he 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival, co‑hosted by the Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications and the Chiayi County Government, officially concluded this evening (March 15). The festival, themed “Illuminating Taiwan, Lighting Up Chiayi,” attracted 13.6 million visits over 13 days and generated NT$31.6 billion in economic value. Through lantern art, artistic performances, and drone light shows, the festival showcased Chiayi’s transformation from an agricultural county into an emerging hub for advanced manufacturing and technology.

During the closing ceremony, MOTC Administrative Deputy Minister Lin Kuo‑hsien, Tourism Administration Director‑General Chen Yu‑hsiu, Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang‑liang, and Council Speaker Chang Ming‑ta held the Taiwan Lantern Festival lantern and passed it to Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung‑chin and Council Speaker Lee Wen‑pin, officially announcing that the 2027 Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held in Miaoli. This was followed by the final performance of the main lantern “Alishan, Veiled in Luminous Mist.” As the show ended, the audience tossed celebratory streamers into the air, marking the successful conclusion of the 2026 festival.

Deputy Minister Lin stated that Chiayi last hosted the lantern festival in 2018, and after eight years, the county once again brought not only traditional lantern craftsmanship but also international performance groups, transforming the festival into a global cultural carnival that allowed the world to see Chiayi. He added that the festival will move to Miaoli along Provincial Highway 3 in 2027, offering visitors a chance to experience the distinct characteristics of different regions.

Magistrate Weng expressed gratitude for the strong recognition and encouragement given to the county government team over the past 13 days. He said that while the Taiwan Lantern Festival delivered spectacular programs every day and staff worked tirelessly, their energy came from the public’s support and praise.

Weng noted that many visitors returned two or three times, and some more than ten times, adding: “Chiayi has finally been seen.” To him, this meant more than applause. Historically, Chiayi was seldom in the spotlight, but through this lantern festival, people witnessed the county’s transformation, progress, and the dedication, discipline, and administrative efficiency of the event team.

Weng added that the festival showcased the creative power of local artisans and highlighted Chiayi’s success in collaborating with international groups. Many performances received overwhelming responses—last night’s Irish tap dance performance attracted nearly 45,000 spectators, demonstrating the strong appeal of the lantern festival.

He concluded by saying that everyone had experienced what many called “the pinnacle of Taiwan Lantern Festivals.” The high quality of the audience and the exceptionally well-maintained environment were deeply encouraging. Weng expressed hope that Taiwan’s vitality and creativity will continue to live on in this land and in the hearts of its people, believing that both Taiwan and Chiayi will continue moving toward a brighter future.