Main Lantern and Handheld Lantern for the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival Unveiled, Alishan Imagery Lights Up Chiayi
The main lantern “Light Bathing-Alishan of the World” and the handheld lantern “OhBear Galloping to Chiayi” for the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival were officially unveiled recently. Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang attended the launch event held in Taipei, together with representatives from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Tourism Administration, and the artists, inviting people across Taiwan to visit Chiayi to enjoy the lantern displays.Weng stated that this year's festival is curated under the theme “Illuminating Taiwan, Lighting Up Chiayi,” integrating local culture, natural landscapes, and technological art to showcase Chiayi County's achievements in cultural and industrial transformation. The unveiling of the main and handheld lanterns also symbolizes the official lead-up to the festival.The main lantern “Light Bathing-Alishan of the World” and the handheld lantern “OhBear Galloping to Chiayi” for the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival are unveiled, showcasing Chiayi's integration of nature, culture, and technology. (Photo provided by Chiayi County Government)The Ministry of Transportation and Communications noted that the Taiwan Lantern Festival is returning to Chiayi County after an eight-year interval. Inspired by the globally renowned Alishan area, the main lantern incorporates imagery of sacred trees, the sun, and mountain mist. Standing 21 meters tall, it features immersive performances created through sound, lighting, and digital technologies, presenting a visual feast that blends Taiwan's natural scenery with its cultural heritage.Compared to the grandeur of the main lantern, the handheld lantern “OhBear Galloping to Chiayi” adopts a more playful and approachable design. It combines the 2026 zodiac animal, the horse, with Taiwan's tourism mascot OhBear, using a childlike form to appeal to audiences of all ages.The Chiayi County Government stated that diverse performances, comprehensive shuttle services, and parking arrangements will be provided during the festival, allowing visitors to not only enjoy the lantern art but also experience the vitality and charm of Chiayi City.