A Complete Guide to Flying Lanterns in Taiwan｜A comprehensive explanation of where you can experience lantern flying in Sufficient, how to make reservations, and when.
What is the Taiwanese lantern festival?
A magical experience awaits you here
Taiwan's lantern release is a breathtakingly beautiful experience, with countless lights dancing across the night sky.
In this column,Dates for the 2027 event・We’ll provide a thorough explanation of everything from locations to how to book tours, so even first-timers can easily understand.
◆ For those who want to know how to get to Shifen or Pingxi
◆ For those looking for the dates and locations of the 2027 Lantern Festival
◆ For those who are unsure whether to choose a tour or make their own arrangements
Where can I release sky lanterns in Taiwan?
There are several places in Taiwan where you can experience releasing sky lanterns, but among them,Shifen and Pingxiis a particularly popular spot.
Learn about the features of each option and choose the one that’s right for you.
Shi-fun
Shifen Old Street is located just outside TaipeiAccessible as a day tripIt's a popular spot.
You can visit the lantern shops lining the streets along the railroad tracks, choose a lantern in your favorite color, write a wish on it, and release it into the sky.
The biggest draw is that you can enjoy it any time of year, making it a spot loved by both tourists and locals alike.
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Pingxi
Pingxi isThe Birthplace of Taiwanese Sky LanternsThis area is also known as [Name], and every year on the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar), a large-scale lantern festival is held there.
The sight of lanterns rising into the night sky above the valley, surrounded by mountains, is simply breathtaking. This is the spot we highly recommend for those looking to visit during this special time of year.
Lantern Festival in Taipei City
Throughout Taipei, lantern-themed events and exhibitions are held in various locations, particularly around the Lantern Festival.
Matsuyama Cultural and Creative Park and DadaochengIn areas such as these, you can enjoy displays of giant lantern installations and local events.
Combining city sightseeing with an experience of lantern culture is a wonderful way to enjoy your trip.
When will the 2027 Taiwan Lantern Festival be held?
Explanation of the Time of Year and Season
There are two main types of lantern releases in Taiwan.
Your travel plans will vary greatly depending on whether you visit during the annual festival or choose to go to Jūbu, which offers year-round experiences.
Choose the option that best fits your schedule and goals.
Taiwan Lantern Festival (Lantern Festival)
Event Dates
Taiwan's largest lantern event, the "Taiwan Lantern Festival," is held around the Lantern Festival, which falls on the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar.
In 2027, the event will run for 16 days from Saturday, February 20, to Sunday, March 7.The event is scheduled to take place in Miaoli County (around the High-Speed Rail Miaoli Station and Taiwan Railways Fubing Station).
Since the venue changes every year, we recommend checking the latest official information before planning your trip. The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is held around the same time, attracting many visitors.
Can you fly lanterns all year round in Jūbu?
In Shifen Old Street, regardless of whether it's festival season or not,You can enjoy releasing sky lanterns all year round。
The shop is open every day, and one of its main attractions is that you can visit whenever it fits your travel schedule.
If you want to plan a trip to Taiwan without being tied to a specific schedule, the experiences in Shifen are perfect for you.
The Best Time of Year to Avoid Bad Weather and Crowds
The climate in Taiwan is,October–DecemberThis is a season with relatively clear skies, cool temperatures, and comfortable conditions for sightseeing.
Since crowds are expected in February and March during the Lantern Festival, early reservations are recommended.
Since May and June mark the rainy season, this period is generally not ideal for lantern releases due to the frequent rain. If you want to enjoy the experience comfortably, we recommend visiting in the fall or winter.
How to Experience Lantern Releases in Ten Minutes
The appeal of the lantern release at 10 p.m. is that it’s easy to enjoy without any special preparations.
You can buy a lantern once you arrive and give it a try, so even first-timers can feel free to give it a go.
How to Get to Shifen Old Street
To Shifen Old Street, from Taipei'sTake the Pingxi Line from Ruifang Station; the ride takes about 30 minutesYou can access it at.
There is no direct train from Taipei Station, so you will need to transfer at Ruifang Station.
The total travel time from Taipei Station is about 1 to 1.5 hours. Since it’s entirely possible to visit Shifen on a day trip, we recommend stopping by while sightseeing in Taipei.
How to Purchase Lanterns and Estimated Prices
When you arrive at Shifen Old Street, you’ll see lantern shops lining the tracks.
Just pick your favorite color lantern at the shop, write your wish with the brush provided, and you're all set.
The price is150–200 New Taiwan Dollars per piece (approx. 700–950 yen)That's about the going rate.
There are lanterns available in two-color and four-color varieties, each with its own symbolic meaning. Our staff will be happy to assist you, so even first-timers can feel at ease.
Which is better: a tour or arranging everything on your own?
It’s fairly easy to get to even if you’re traveling independently, butTour with a Japanese-speaking guideUsing this service saves you the trouble of traveling and makes things go more smoothly.
Tours departing from Taipei include transportation, allowing you to sightsee efficiently, and there are plenty of itineraries that combine these tours with destinations like Pingxi and Jiufen.
We highly recommend joining a tour group, especially for first-time trips to Taiwan or trips with female friends.
What is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival?
The Difference from the "Ten-Lantern Release" Ceremony
"Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival"Unlike the casual sky lantern releases that individuals can easily enjoy in Old Street,A large-scale simultaneous lantern release event held only once a year, on the day of the Lantern FestivalIt is.
The sight of hundreds of sky lanterns soaring into the night sky all at once—which was once featured on the Discovery Channel as the “second-largest festival in the world”—attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from Japan and abroad every year.
Its origins date back more than 100 years to Pingxi, a mountain village, where it is said to have begun when villagers launched lanterns into the sky to signal to one another that the danger of bandits had passed. Today, it has been passed down as a traditional event to pray for good health and a bountiful harvest.
◆ While you can release sky lanterns at Shifen Old Street any time of the year, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is a special event held only on the day of the Lantern Festival.
◆ You may need a "numbered ticket" to participate in the mass release at the venue, so it can be quite challenging for individuals to take part.
2027 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival: Event Schedule
The 2027 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival will be held on Saturday, February 20.It is scheduled to be held on , and the venue isPingxi Junior High School / Shifen Squareis scheduled to take place.
Since it begins on the same dates as the Taiwan Lantern Festival (held in Miaoli County), visitors to Taiwan during this time can enjoy both events together.
Please note that the date of the event varies each year to coincide with the Lantern Festival on the lunar calendar, so we recommend checking the latest official information before traveling.
Can I participate as an individual?
Reasons Why We Recommend Taking a Tour
On the day of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, the area around the venue gets very crowded, and you may need to line up early in the morning to get a numbered ticket for the mass sky lantern release.
In addition, since the Pingxi Line—which will be operating on a special schedule that day—is expected to be extremely crowded,Taking a local tour departing from Taipei saves you the hassle of securing numbered tickets and arranging transportation, making for a smoother experience.It is.
If you want to be sure to experience this breathtaking view—often described as “something you have to see at least once in your lifetime”—we recommend booking your tour well in advance.
Taiwan Lantern Release Tour
How to Make a Reservation and How to Choose
If you're planning to enjoy a lantern-releasing tour in Taiwan, it's best to familiarize yourself with how to make reservations and what to look for when choosing a tour to ensure a smooth experience.
Especially during festival season, events often sell out quickly, so once you’ve finalized your plans,Book earlyis required.
Benefits of Tours with Japanese-Speaking Guides
The biggest advantage of a guided tour in Japanese is that you can gain a deep understanding of the local culture and history without any language barriers.
The guide will carefully explain the meanings behind the lantern colors and how to write your wishes, making the experience even more enriching.
You can travel with peace of mind using tour buses or other arranged transportation.
Points to Check When Making a Reservation
When booking a tour, please note the meeting place, duration, andDoes the price include the lantern?・Be sure to carefully review the cancellation policy.
Since events may be canceled or rescheduled due to weather during the festival, be sure to check the refund policy. Checking reviews in advance will help you make your choice with greater confidence.
Taiwanese Sky Lantern Festival
Tips for Getting More Out of It
Here are some tips to help make your lantern-releasing experience even more memorable.
With just a little creativity, your photos and memories will be so much better.
Ideas for wishes to write on lanterns
You can write your wishes on the lanterns in either Japanese or Chinese.
In addition to classic wishes like "good health," "romantic success," and "family happiness," it’s also a lovely idea to write a note expressing your gratitude for the trip or add a personal message.
The color of the lantern also has meaning, andRed brings good luck, yellow brings financial luck, and pink brings loveChoose one that suits your needs.
Tips for Taking Great Photos and Videos
Since lantern-flying photography takes place in dark nighttime conditions, if you're using a smartphone,"Night Mode" and "Portrait Mode"Using this feature will help you take brighter photos.
We also recommend using continuous shooting mode to capture the moment the lanterns soar into the sky.
If you bring a tripod or a selfie stick, you can take stable, high-quality group photos.
Taiwanese lanterns
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At Shifen Old Street, you can experience lantern releases year-round, regardless of the season. Since local shops are open every day, you can enjoy this activity at your convenience, depending on your travel schedule. On the other hand, the large-scale Pingxi Lantern Festival is limited to the Lantern Festival period (the 15th day of the first lunar month). The 2027 Lantern Festival is scheduled to take place from February 20 to March 7 in Miaoli County.
If you're visiting on your own, you can explore the site without a reservation, but if you'd like to join a guided tour in Japanese, advance booking is required. Popular tours often sell out quickly, especially during the Lantern Festival season, so we recommend booking early on sites like KKday or Klook as soon as your travel plans are finalized.
Each color of Taiwanese lanterns has its own meaning. Red is said to represent good luck and overall fortune, yellow represents financial luck and wealth, pink represents romance and matchmaking, and blue represents health and peace. While it’s common to choose a color based on the specific wish you have in mind, lanterns combining two or four colors are also available, so it’s a lovely idea to choose one that embodies multiple wishes.
summary
In Taiwan, you can release sky lanterns year-round in Shifen, and in Pingxi, you can enjoy a large-scale festival during the Lantern Festival.
The experience of releasing a lantern into the night sky while making a wish is sure to be one of the best memories of your trip to Taiwan. Be sure to add it to your itinerary!
