Organizer: Liu An-Hong, Tourism Promotion Section, Culture and Tourism Bureau
Contact: 037-352961 ext. 415
Published: November 12, 2024, 3:29 PM
The selection process for the host cities of the 2026 and 2027 Taiwan Lantern Festivals has concluded. Following a rigorous evaluation conducted by the Tourism Administration, MOTC, and a selection committee, six key criteria were assessed: venue proposals, transportation infrastructure, hosting capacity, safety management, tourism promotion strategies, and funding. The final results, approved by Minister of the MOTC Chen Shih-Kai on November 4, 2024, designated Chiayi County and Miaoli County as the host cities for the 2026 and 2027 festivals, respectively.
Minister Chen highlighted the extensive experience both Chiayi and Miaoli Counties have in organizing the Taiwan Lantern Festival. He expressed confidence that this experience will carry forward, further enhancing the integration of artistic and aesthetic design into the festival's themes. The event will also emphasize the unique characteristics of local cities and leverage emerging technological advancements to elevate the Taiwan Lantern Festival to an internationally recognized mega-tourism event. By aligning with the Taiwan Tourism 100 Spotlights campaign and promoting regional tourism initiatives, the festival aims to boost domestic travel while preparing to welcome international tourists.
Miaoli County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin announced that the 2027 Taiwan Lantern Festival is tentatively scheduled to run from February 20, 2027 (Lantern Festival, 15th day of the first month in the Chinese calendar) to March 7, 2027, spanning 16 days. Preliminary plans indicate the main venues will include Zhunan and Toufen Sports Parks and surrounding areas. The festival's central theme will focus on "slow living," incorporating concepts such as environmental sustainability and outdoor leisure trends. The lantern displays will merge elements of futuristic technology, cultural integration, local characteristics, and contemporary craftsmanship. The event will tie in with Miaoli County’s well-known Lantern Festival traditions, such as the Bombing Dragon and Artillery Activity festivities, creating a relaxed and joyful celebration for visitors.
Director-General Chou Yung-Hui of the Tourism Administration remarked that the Taiwan Lantern Festival is a key national and international tourism event, especially as countries worldwide increasingly embrace the nighttime economy in the post-pandemic era. Hosting the 2027 festival in Miaoli County, new business opportunities are expected to be created for Taiwan along Romantic Route 3. With primary venues planned near the Taiwan High Speed Rail and Taiwan Railways stations, the festival will integrate public transportation services to offer a seamless and enjoyable lantern-viewing experience. This event will celebrate the continuation of festival traditions and cultural heritage, inviting families to come together and revel in the brilliant, festive atmosphere of the Lantern Festival.