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
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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