Lanterns light up every alley and street, dazzling the night sky of Tainan at the Pujitemple Lantern Festival

▲ Lanterns stretching from small alleys to main streets add vibrant colors to Tainan’s night sky. (Photo/IG)@hotainanProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

By the Travel Center / Comprehensive report

The 5th Pujitemple Creative Lantern Exhibition officially lit up on the 21st. For five consecutive years, thePujitemple Spring Creative Painted Lantern Exhibitionhas turned the romantic sea of lights into a new must-visit attraction during the Lunar New Year. This year marks the temple’s 350th anniversary, aligning with the Year of the Rooster and the legend of Tainan as the “Phoenix City.” As such, the main lantern was designed as a “Colorful Phoenix,” with 1,500 lanterns illuminating Tainan’s night sky — an absolutely eye-catching sight.

Pujitemple was established during the Ming-Zheng period and is the earliest King Temple in Taiwan, boasting a history of 350 years. Located along the dragon vein of the Phoenix City, it is said that the temple sits on a “spider web-shaped geomantic spot,” which helps secure the entire dragon vein of the Phoenix, contributing to the temple’s exceptional status and thriving incense offerings.

▲ This year’s main lantern is the Colorful Phoenix. (Photo/IG)@nickprahatwProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

This year’s theme, “Cock’s Crow Breaks Dawn · Dawn Rises Again” and “Phoenix Spreads Wings · Prosperity at Pujitemple,” complements the “Colorful Phoenix” main lantern. The number of lanterns has expanded from 1,200 last year to 1,500 this year,and these lanterns were painted by students from Tainan, Taipei, Yilan, and Kaohsiung. Each lantern displays the name of its creator — a special touch. Thanks to the enduring tradition of painted lanterns over the years, a touch of romance has been added to Tainan’s Spring Festival sky.

▲ Taking a photo with the lanterns on Guohua Street during the day offers a different feel. (Photo by reporter Cao Yuehua)

Friends who want to see the lanterns shouldn’t miss the Pujitemple Lantern Exhibition, once voted one of “Taiwan’s Top 10 Must-See Lantern Festivals.”In addition to viewing them at Pujitemple itself, the third section of Guohua Street is also a great spot,with nearby eats like Yongle Charcoal-grilled Rice, Fusheng Bowl Rice Noodles, and other famous local eateries. It’s a perfect place to enjoy a romantic and delicious Lunar New Year experience.

▲ Entering its fifth year, the Pujitemple Lantern Exhibition never fails to amaze. (Photo/IG)@nickprahatwProvided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.

2017 Pujitemple Creative Lantern Exhibition
Address: No. 79, Pujistreet, West Central District, Tainan City
Phone: 06-2268774
Event Dates: 1/22–2/12