The 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival, now in its 35th edition, is making a comeback to Tainan after a 16-year hiatus. This grand event coincides with the celebration of Tainan's 400th anniversary, becoming the first international-level tourism extravaganza in honor of this historic milestone. In the auspicious Year of the Dragon, the festival takes on the theme of "Glorious Tainan" and features two main display zones: the "Anping Display Zone" and the "High-Speed Rail Display Zone." By integrating traditional lantern art with modern technology and incorporating diverse artistic curation and performances, the festival highlights the rich cultural prowess of Tainan, the cultural capital of Taiwan.

  The "Anping Display Zone" is set to kick off on February 3, 2024, with two prominent curatorial themes: "Tainan 400" and "River of Luminescent Reminiscence ." The event will feature a total of 30 captivating artworks and numerous thrilling performances. On the opening day, the highly anticipated masterpiece "Goddess Mazu," presented by the Ming Hwa Yuan Arts and Cultural Group, will take center stage, bringing to life the timeless maritime legend. Furthermore, on weekends, visitors can enjoy spectacular nighttime performance that integrate drones, fireworks and light shows, culminating in a breathtaking aerial extravaganza.

  The "High-Speed Rail Display Zone" is gearing up to showcase nearly 300 diverse light and shadow lantern artworks, with a curated layout that includes the "Main Display Zone," "Light in the City" and the "Green Energy" Display Zones. The towering 22-meter main lantern, titled "Dragon comes to Taiwan," will be prominently featured in this zone. In terms of performances, the emphasis is on incorporating local cultural elements with vivid imagery of Taiwan. Over 70 exceptional domestic and international performance groups are slated to deliver over a hundred spectacular performances, contributing to a lively and culturally enriching exhibition.

  To showcase Tainan's reputation as the "City of Deities," a special "The Shining South Display Zone" has been planned for the downtown area. We extend our gratitude to numerous local organizations and temples for their enthusiastic participation by including the launch of three "Pilgrimages of Light". Additionally, the lantern festival activities will play a key role in promoting Tainan's existing and exceptionally distinctive events, such as the Yuejin Lantern Festival and the Longci Light Festival.

  As the river of time flows through 400 years, converging at this moment in 2024, let us gather in Tainan, the historic heart of Taiwan, and partake in a feast of light. Enjoy the warm hospitality of light and shadow art! My Tainan! My pride!

Anping Display Zone

Location: Anping Recreational Wharf, Lin Mo Niang Park, Former 1661 Tainan Warship Museum and along the Anping Canal (from Anyi Bridge to Wang Yue Bridge).

Event Dates: February 3 to March 10, 2024; closed on February 9 (Lunar New Year’s Eve). 

Operating Hours:

- Monday to Thursday (excluding public holidays): 14:00 - 22:00 (Lights on from 17:00 - 22:00)

- Friday to Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00 (Lights on from 17:00 - 22:00)

- Public holidays: 10:00 - 22:00 (Lights on from 17:00 - 22:00), including the Lunar New Year’s Eve (Feb. 8, Thu), the first day of the Lunar New Year (Feb. 10, Sat) to the fifth day (Feb. 14, Wed), and Feb. 28 (Wed).

Free English Tour： every Fri.-Sun. (Reservation is required on Fri. & Sun. English Tour) 

- Time: 19:00 P.M.-20:30PM  

- How to make a reservation.  

• Online: https://www.twtainan.net/en/application/list
• Saturday Tour: meet at i1 service center

High-Speed Rail Display Zone

Location: ICC Tainan and its surrounding areas, Shalun Green Energy Technology Demonstration Site.

Event Dates: February 24 to March 10, 2024

Operating Hours:

- Monday to Thursday (excluding public holidays): 14:00 - 22:00 (Lights on from 17:00 - 22:00)

- Friday to Sunday: 10:00 - 22:00 (Lights on from 17:00 - 22:00)

- Public holidays: 10:00 - 22:00 (Lights on from 17:00 - 22:00), including Feb. 28 (Wed).

Free English Tour： every Fri.-Sun. (Reservation is required on Fri. & Sun. English Tour) 

- Time: 19:00 P.M.-20:30PM  

- How to make a reservation.  

• Online: https://www.twtainan.net/en/application/list
• Saturday Tour: meet at i3 service center