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Chi-Chi Lights Up: The “Thousand Lanterns Blessing Lantern Corridor” Is a Stunning Sight

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 101 views

Last updated 2026-09-25 — Every year during the Chinese New Year, Chi-Chi is always “adorned with glowing red lanterns,” creating a sea of traditional festive red lanterns that form a dazzling corridor. This year, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China, Chi-Chi will host a series of lantern festival events from February 3rd to February 20th under the theme ‘Splendid 100, Chi-Chi Shines...

Every year during the Chinese New Year, Chi-Chi is always “adorned with glowing red lanterns,” creating a sea of traditional festive red lanterns that form a dazzling corridor. This year, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China, Chi-Chi will host a series of lantern festival events from February 3rd to February 20th under the theme ‘Splendid 100, Chi-Chi Shines！ 2011 Chi-Chi Lantern Festival,’ inviting people from all over to celebrate the Spring Festival in Chi-Chi and usher in continuous good fortune.

The red lanterns at night carry a particularly nostalgic festive vibe. (Photo provided by Chi-Chi Township Office)

Chi-Chi Township Mayor Chuang Jui-lin stated that the now-completed “Thousand Lanterns Blessing Lantern Corridor” stretches 400 meters in length, with 1,200 red lanterns lining the route from Chi-Chi Street to Shi-Qian Street. Unlike past blessing lantern corridors where people had to write their names and hang lanterns to pray for blessings, this year’s display is arranged along five routes — with “four hundred” and “five routes,” the “four-five” sounding similar to the phrase for “bestowing blessings.” As such, visitors passing through the lantern corridor do not need to pray, as heaven and the deities will automatically bestow blessings — the highest form of good fortune encompassing longevity, prosperity, health, virtue, and a peaceful end.

Chi-Chi Township Mayor Chuang Jui-lin with the Chi-Chi Lantern Festival’s featured lantern — the Jade Rabbit. (Photo provided by Chi-Chi Township Office)

The Chi-Chi Lantern Festival series integrates three cultural elements: “The Year of the Rabbit in China,” “100th Anniversary of the Republic,” and “Chi-Chi Lantern Festival.” Innovatively using vibrant “floral” designs to construct the festival’s most important central lantern, complemented by rich, dynamic lighting and technological effects, the structure showcases both local characteristics and topical appeal. The Chi-Chi Lantern Festival is divided into three main zones: the central lantern area at Holiday Plaza, the traditional and special lantern areas between Junior High School Street and Culture Street, and the religious blessing lantern area along the Old Street. The lights officially illuminate on the evening of February 3rd. During the festival period, there will also be tourist markets and Lunar New Year goods streets, allowing visitors to enjoy the lantern displays while indulging in culinary delights and shopping.