Tainan lights up: 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival returns

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival is making its grand return to Tainan after a hiatus of 16 years, captivating visitors from Feb. 24 to March 10.

The Tourism Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) unveiled the festival's centerpiece, the "Dragon Comes to Taiwan" lantern, on Wednesday (Jan. 3).

Inspired by the majestic dragons adorning the stone columns of the Tainan Grand Mazu Temple, the towering 22-meter main lantern pays homage to tradition while embracing a playful twist.

It transforms the dragon into a petite, round lantern aptly named the "Small Dragon Bag," mirroring the pronunciation of the beloved Taiwanese snack "xiaolongbao."

The festival will illuminate the "High-Speed Rail Lantern Area" and the enchanting "Anping Lantern Area" within Tainan.

In honor of Tainan's 400th anniversary, the city government will illuminate the "Anping Lantern Area" ahead of schedule on Feb. 3, allowing both residents and tourists to bask in its splendor during the Lunar New Year festivities.

Mayor Huang Wei-che of Tainan expressed high expectations for the festival, lauding the main lantern's design for its harmonious blend of culture, nostalgia, and whimsical creativity — a reflection of the essence of Tainan and Taiwan's cherished lantern festival.