TAINAN: After a 16-year hiatus, Tainan's sky will light up as the 35th Taiwan Lantern Festival kicks off tonight.
This annual international event, rotating through different Taiwanese cities, will continue until March 10.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the brilliance of more than 300 lanterns crafted by local and international designers.
These lanterns are displayed at the Tainan rail station and Anping lantern exhibition areas at Lin Mo Niang Park, Anping Recreational Wharf.
Taiwan Transportation and Communications Ministry tourism administration director General Dr Chou Yung-hui today said the festival was part of Tainan's 400 year celebrations.
Between 10 and 15 million people are expected to attend.
"This is the third generation of the Taiwan Lantern Festival, and we are including artificial intelligence and other technology in it.
"We have a drama to present Taiwanese culture and have included agricultural factors into the festival.
"(So) this is not just a lantern festival. We have seven (exhibition) areas with lanterns representing Taiwan.
"It's like Disneyland, and we wish to welcome everyone across the world to enjoy the festival."
He said this at the press conference for the Taiwan Lantern Festival in Tainan.
Tainan City Mayor Huang Wei-che expressed hope of showcasing Taiwan, and Tainan, for its agriculture, eco-friendliness and high-tech advancements.
"Visitors can witness the historical heritage in Tainan, where we integrate new and old technology
"In the morning, explore the International Orchid Exhibition, and at night, immerse yourself in the world of lanterns."
The festival has earned acclaim from Discovery Channel as one of the world's best festivals and has been chosen by a travel agency as one of the four global highlights for 2024.
The seven exhibition zones have lanterns that capture the spirit of Tainan, depicting its mountains, ocean and spring water, cultural heritage and history.
Among those of interest are a representation of the famous Taiwan bear and ecosystems arriving in a boat, symbolising the arrival of the Dutch to their shores.
There are also lanterns resembling the elaborate architectural design of buildings in Xinhua Old Street, constructed during the Japanese colonial period.
The crowning jewel, however, is a 22m solar-powered dragon lantern, inspired by this year's Chinese zodiac.
Crafted by local artist Peng Li-chen, the lantern, which took about three months to build, drew inspiration from the dragon sculptures at Tainan's Daitian Temple.
The festival includes lanterns from Japan, South Korea, St Kitts and Nevis, Belize and Indonesia.
The Anping exhibition area has two themes: Tainan 400 and River of Luminescent Reminiscence.
The areas will feature 30 artworks and performances by more than 100 local and international artists.
Overall, a total of 110 international media representatives, including those from Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia, were invited to cover this festival, along with 20 representatives from Malaysia brought by the Taiwan Tourism Administration.
International visitors can enjoy the spectacle for free and receive a Year of the Dragon lantern and a limited-edition souvenir by presenting their passports or documents at the redemption centre.
The festival is open everyday 5pm to 10pm.