradually rises from the outer areas toward the center, creating a lantern-viewing space that combines cultural depth with an immersive experience.

Chen Yu-hsiu noted that Alishan is a well-known landmark of Chiayi County and was ranked No. 19 among the world’s 52 must-visit destinations in 2025. Inspired by this recognition, the main lantern “Radiant Glow – Alishan of the World” was jointly created by artists Yao Chung-han, Lu Yen-chen, and Chen Wei-chih (Rex Takeshi). The exterior structure uses recycled wood materials assembled in a collage form, with the sun and sacred trees as its core imagery, creating an immersive audiovisual theater distinct from traditional lantern designs. Through the lantern festival, the work allows the world to see Taiwan while conveying blessings for peace and prosperity in the coming year.

Chen Yu-hsiu also stated that hosting the Lantern Festival in different cities each year highlights the charm of urban governance. Chiayi County’s development is closely tied to Alishan, and under Magistrate Weng’s leadership, industrial and technological elements have been further introduced, showcasing the city’s appeal across different stages of development. Selecting Chiayi not only presents its achievements to the domestic audience but also promotes Taiwan and Chiayi to the world. The festival also provides opportunities for local artisans to showcase their work, while new media and digital art gain a platform to tell stories rooted in the land.

Weng Chang-liang remarked that with 64 days remaining until the Taiwan Lantern Festival, preparations are now at a critical stage, with all units working intensively to meet the schedule. Today’s installation ceremony marks a symbolic milestone, after which all lantern zones will move into full-scale setup. The “New Path of Light – Chiayi Dream” lantern zone in front of the County Government is also beginning installation. The overall exhibition is expected to offer visitors a fresh experience—one that is not only a lively celebration but also rich in cultural substance.

The Tourism Administration has scheduled a press conference for the unveiling of the main lantern and mini lantern designs on January 9, 2026, at the Grand Hotel Taipei. The official lighting ceremony will take place at 7:00 p.m. on March 3 (the Lantern Festival). The main lantern will present a lighting show every 30 minutes, and the overall event will continue through 10:00 p.m. on March 15. The public is cordially invited to visit Chiayi to enjoy the Lantern Festival and experience a spectacular and highly anticipated Lantern Festival celebration.