Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan)-Taiwan Tourism Administration's Taiwan Tourism Information Website

The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival will light up Tainan from February 24th to March 10th. Two areas will display lanterns, the "High Speed Rail Lantern Area" and the "Anping Lantern Area." The Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) unveiled the main lantern today. Its theme is one of mystery: "The Dragon Comes to Taiwan."

MOTC Minister Wang Kwo-tsai noted that the Taiwan Lantern Festival returns to Tainan for the first time in 16 years. The festival will allow visitors to see Tainan’s continued development. The city is justly famous for its history, including being Taiwan’s ancient capital. But Tainan is much more than a historic city. These days it is a modern city, and it is positioned for a promising future. For example, it is a leader in the field of green energy. Tainan provides a supportive environment for innovative industries and technological growth. Cultural diversity is also a strength of Tainan, a city where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony. The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival will allow the world to experience Tainan, an ancient capital that pairs its deep cultural heritage with leadership in technological innovation.

The Director-General of the MOTC’s Tourism Administration, Chou Yong-hui, noted that this year’s main lantern will not only rotate on a platform, but also will be able to move its forearms. This adds a new and interesting technical dimension. Also, this year’s the main lantern is environmentally friendly, using solar energy to help power its movements. Energy-saving is a theme for this year’s festival, making it not only entertaining but also educational. The festival sends a warm welcome to everyone to come to Tainan this year to stroll with friends and family and enjoy the lanterns of Taiwan.

Every year, the children of Taiwan wait in high anticipation for the “little lantern.” The theme of this lantern this year is the dragon, a prominent animal in the Chinese zodiac. For this year’s lantern, the dragon is transformed into a "little dragon bag" that can be worn on the body. The dragon’s head can be added to lightweight belongings or toys. The dragon’s body can be turned into a long dragon bag. A strap is included that can be worn around the neck or across a shoulder. It makes for a great fashion accessory. Another fun part of the design is a coin-sized hole at the top of the lantern. When this is opened, objects such as coins and small toys can be dropped into the lantern, creating a clatter as they fall. Thus, not only is the little dragon a lantern, it’s also a collection box; all great fun for the children!

The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival will open with the switching on of the first lantern on February 24th (Saturday). The main lantern will put on a light show every 30 minutes. The lantern festival will continue through the evening of March 10th (Sunday). The Tourism Administration warmly invites people from around the world to visit Tainan and participate in this grand event. Celebrate with the people of Taiwan the enchantment and colors of the Lantern Festival!