Secretariat, Taipei City Government

The 2026 Taipei Lantern Festival officially began on February 25, coinciding with the ninth day of the first lunar month, the “Lord of Heaven’s” (Tiangong’s) birthday. Mayor Wan-An Chiang attended the lighting ceremony held at the Taipei Expo Park exhibition area. Mayor Chiang indicated that this year’s festival includes two exhibition areas and two IPs: Transformers and POP MART. He also touted the Festival as bringing an unprecedented visual feast to residents and international visitors alike.

Mayor Chiang noted that the annual Taipei Lantern Festival has been held for more than 20 years and is a major event that attracts visitors from Taiwan and abroad. This year, the creative team behind the festival achieved multiple breakthroughs, particularly the 10-meter Transformers lantern installed at the Taipei Expo Park exhibition area. Its 40 surrounding light installations and dedicated sound effects create a stunning, immersive experience.

Mayor Chiang highlighted the festival’s strong international presence, with 13 countries and cities participating in the “Friendship Display Area.” He observed that because this year marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) is participating in the Taipei Lantern Festival for the first time, symbolizing the deep friendship and cultural exchange between Taiwan and the United States.

As the 228 Peace Memorial Day weekend approaches, Mayor Chiang encouraged residents to plan a Taipei getaway of “flower viewing by day and lantern viewing by night.” He suggested that visitors begin with the Yangmingshan Flower Festival, Beitou Shan Tseng Chi Flower Festival, or the CKS Shilin Residence Tulip Festival, followed by Dalongdong Bao’an Temple and a culinary tour of Ningxia Night Market, before concluding the evening with the lantern displays at the Taipei Expo Park exhibition area.

After the lighting ceremony, Mayor Chiang visited the Friendship Display Area. Because AIT is participating in the Taipei Lantern Festival for the first time, Mayor Chiang visited their lantern display first. He observed that this year’s lighting ceremony was particularly meaningful: Through their lantern-themed exchanges, Taiwan and the United States shone a light on their deep-rooted friendship.

Prior to the lighting ceremony, Mayor Chiang visited the Flora Expo Response Center to thank personnel from various Taipei City Government departments stationed on-site for their efforts in maintaining order and ensuring safety during the festival. He reminded staff that large crowds are expected over the next 19 days and urged everyone to remain steadfast through the final day, making every effort to safeguard public safety, ensure smooth pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow, and conclude the Taipei Lantern Festival successfully.

The 2026 Taipei Lantern Festival will run through March 15. In addition to the “Flowers and Butterflies” of the exhibition area at Expo Park, the Ximending exhibition area features the POP MART IP, which is especially popular with young people. Mayor Chiang warmly invited residents and visitors to bring their families and avail themselves of the opportunity to experience this grand celebration of light, an event that embodies diversity, inclusiveness, and openness.