By MOOK Scenic Spots Home, compiled and reported
The Kaohsiung Lantern Festival and Arts Festival will be held along both banks of the Love River (from Kaohsiung Bridge to Qixian Bridge) from January 30 to February 12, spanning a total of 14 days. Themed "Prosperity of the Rooster," it features a series of whimsical and joyful lantern displays inspired by the Year of the Rooster. The Kaohsiung Lantern Festival also combines celebrations with those in Qishan, Gangshan, and Fo Guang Shan, making it an ideal place to celebrate the Lunar New Year around the Lantern Festival.With multiple lantern displays to enjoy, your trip will be even more festive and lively.
The Kaohsiung Lantern Festival’s Big Port Fireworks Show is Taiwan’s only fireworks display that combines mountain, sea, and river views. (Image source / Kaohsiung City Government)
The 2017 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival and Arts Festival kicked off with the vibrant concept of "Big Port Fireworks." On the opening day, Monday, January 30, in addition to a rich lineup of performances, the first "Big Port Fireworks" show lit up the sky over West District Bay at 10 PM. This year’s festival runs from January 30 to February 12 (Sunday) along the Love River. The Kaohsiung City Government Tourism Bureau has decorated both banks of the Love River with traditional and creative lanterns under the theme "Prosperity of the Rooster," creating a stunning spectacle. A special religious lantern area has been set up this year, bringing the lively atmosphere of temples to the Love River with a diverse array of colorful lights. On February 11, during the Lantern Festival, there will be Taiwan’s only large-scale lantern parade with thousands of participants. Each evening also features a light-and-fireworks show on the Love River Water Theater, running from the third day of the Lunar New Year until the Lantern Festival. Plan your holiday getaway early and head to Kaohsiung to enjoy the lanterns and celebrate the festive season.
The 2017 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival mini lanterns feature the colorful and playful design of the Prosperity Chicken. (Image source / Kaohsiung City Government)
To enrich the experience of the Kaohsiung Lantern Festival and leave a lasting impression, the “Big Port Fireworks Show” is being held for the first time this year. High-altitude fireworks will be launched along the 1,000-meter breakwaters of West District Bay and Cijin. Shows will take place at 10 PM on the opening night, Monday, January 30; at 10 PM on Saturday, February 4; and at midnight on Saturday, February 11, during the lantern parade. Visitors from all over Taiwan are invited to Kaohsiung to witness the only fireworks show in Taiwan that combines mountain, sea, and river views. The timing of the fireworks is also specially designed: on January 30 and February 4, the shows last 10 minutes and 6 seconds as in 2016; on February 11, during the lantern parade, the fireworks will last an extended 20 minutes and 17 seconds, embodying the spirit of 2017. As long as you’re in the Kaohsiung city area, you can enjoy the spectacular display of fireworks.
The Kaohsiung Lantern Festival’s Big Port fireworks are dazzling and vibrant. (Image source / Kaohsiung City Government)
The Love River area is divided into five lantern zones: the Art Lantern Zone, Religious Lantern Zone, Special Lantern Zone, Lantern Decoration Competition, and National Creative Lantern Competition. There are over 100 intricately designed lanterns in various shapes, creating a joyful festive atmosphere. Visitors can take a ride on the Love Boat, Gondola, or double-decker bus to experience the romantic ambiance unique to the Love River. In addition to the two spectacular fireworks shows each day over the Love River and Kaohsiung Harbor, the region’s favorable climate also allows for the creation of the “Love River Rhapsody Bar Zone,” where internationally renowned spirits and local Kaohsiung specialty alcoholic beverages are paired with delicious snacks, allowing everyone to enjoy beer, sea breezes, and the lantern festival.
The highly anticipated Grand Lantern Parade with thousands of participants carrying lanterns will take place on the evening of February 11 at 7 PM. It will feature themed floats from China Airlines, CSBC Corporation, Taiwan, and various religious groups, as well as performances by 30 groups including military bands from the Ministry of National Defense’s Army, Navy, and Air Force academies, the Marine Corps Command Band, the Zhongzheng National Defense Preparatory School marching band, and international performance troupes from Kaohsiung’s sister cities.
2017 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival event poster. (Image source / Kaohsiung City Government)
To enjoy the best view of the fireworks, you can go to the Starlight Riverside Park to take in the full panorama of fireworks over both the West District Bay and Cijin breakwaters. Alternatively, you can choose a hotel with a higher vantage point to overlook the fireworks reflecting over Kaohsiung Harbor. To get closer to the action at West District Bay and Cijin, take the MRT to the West District Bay Station. From there, you can transfer to a paid shuttle bus heading toward the West District Bay viewing platform or take a ferry toward Cijin and walk to Cijin Coastal Park.