TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Pingtung’s “Festival of Lights” debuts Saturday with a public lantern lighting ceremony and is scheduled to run until Feb. 16.
Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi (周春米) said the festival will feature three major lantern areas: Wannian Creek, County Residents’ Park, and Shengli Star Village. One new exhibition area will be added this year along Neipu Township’s Longjing River, featuring Hakka-themed lanterns, per CNA.
Pingtung County Government is hosting the event for the fourth consecutive year. Previously, the event was known as the “Pingtung Lantern Festival.” The name change allowed the event to start earlier than the traditional Lantern Festival (Feb. 12).

The festival continues to draw inspiration from the Chinese zodiac, with this year’s theme being the Year of the Snake. The lantern giveaway is an inflatable in the shape of a snake egg with a light inside.
This year’s main theme lantern is surrounded by six giant snakes with a 130-second water and light show taking place every 30 minutes from 5-10 p.m. each day.
Another notable installation will be situated in Wannian Creek from Jianguo Road to Renai Road, featuring 11 lighting structures based on the theme "Infinite Creek." The installation symbolizes the endless vitality and sustainability of the local community. A 180-second video mapping projection will be shown on a nearby government building every 30 minutes.
A lantern lighting ceremony and giveaway of this year’s handheld lantern will take place at 6 p.m. on Saturday. A free shuttle bus will run daily during the festival, departing every 15-20 minutes from 5-10 p.m.
Shuttle buses start from Pingtung Bus Station and stop by Labor Park, Pingtung County Library, County Residents' Park, Xingfu Park, and Shengli Star Village.