As the world lights up to wrap up the Lunar New Year, there is no better place to celebrate than Taiwan, home to one of the most vibrant and culturally rich traditions of the season: the Taiwan Lantern Festival. The theme for the 36th annual event’s magic is Paradise. It will illuminate Taoyuan, a dynamic city known for its natural beauty and innovation. Scheduled from February 12-23, the event promises to dazzle visitors with breathtaking artistry, cultural displays, and unforgettable experiences. The Taiwan Lantern Festival, recognized globally as one of Asia’s premier cultural events, is designed to mark the final days of the Lunar New Year celebrations. The festival embodies Taiwan’s rich history, folklore, and creativity. Each year, a different city takes on the honor of hosting the event, transforming its streets and public spaces into a luminous wonderland. This year, Taoyuan takes the spotlight, offering a unique blend of traditional charm and modern innovation. Conveniently located near Taiwan’s international airport, the city provides easy access for travelers looking to immerse themselves in an awe-inspiring cultural adventure. Marked as one of the world’s top celebrations by the Discovery Channel, here are some of the highlights of this year’s festival:

Main lantern Paradise: Each year’s theme is based on the Chinese zodiac, and this year is the Year of the Snake, with designs characterized by abstraction and innovation. It features a modern, abstract infinity symbol, combining spherical and geometric shapes to create a futuristic theme park image filled with technology. The main lantern stands 18 meters tall and will use innovative technologies such as AI and motion capture to present a dynamic visual language that symbolizes sustainable development and cross-era connections.

Sustainability Takes the Spotlight: This year’s festival embraces sustainability with its DIY handheld lantern, designed to reduce waste by using personal power banks connected via a TYPE-C cable. The lantern’s snake-inspired design features seven movable segments that combine creativity with eco-conscious innovation. This playful yet practical approach highlights Taiwan’s commitment to greener celebrations and environmental protection.

Cultural Performances: Enjoy traditional music, dance, and acrobatics, alongside modern interpretations that showcase Taiwan’s vibrant arts scene.

Local Delicacies: Savor Taiwan’s world-famous street food at pop-up markets and food courts. From savory oyster omelets to sweet pineapple cakes, the festival offers a culinary journey as memorable as its visual delights.

Beyond the festival, Taiwan boasts attractions ensuring that visitors have plenty to explore before and after the main event:

1. Taoyuan Night Market: A lively hub of flavors and excitement, featuring a wide variety of local street food, trendy goods, and entertainment.
2. Taipei 101: Once the world’s tallest building, it offers panoramic views of Taipei and a unique shopping and dining experience.
3. Alishan Mountain: Famous for its picturesque sunrise views, tea plantations, and a historic mountain railway.
4. Sun Moon Lake: Taiwan’s largest lake, surrounded by lush mountains, offering boat tours, hiking, and cultural sites like the Wenwu Temple.

For more information on Taiwan Lantern Festival, visit website https://2025taiwanlanternfestival.org