City Lights Up with Grand Opening and Cultural Displays
The 2025 Taipei Lantern Festival kicked off with a dazzling spectacle, bringing the city to life with vibrant lantern displays, cultural exhibits, and a special highlight—the 13-meter-tall Lucky Snake Dou Dou. The festival officially opened with a grand ceremony in Ximending, where Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an joined the crowd to ignite the main lantern, marking the start of this year’s festivities.
The Lucky Snake Dou Dou, a striking fusion of local street culture and modern design, sets the tone for the celebrations. With oversized, playful eyes and a cheeky sticking-out tongue, the lantern symbolizes vitality and good fortune, welcoming visitors with its charm. The festival spans four themed zones, each showcasing a mix of artistic expression and Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage. Running daily from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. through February 16, the event immerses visitors in a festive atmosphere, with everything from the grand lantern show to captivating light installations and live performances.
Despite light rain during the opening, Mayor Chiang expressed optimism, quoting, “Water brings prosperity,” a nod to the belief that the weather would signal a year of success and abundance. He also encouraged attendees to explore the many beautiful lantern displays throughout the grounds, emphasizing the festival’s size and scope this year. “Everything is good,” he said, playfully referencing the four animals—Snake, Horse, Dragon, and Crane—while wishing everyone a prosperous Lunar New Year.
Following the ceremony, Mayor Chiang toured the Zhonghua Road exhibition area, where visitors could see crossover music-themed lantern displays, including installations by internationally recognized musicians Lim Giong and TERU. The display, “Taipei Gramophone” and “The Tree Awaiting Harvest,” added a creative musical touch to the event. Lanterns from Taipei’s international partner cities also illuminated the area, further enhancing the cultural exchange.
The festival is conveniently located near several metro stations, including Beimen, Ximen, and Taipei Main Station, as well as Metro Taoyuan’s A1 Station. The Taipei Department of Information and Tourism encourages visitors to use public transportation for an easy, hassle-free experience while exploring the festivities.
This year’s Taipei Lantern Festival is a vibrant celebration of culture, art, and community, offering a unique blend of tradition and innovation.
