Taiwan Lantern Festival unveils sneak peek: The adorable "Dali Dog" mini lantern

The "Dali Dog" mini lantern is super cute. (Photo / Grand Hotel Taipei)

The Grand Hotel Taipei will display lanterns until March 4. Visitors can take a free shuttle bus from either Taipei Metro’s Chientan Station or Yuanshan Station up to the mountain to enjoy the lanterns. (Photo / Grand Hotel Taipei)

The Taiwan Lantern Festival has entered its 29th year. Although this year's event is hosted by Chiayi County, as in previous years, the official launch will still be held at Taipei’s Grand Hotel Taipei. The highly anticipated main lantern has also been unveiled for the first time. Titled "Loyalty and Righteousness Innate," it will stand at a total height of 21 meters and will feature indigenous elements for the first time. The design depicts a child waving hello, conveying joy and the message of love.

The Grand Hotel Taipei has given an early reveal of the "Loyalty and Righteousness Innate" lantern, with its miniature version being especially adorable. Additionally, the hotel lobby is showcasing lanterns designed by eight master lantern artists, all themed around the Year of the Dog. These creations are playful, lively, and each uniquely distinctive. Paired with the classic grand decor of the Grand Hotel Taipei, the festive atmosphere is exceptionally vibrant.

This year’s most popular mini lantern for children is named "Dali Dog," embodying the spirit of "Prosperity GO Happiness" to spark joy and vitality. With a storybook-style design, it incorporates local Chiayi elements such as mountains, the sea, the Alishan Forest Railway, indigenous totems, and the National Palace Museum Southern Branch as patterns on the dog’s body. The handle is shaped like a doghouse, and when gently shaken, it gives the appearance of the dog running — an undeniably cute design sure to set off another wave of public enthusiasm.