A thousand floating lanterns resemble a Milky Way – Asia’s four most famous lantern festivals

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team

With the launch of Taiwan’s Ghost Festival celebrations, many streets and riversides across the region have been adorned with enchanting lights, transforming into uniquely romantic urban scenes. This year, besides the earlier Lantern Festival in January, Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival will also be held during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In addition, here are four must-visit lantern festivals in Asia that travelers might want to add to their itineraries. Aside from sightseeing, these events also offer a chance to experience local culture and traditions.

1. Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival – October 4
Taipei’s Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival, which has a history of over a hundred years, sees thousands of lanterns ascending into the night sky, their radiant red glow illuminating the heavens in dazzling brilliance. The first major event of the 2017 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival will kick off on February 11, the Lantern Festival, while another will take place on October 4, during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The promotion period has been specially extended this year to incorporate local business district marketing, thereby boosting tourism benefits.

2. Seoul Lantern Festival – November
In commemoration of Buddha’s Birthday, South Korea holds the colorful Lotus Lantern Festival in Seoul every year. What began as a traditional religious event has evolved into a celebration open to all, transcending religion and nationality. This year’s theme, “One World, We Are All the Main Characters,” carries the message of eliminating prejudice and discrimination, as well as caring for those around us, under the concept of “A Lantern Festival with the Citizens.”

3. Thailand Lantern Festival – November 4
The Thailand Lantern Festival is one of the world’s most renowned celebrations. On the full moon of the 12th lunar month, various regions across Thailand host this traditional event, where lotus-shaped boats made of wood are set afloat on rivers and streams. These boats carry fragrant flowers, incense sticks, candles, or a coin as offerings to the water spirits, expressing sincere reverence and washing away the misdeeds of the past year.

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