TAINAN (TVBS News) — Tainan (台南) is set to dazzle art lovers as the Yuejin Lantern Festival (月津港燈節) kicks off on Saturday (Jan. 18). This year's theme, "Rings of Light" (光的年輪), will transform the city into a visual feast with 66 art installations from artists across Japan, South Korea, and 15 returning teams.
At the festival's press conference on Monday, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) highlighted Yanshui's cultural vibrancy, stating that the district offers a beautiful blend of static light displays and dynamic fireworks. The festival will run until Feb. 16, with the opening ceremony at Yuejin Harbor Waterfront Park (月津港親水公園) in Yanshui District (鹽水區).
According to Huang, the festival, celebrating its 15th year, has grown into one of Taiwan's most popular events. This year's theme symbolizes Tainan's rich history and illustrates the festival's expanding influence in the art world. Lin Wei-hsu (林韋旭) of the city government's Cultural Heritage Section (台南市政府文化局), explained that the festival will showcase the depth and emotion accumulated over 15 years.
A notable addition this year is the creation of 19 pocket parks featuring plant-themed sculptures like giant flowers crafted from metal. Lin emphasized the festival's evolution from a local event to an international platform for light art and urban exchange.
