A thousand lanterns shimmer like a galaxy — Asia’s four most famous lantern festivals

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

As the Ghost Festival celebrations kick off in Taiwan, many streets and riversides across regions have been adorned with lights, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere that transforms the ordinary urban landscape. This year, in addition to the earlier Lantern Festival in January, Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival will also take place during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In addition, here is a list of four must-visit lantern festivals in Asia that travelers might want to include in their itineraries. Beyond visiting scenic spots, you can also experience local characteristics and culture.

1. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival – October 4
The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival in New Taipei City, with a history of over a hundred years, sees thousands of lanterns rising into the night sky, their brilliant red glow illuminating the heavens in dazzling splendor. The first major event of the 2017 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival will take place on February 11, the Lantern Festival, while another event is scheduled for October 4, the Mid-Autumn Festival. The promotional period has been specially extended this year, combined with local business district marketing efforts to expand tourism benefits.

2. Seoul Lantern Festival – November
To commemorate “Buddha’s Birthday,” South Korea holds the colorful Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul every year. What began as a traditional celebration has evolved into an event that transcends religion and nationality, bringing joy to all. This year’s theme, “One World, We Are All the Main Characters,” carries the message of eliminating prejudice and discrimination, and caring for those around us, hosting a “Lantern Festival with the Citizens.”

3. Thailand Lantern Festival – November 4
The Thailand Lantern Festival is one of the world’s most celebrated events. On the full moon night of the 12th lunar month, various regions across Thailand hold this traditional festival where lotus-shaped boats made of wood are set afloat on waterways. These boats carry fragrant flowers, incense sticks, candles, or a coin as offerings of sincere reverence to the water spirits, symbolically cleansing the sins of the past year.

4. Hoi An Lantern Festival – 14th day of each lunar month