6 Lantern Festivals Around Kaohsiung

While Kaohsiung City will host the most popular lantern festival, there are other festivals nearby that are equally fascinating.

The Lantern Festival is celebrated in conjuction with the full moon, on the 15th day of the 1st lunar month. This day marks the end of the new year festivities.

The Lantern Festival can be traced back to Emperor Wen of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC – 25 AD), who established the holiday on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar. Click here for more legends of the Lantern Festival.

1. Kaohsiung Lantern Festival

Date: January 29 to February 9

Performances: January 30 to February 1

Click here for the performance schedule

Time: 18:00-21:00

Location: Along the Love River

2. Fo Guang Shan Lantern Parade

Date: January 25 to February 22

Time: 8:00-22:00

Location: Fo Guang Shan (No. 153 Xingtian Road, Dashu District, Kaohsiung City)

Transportation: Shuttle bus schedule from HSR Zuoying to Fo Guang Shan

3. Gangshan Lantern Festival

The festival will feature Lunar New Year lanterns as well as performances and local foods.

Themes include the Year of the Rat, Happiness, Affection and Passion, Resplendent Galaxy, Wealth, Birds, and Colorful Christmas

Date: January 18 to February 9

Time: 17:00 to 22:00 Daily

Location: Gangshan Park, Gangshan District

4. Qishan Lantern Festival and Banana Parade

Date: January 22 to February 2, 2020

Time: 17:00 to 22:00 Daily

Location: Qishan Old Street

5. Linyuan Lantern Festival

Rhythmic Storytelling and Lantern Festival

Date: January 1 to February 16

Time: 18:00 to 22:00

Location: Linyuan 11hao Park

6. Pingtung Festival of Light

Source: Information and International Affairs Department, Pingtung County Government

Date: January 6 to February 9

Time: 18:00 to 22:00 Daily

Location: Pingtung City Wannian Park

Theme: Animal Party


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