The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival presented a breathtaking performance by Paper Windmill Theatre with its large-scale family production “Rain Horse”. A gigantic art installation, over three stories tall, moved slowly forward under flowing lights and shadows. Its rainbow-colored mane shone brilliantly in the night, while the combination of stage performance, fire dance effects, and immersive visual design added surprise and emotion to the Chiayi Lantern Festival.

On the evening of the 5th, Chairman Chen Chin-Tsai and Founder Lee Yung-Feng of Paper Windmill Theatre attended the performance. The moment the Rain Horse raised its head and appeared, the entire audience gasped in amazement. Waves of cellphone lights flickered, interweaving with cheers and forming the most touching scene—one of the most eye‑catching highlights of this year’s Lantern Festival.

Chiayi County has long promoted cultural equality and arts education, ensuring that children can enjoy international‑level performances in their hometown. “Rain Horse”, blending Hakka cultural imagery with innovative stage technology, showcases abundant artistic creativity and allows culture to flow naturally throughout the Lantern Festival venue, leaving a deep impression on the audience.

Artistic Director Lee Yung-Feng stated that from the beginning, the creation aimed to bring blessings and courage to children. By breaking the traditional proscenium stage format, the performance allows the audience not only to watch but to enter the story and “breathe together” with the characters. When the Rain Horse moves through the crowd and the lights reflect on children’s faces, that sense of surprise and emotion is the purest and most authentic power of art.

Chairman Chen Chin-Tsai noted that the growth of enterprises draws nourishment from society. Giving back to society and supporting children’s arts education is a responsibility and commitment that corporations must uphold. Their strong support of “Rain Horse” at the Chiayi Lantern Festival demonstrates a concrete action in promoting cultural sustainability together with the local community. Seeing children’s smiles is an adult’s responsibility, and through art they hope to convey values such as kindness, resilience, and even anti‑drug messages. This Taiwan Lantern Festival is also an important opportunity for Paper Windmill Theatre to engage with society.

CEO Chang Min-Yi expressed gratitude to the Chiayi County Government for the invitation, noting that bringing both major characters—Deng Gui (Lantern Monster) and Rain Horse—together on stage is a “historic reunion” possible only at the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival.

The audience responded enthusiastically. Many parents arrived early to secure a close spot just to experience the stunning entrance of the Rain Horse. Children shouted excitedly, “The Rain Horse really came out!” Some elderly attendees were moved, saying, “This is my first time seeing such a large and story-rich performance at a Lantern Festival. I’m proud that Chiayi can present this level of art.” Even after the performance ended, many people lingered to take photos with the Rain Horse, with laughter and applause echoing long after.

The Chiayi County Government sincerely invites people nationwide to visit Chiayi during the Lantern Festival, enjoy the lights, and feel the warmth and awe brought by “Rain Horse.” Under the radiant lanterns, let us witness together how art brings light and hope to the city.