2019 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival 高雄燈會藝術節

 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival 

As one of the famous events worldwide, Kaohsiung Lantern Festival attracts numerous domestic and international tourists to see the lanterns and visit the City during Chinese New Year. With “treasure river” as its theme, it will integrate the Chinese zodiac of this year, the pig, to create the One Hundred Pigs lantern zone, where pigs will be presented with rounded and cute looks. To take advantage of the unique riverside landscape, it will also be staged on the waterfront and designed with cultural, artistic and local features. Various exhibits and performances will be held here to present the charm of the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival.

The 2019 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival will be held on both banks of Love River (between Kaohsiung Bridge and Qixian Bridge) for 12 days, from February 9th to February 20th (January 5th to January 16th in the Lunar Calendar). In four themed lantern zones, Kids Fun, Good Old Days, Star Lights and Romantic Love, there are some large creative designs, including a gorgeous 100-meter long lantern tunnel, a wonder maze, the light and shadow waltz, and the amorous kaleidoscope; with changes of light and shadow, these designs create more fun and chances to interact with the audience. In addition to traditional lantern zones, there are also creative new designs awaiting you to enjoy the magnificent lantern festival at the waterfront. In remembering the good old days, this harbor city is moving toward the new technology world!

To reproduce the atmosphere of the 1960s when people would walk around to watch lanterns, eat delicious food and go shopping, there’ll be a retro market on the riverside of Love River. In this early-style night market, one can find cotton candy, dough figurines and sugar painting, which makes the lantern festival the most unique one in Taiwan. Local groups will perform daily at the Kaohsiung Citizen Theater. Other exciting programs include , the Pili puppet show and Ming Hwa Yuan Arts & Cultural Group.

In addition to the Lantern Festival on the riverside, there are Three-Shan lantern festivals in Kaohsiung as well, including Fo Guang Shan, Cishan, and Gangshan, which present their unique local features. Come to Kaohsiung to watch the lanterns and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere of Chinese New Year!

Source: Kaohsiung City Government