Taipei Lantern Festival
Release your wishes into the night sky at Pingxi and marvel at spectacular light displays across Taipei during one of Taiwan's most enchanting festivals.
About the Lantern Festival
The Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Festival) marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations on the 15th day of the first lunar month. Dating back over 2,000 years, this ancient tradition has evolved into one of Taiwan's most spectacular cultural events.
In Taipei, the festival takes two main forms: the modern, large-scale light displays organized by the city government, and the traditional sky lantern releases in Pingxi, a historic railway town in the mountains northeast of Taipei.
Sky lanterns were originally used as distress signals in wartime Pingxi. Today, visitors write wishes, prayers, and dreams on the rice paper lanterns before releasing them into the night sky, creating an unforgettable sea of floating lights.
Festival Quick Facts
- Date: 15th day of 1st lunar month
- Duration: 1-2 weeks of events
- Locations: Pingxi, Taipei City
- Entry: Free (lanterns cost NT$150-250)
- Best Time: Evening after sunset
Where to Experience the Festival
Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival
The world-famous Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival takes place in the historic mining town of Pingxi, about an hour from Taipei. Thousands of lanterns are released simultaneously during the main event, creating a magical spectacle.
How to Get There:
- ➔ Take MRT to Taipei Main Station, then TRA to Ruifang (40 mins)
- ➔ Transfer to Pingxi Branch Line to Pingxi Station (1 hour)
- ➔ During festival, shuttle buses run from Taipei City Hall
Tip: Arrive by 4 PM to secure a good spot. The main release happens around 6:30 PM.
Taipei City Lantern Displays
The Taipei City Government organizes elaborate lantern displays featuring the Chinese zodiac animal of the year. In 2024, the main lantern was displayed at Taipei 101, while other districts host their own themed installations.
Key Display Locations:
- ➔ Taipei 101 - Main zodiac lantern and light show
- ➔ Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall - Traditional lantern art
- ➔ Ximending - Youth-oriented interactive displays
- ➔ Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall - Cultural exhibitions
Tip: Download the official Taipei Lantern Festival app for maps and event schedules.
Lantern Festival Activities
Sky Lantern Release
Write your wishes on all four sides of a rice paper lantern representing career, health, love, and wealth. Staff help you light the fuel cell and release it safely into the sky.
Cost: NT$150-250 per lantern
Lantern Riddle Games
Traditional riddles are written on slips of paper attached to lanterns. Solve them to win small prizes. This intellectual game dates back to the Song Dynasty.
Available at most temple displays
Tangyuan Tasting
Eat tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) filled with sesame, peanut, or red bean paste. Their round shape symbolizes family reunion and completeness.
Try them at night markets or specialty shops
Practical Information
| Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best Dates | February 24-25, 2024 | Main release events on Saturday |
| Transportation | TRA to Ruifang, then Pingxi Line | Festival shuttle buses available |
| Accommodation | Book Jiufen or Taipei hotels | Pingxi has limited lodging |
| What to Bring | Warm clothes, camera, cash | No ATMs in Pingxi Old Street |
| Safety | Follow staff instructions | Fire regulations strictly enforced |
Festival Tips & Etiquette
Do's
- ✓ Write meaningful wishes thoughtfully
- ✓ Wait for staff to assist with lighting
- ✓ Hold the lantern until it fills with hot air
- ✓ Take photos during the golden release moment
- ✓ Explore Pingxi Old Street before the release
Don'ts
- ✗ Don't release lanterns near power lines
- ✗ Don't use lighters near the fuel cell
- ✗ Don't let go until the lantern is buoyant
- ✗ Don't write offensive or inappropriate wishes
- ✗ Don't bring your own lanterns (use approved ones)
Pingxi Old Street & Day Trip Itinerary
Exploring Pingxi Old Street
Before the evening lantern release, spend the day exploring Pingxi Old Street. This narrow railway street is built along the historic Pingxi Branch Line, with shops and food stalls directly adjacent to the tracks. Trains pass inches from storefronts, creating a uniquely intimate atmosphere.
Must-Try Local Foods:
- ➔ Peanut ice cream rolls: Freshly rolled with cilantro (a surprisingly delicious combination)
- ➔ Wild boar sausage: Grilled and seasoned with local spices
- ➔ High mountain tea: Sample locally grown oolong and green tea
- ➔ Bamboo tube rice: Traditional aboriginal cooking method
Tip: Bring cash, as most vendors don't accept cards. ATMs are virtually nonexistent in the Old Street area.
Nearby Attractions
Extend your day trip with visits to nearby attractions along the Pingxi Branch Line or in the surrounding mountains.
Recommended Stops:
- ➔ Shifen: Famous waterfall and another sky lantern release spot
- ➔ Jingtong: Historic mining town with an old station and coal mining museum
- ➔ Jiufen: Tea houses and narrow alleys (accessible by bus from Ruifang)
- ➔ Houtong Cat Village: A village famous for its hundreds of friendly stray cats
Tip: Buy a Pingxi Branch Line day pass for unlimited travel between Ruifang and Jingtong.
Make a Wish at the Lantern Festival
Whether you're releasing a sky lantern in Pingxi or exploring the dazzling light displays in Taipei, the Lantern Festival is a bucket-list experience that connects you to centuries of tradition.
More Festival Experiences
Dragon Boat Festival
Watch thrilling races on the Tamsui River and taste traditional zongzi rice dumplings.
Cherry Blossom Season
Best spots to see cherry blossoms in Taipei, from Yangmingshan to Wulai.
Taipei Food Guide
Discover the best night markets and street food to enjoy during festival season.
Lantern Festival FAQ
Can I release a sky lantern at any time?
During the festival period, organized releases happen at scheduled times. Outside the festival, individual releases are permitted in Pingxi year-round at designated release points.
Is Pingxi accessible for wheelchair users?
The Pingxi train station and Old Street have limited accessibility. The main release area is on a flat field, but getting there involves uneven paths. Contact organizers for special assistance arrangements.
What happens if it rains?
Light rain usually doesn't cancel events. Sky lanterns can fly in drizzle, but heavy rain or strong winds may delay releases. City light displays are mostly covered or weatherproof.
Can I bring children?
Yes, the Lantern Festival is very family-friendly. Children love the colorful displays and the magic of watching lanterns float away. Supervise closely near open flames during releases.