Taiwan Lantern Festival vs. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: Which One to Choose?

Taiwan Lantern Festival vs. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: Which One to Choose?

When it comes to lantern festivals in Taiwan, I used to think that everyone would picture the breathtaking sight of thousands of sky lanterns floating into a romantic night sky. However, that's actually the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, not the official national lantern festival.

The Taiwan Lantern Festival, on the other hand, doesn't feature flying lanterns; instead, it's an event showcasing fixed artistic lantern displays alongside cultural performances and light shows. Even without the airborne lanterns, the artistry and atmosphere here were enough to captivate me.

Differences Between the Two Festivals

The Taiwan Lantern Festival has been organized by the tourism association since 1990, lasting several weeks and taking place in a different province each year to attract visitors. The lanterns here are incredibly creative and artistic, but they don't fly. Instead, the cultural performances and local events take center stage.

In contrast, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is more traditional, featuring lanterns released into the night sky. This event only lasts for a few days, primarily focusing on the Shifen area and drawing massive crowds.

Visiting the Taiwan Lantern Festival

Despite an unexpected downpour during my visit, I absolutely loved this festival. When I arrived at the event center in Taoyuan City in 2025, I found the space to be smaller than I had anticipated. However, after exploring the various displays, I was mesmerized by the lantern creations from both professional artists and children.

As I wandered through the exhibits, I had the chance to meet and interact with local residents, who eagerly explained each piece to me using a translation app. It was a truly memorable experience!

Attending the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

Unlike the national festival, the event in Pingxi occurs over just a few nights and primarily features one grand show in the evening where thousands of lanterns are released into the sky. I had to arrive early to secure a good spot to enjoy the view, and if I wanted to participate in releasing a lantern, I needed to get there even earlier to register.

Once in Pingxi, you can buy your own lantern, write your wishes on it, and then send it soaring into the sky. The atmosphere here is vibrant and colorful, as if the entire village is joining in the celebration.

Environmentally Friendly?

In reality, releasing paper lanterns, even those made from eco-friendly materials like bamboo and rice paper, can't truly be considered environmentally friendly. After the festival, a team goes out to collect fallen lanterns, but there's no guarantee that all of them will be retrieved.

That said, I don't criticize this local tradition, but as participants, we should consider ways to minimize our environmental impact while joining in the festivities.

Visiting Taiwan During Lunar New Year

I still believe that Lunar New Year is an ideal time to visit Taiwan. In addition to the lantern festival, cherry blossom season also arrives, painting the country with vibrant beauty. Whether you visit in late winter or early spring, Taiwan retains its unique charm throughout the season.