How magical is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in Taiwan?

If you have the chance to visit Taiwan in the early days of the Lunar New Year, don’t miss the opportunity to join sky lantern festivals, where people send their best wishes for peace and prosperity in the new year. Among them, the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is one of the grandest and most well-known events.

The Pingxi sky is illuminated by thousands of glowing lanterns.At the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, visitors are enchanted by a magical atmosphere, immersed in the festive Lunar New Year vibe, and can experience unique aspects of local culture.

1. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival – A magical journey of lights

1.1 Where is the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival held?

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival takes place in Pingxi District, New Taipei City, Taiwan. The opening location varies each year. In 2025, the event will be held at Pingxi Junior High School and Shifen Square.Address of Pingxi Junior High School: No. 295, Section 2, Jing’an Road, Pingxi, New Taipei City, Taiwan

1.2 When is the sky lantern festival in Taiwan?

The Taiwan sky lantern festivals usually occur from January to March annually. The Pingxi festival is a highlight celebration for the Lantern Festival (the 15th day of the first lunar month).

2025 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival schedule:

February 8, 2025: Pingxi Junior High School, 6 PM – 9 PM
February 12, 2025: Shifen Square, 6 PM – 9 PM

Writing wishes on lanterns and releasing them into the sky is a long-standing tradition in Taiwan.

2. The Meaning of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is not only a tourism highlight but also a deeply rooted cultural event in Taiwan with over 100 years of history. For many, it's considered the "second largest New Year celebration in the world."

The sky lanterns symbolize good luck and carry people’s wishes into the universe. Each lantern color has a distinct meaning:

Yellow: Wealth and prosperity
Blue: Career success
Purple: Academic success
Orange: Family harmony and a happy marriage
Green: Health and achievements
Pink: Happiness and good fortune
White: A bright future

3. Fun Activities at the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

3.1 Releasing lanterns

At the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, don’t miss the chance to write down your wishes and release them into the sky. Here's how to participate:

Buy a sky lantern (NT$100–200)
Write your wishes on all sides of the lantern
Attach an oil-soaked paper wick with wire under the lantern
Stretch open the 4 corners
Light the wick, let the lantern expand, and release it into the sky

This is a traditional experience where you’ll be enchanted by thousands of lanterns illuminating the dreamy night sky.

Each lantern color represents a different type of wish.

3.2 Explore nearby attractions

Pingxi is a charming small town famous for its lantern festival, but it also has many other must-visit spots:

Shifen Old Street: The heart of the festival, where you can buy and release lanterns. The area is filled with restaurants and snack stalls.
Pingxi Railway Line: A romantic and nostalgic railway running through the town. Walking alongside the tracks offers scenic views.
Pingxi Railway Museum: Displays artifacts and photos of the Pingxi rail line’s history.
Shifen Bridge: A historic iron bridge offering panoramic views of the town and river.
Shifen Waterfall: A majestic waterfall near the town. A great spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Besides lanterns, Pingxi is also known for its lush nature and charming tourist spots.

3.3 Enjoy local food

Taiwanese cuisine is rich and flavorful, especially its street food. At Pingxi, try delicious snacks like buns, skewers, stinky tofu, pastries, and especially traditional sweet soups which come in many delightful flavors.

3.4 Join cultural performances

During the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, Taiwan hosts various cultural activities such as street performances, lion dances, and traditional shows. Each day of the festival has its own theme, giving tourists a chance to immerse themselves in local culture.

4. Tips for visiting the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival

4.1 Things to note when visiting Taiwan during the festival

Weather: February in Taiwan is generally cool, ranging from 14°C to 18°C. Taipei may have occasional rain. Bring warm clothes, an umbrella, or a raincoat.
Traffic: During the festival, Pingxi becomes very crowded. It’s best to arrange transportation in advance and allow extra time. On the festival days, certain roads will be closed. Visitors can only reach Shifen by train from Ruifang Station.
Costs: The festival itself is free. If you want to release a lantern, you can buy one on the street for NT$100–200 (approx. VND 350,000–700,000).

4.2 How to get to Pingxi for the lantern festival

From Vietnam, you can book a direct flight to Taipei for as low as VND 790,000. From Taipei, you can reach Pingxi via MRT, bus, or taxi. Travel time is about 1–2 hours.

By train: Take the MRT from Taipei Main Station to Ruifang Station. Transfer to the Pingxi Line and get off at Shifen. Fare: ~NT$16/trip (approx. VND 12,000).
By private car/taxi: During the festival, public transport can get overcrowded. Consider renting a car or taking a taxi for more flexibility.

Here are some useful details about the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival to help you plan your trip to Taiwan. For even more savings, don’t miss your chance to hunt for zero-fare tickets to Taiwan between 12:00–14:00 daily RIGHT HERE.

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