Taiwan Lantern Festival & Pingxi Sky Lanterns: A Complete Guide

When the Lunar New Year festivities begin to wind down around the 15th day of the lunar calendar, Taiwan gears up for one of its most visually stunning events: the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Festival). While lanterns are displayed all over the island, the two most iconic celebrations are the Taiwan Lantern Festival and the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.

If you are planning a trip to Taiwan in February or early March, these events are absolute must-sees. Here’s how to experience the magic like a pro.

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1. The Taiwan Lantern Festival: A Spectacle of Light and Tech

Vibe: High-tech, massive scale, and deeply cultural.

Unlike traditional localized festivals, the official Taiwan Lantern Festival is a grand national event hosted by a different major city each year (for example, Taipei in 2023, Tainan in 2024, and Taoyuan in 2025).

• What to Expect: Forget simple paper lanterns. We are talking about massive, multi-story-tall main lanterns (usually shaped like the zodiac animal of the year), immersive light tunnels, drone shows, and projection mapping on historical buildings.
• The Experience: It’s almost like a glowing theme park. You can spend 3 to 4 hours walking through different zones—ranging from traditional cultural displays to cutting-edge contemporary art installations created by international artists.
• Pro Tip: Take public transportation (HSR or MRT). The venues are notorious for drawing millions of visitors, making parking nearly impossible.

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2. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: Sending Wishes to the Stars

Vibe: Romantic, spiritual, and nostalgically beautiful.

Located in a misty, historic coal-mining valley just outside of Taipei, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival was originally a way for villagers to signal to each other that their town was safe from bandits. Today, it has evolved into a breathtaking event where thousands of people write their hopes and dreams on paper lanterns and release them into the night sky simultaneously.

• The Main Event: During the festival period, there are designated "mass release" sessions. Organizers coordinate the release of hundreds of lanterns at once. The sight of glowing orbs slowly drifting into the dark winter sky against the mountainous backdrop is pure magic.
• Shifen Old Street: While the official festival has specific dates, you can release a sky lantern year-round at Shifen Old Street. The train runs right through the middle of the street, and visitors stand on the tracks to launch their lanterns, stepping aside only when the train comes rolling through!
• Pro Tip: For the mass release event, arrive early in the morning to queue for a participant ticket if you want to be in the center of the action. If you just want to watch, hike slightly up the surrounding hills for the best panoramic photography angles.

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3. What to Eat: Tangyuan (湯圓)

You cannot celebrate the Lantern Festival without eating Tangyuan (glutinous rice balls). Historically eaten to symbolize family unity and wholeness, these chewy treats are served either in a sweet soup (often filled with black sesame or peanut paste) or in a savory broth with pork and shallots.

• Where to find it: Look for pop-up stalls around the festival grounds or visit traditional dessert shops in the city.

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Conclusion

Whether you prefer the futuristic, grand-scale artistry of the national Taiwan Lantern Festival or the intimate, romantic tradition of releasing a wish into the sky at Pingxi, Taiwan’s Lantern Festivals offer an unforgettable end to the Lunar New Year.