President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, attended the lighting ceremony of the Taiwan Lantern Festival today, speaking at the event to emphasize the cooperation between the central and local governments, expressing his hope for unity across parties and levels of government to enhance the well-being of the people.
Today marks the Lantern Festival in Taiwan, and the Taiwan Lantern Festival kicked off in Taoyuan, the gateway to the country, with the lighting of the main lantern “Infinite Paradise” at 7 p.m. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications Tourism Bureau of the Republic of China invited friends from around the world to Taiwan to participate in the Taiwan Lantern Festival, hailed by international media as a “Disneyland without roller coasters.” The festival runs until February 23 and aims to showcase a visually stunning feast of lantern art, conveying the message of sustainable development and transcending eras.
The opening ceremony featured President Lai Ching-te hitting a symbolic “Team Taiwan” home run to kick off the event, joined by Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai, Taoyuan City Mayor Cheng Shan-cheng, Minister of Environmental Protection Chen Chi-ming, and Director-General of the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation Zhou Yong-hui in lighting the main lantern. Dignitaries from various countries and diplomatic representatives in Taiwan also attended the event.
President Lai Ching-te mentioned that the Taiwan Lantern Festival has returned to Taoyuan after a 9-year hiatus. He expressed his gratitude to the police and firefighters during his visit to Taoyuan on the first day of the Lunar New Year last month, noting the thorough preparations by the city government team led by Mayor Cheng Shan-cheng. The Taiwan Lantern Festival officially commenced today with the theme “Gathering Light and Strings in Taoyuan,” thanking the Ministry of Transportation, the Tourism Bureau, the Taoyuan City Government, and all partners involved in creating a tourism event that combines technology, culture, and interactive activities for families.
President Lai Ching-te highlighted that the main lantern, named “Infinite Paradise,” stands at a height of 18 meters. The main lantern show incorporates AI technology, motion capture, and contributions from foreign exchange students in Taiwan writing blessings in their native languages to Taiwan, weaving together the enthusiasm and energy of many collaborators. He believes that the main lantern foretells a year filled with infinite possibilities for Taiwan, creating a technologically advanced future and lively atmosphere.
“This year’s Lantern Festival has many special features, such as the ‘Main Lantern Exhibition Area’ designed with the concept of a baseball field layout, symbolizing Taoyuan’s status as a hub of baseball culture and international transportation. It also revisits the excitement of the 12th championship moment. Additionally, we have collaborated with ‘Pokémon’ for the first time, aiming to bring joy to more families. Through light art and design, we showcase Taoyuan’s pond landscape, multicultural diversity, and local characteristics,” said President Lai Ching-te.
President Lai Ching-te emphasized that over the years, the Taiwan Lantern Festival, through cooperation between the central and local governments, has become one of the highly anticipated annual events for the people and a major attraction for Taiwan tourism, drawing many domestic and international visitors and earning the reputation as a “Disneyland without roller coasters” by international media – a result of the collective efforts of many.
He believes that serving the people and the country regardless of party affiliation is the duty of all political parties and politicians. Through this lantern festival, the positive cooperation between the central and local governments will create more beautiful things, providing both local and international friends with precious and moving moments. He looks forward to continued collaboration among the central and local governments and parties to enhance the well-being of the people.
President Lai Ching-te extended his wishes for the success of this year’s Lantern Festival and invited friends from around the world not to miss the event, also wishing all attendees, both domestic and foreign, a harmonious and auspicious year ahead.
Minister of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China, Chen Shih-kai, mentioned that today, symbolizing the reunion, is the Lantern Festival, inviting everyone to come to Taoyuan to experience the exquisite lantern artistry of the Taiwan Lantern Festival and indulge in local delicacies. He expressed gratitude to all hardworking front-line partners involved in organizing the festival, believing that Taiwan’s soft power and solid foundation shine brightly like the “Taiwan Lantern Festival,” making Taiwan visible to the world and wishing everyone a year full of endless beauty.
This year’s Taiwan Lantern Festival, with the theme “Gathering Light and Strings in Taoyuan,” connects the local characteristics of Taoyuan through lantern artistry, creating an artistic feast of light and shadow. The exciting lantern works are spread across two main areas: the “Main Lantern Exhibition Area” at Taoyuan Airport MRT A18 Station (High-Speed Rail Taoyuan Station) square and the surrounding area of A19 Station (Taoyuan Sports Park MRT Station) known as the “Light Game Field.” The two main exhibition areas feature one main lantern, two major secondary lanterns, and eleven theme lantern zones, showcasing over 300 pieces of art, offering a sensory delight to all visitors.
The “Main Lantern Exhibition Area” covers concepts of “Harmonious Living and Friendship, Sustainable International Goodness, and Top-notch Innovation Gathering” extending to six large lantern zones, including “Spotlighting Islands” leading the audience to explore the seasonal beauty and cultural characteristics of Taiwan’s outlying islands; “Joyful Hearts and Scenery” creating a journey of light and shadow adventure for a happy childlike experience; “Global Light Convergence” using the “Tree of Light Wishes” symbolizing global connectivity for sharing blessings of peace; “Innovative Technology” utilizing AI, AR, and VR technology and combining the popular topic of “baseball” to showcase the beauty of Taiwan.
The “Sustainable Taiwan” lantern zone employs bamboo weaving craftsmanship and recyclable materials in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while the “Artisan Star” lantern zone combines traditional lantern art with local elements, showcasing the continuity of Taiwan’s lantern craftsmanship and featuring international friendship lantern art pieces highlighting Taiwan’s friendly exchanges on the global stage.
This year’s main lantern “Infinite Paradise” was crafted by artist Mr. Li Ming-tao, drawing inspiration from amusement park roller coasters and waterslides.
The Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of the Republic of China stated that this year’s main lantern exhibition is the most challenging to date. In addition to using modern technology, the music accompanying the main lantern exhibition is groundbreaking, with composer Zhang Jing-shan invited to compose and collaborate with the Budapest Symphony Orchestra to create music that combines classical and cinematic backgrounds. During the festival, a lantern show will run every half hour starting at 7 p.m., inviting the public to experience the visual and auditory splendor brought by the main lantern.
To promote sustainable tourism, the Tourism Bureau has teamed up with the Taiwan Railways Administration to launch the themed painted train “Smiling Champion – Have a Trip with Champion!” running from January 15 to June 30 primarily between Keelung and Chiayi. Additionally, in collaboration with the Taoyuan Mass Rapid Transit Corporation, the “Happy Peach Train” has been created, embellishing the train’s exterior with elements inspired by the “La La Mountain Honey Peach.” For the first time, advanced technology has been utilized to synchronize the “Happy Peach Train” with the “Tower of Time and Space” lantern installation at the festival venue, allowing passengers to engage with the Taiwan Lantern Festival from the moment they board the train.
In addition to the spectacular lantern activities, the Tourism Bureau combines the “100 Highlights of Taiwan Tourism” with Taoyuan to promote surrounding attractions. During the festival, special Taiwan Tour Bus packages at 30% off have been introduced to tour nearby highlights and national scenic area features. Travelers can explore local scenery, savor authentic cuisine, and connect with international values through the Taiwan Lantern Festival, showcasing Taiwan’s charm that intertwines innovative technology and cultural heritage. The Tourism Bureau urges the public to use public transportation and adhere to crowd control measures for safety during the festival.