The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival invites visitors to turn a once-in-a-lifetime dream into reality. Guided by the core values of accessibility and shared celebration, the Chiayi County Government will open the Main Lantern Viewing Platform to the public during scheduled performances, offering an unprecedented opportunity to experience the spectacular main lantern show at close range.

Traditionally admired from afar, the Main Lantern will now become an immersive experience where every visitor can personally step onto the viewing platform and witness the stunning fusion of light, music, and artistic storytelling. This special arrangement reflects the Festival’s ongoing commitment to enhancing visitor engagement and creating unforgettable memories.

According to the Cultural and Tourism Bureau, the viewing platform will be open from March 4 (Wednesday) to March 14 (Saturday). Multiple sessions will be available each evening, including 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, and 7:00 PM, with additional time slots announced daily on-site. Entry will be managed through an on-site queue system on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity is limited, and no reservations or queue holding will be permitted.

To ensure safety and maintain viewing quality, the venue will be cleared after each session. Visitors are kindly requested to follow staff instructions for seating and exit procedures, allowing every guest a fair opportunity to step onto the Main Lantern stage and fully appreciate this breathtaking artistic spectacle.

The Chiayi County Government emphasizes that the Taiwan Lantern Festival is more than a nighttime display of lights—it is a national celebration of tourism and culture. By opening the Main Lantern Viewing Platform in this innovative way, the Festival aims to welcome visitors from across Taiwan and around the world to experience the beauty of the Main Lantern from the closest possible vantage point.

Visitors are warmly encouraged to explore Chiayi’s mountain and coastal scenery during the day, savor local culinary specialties, and join the Festival at night to stand upon the Main Lantern stage—preserving the most brilliant moments of the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival.