Chiayi Lantern Festival 2026 Shines With Super Mario Magic: Taiwan Tourism Draws Domestic And International Crowds!

Published on December 13, 2025

When the lanterns start illuminating the night skies of Chiayi County in early March 2026, travelers from different parts of Taiwan and even from the world will be ready to see the Taiwan Lantern Festival 2026, which is going to be Light Up Chiayi: Super Style, an event that has already begun to excite both tourists and the industry. Not only will the festival take place in Chiayi with its beautiful nature and rich culture, but it also comes as a renewed endeavor to invite more international tourists to Taiwan’s southern region.

Global Collaboration Lights Up the Night

At the centre of this year’s festival is a unique collaboration between the Chiayi County Cultural and Tourism Bureau and global entertainment giant Nintendo. For the first time, the Taiwan Lantern Festival × Super Mario: Star Festival brings beloved characters and motifs from the Super Mario universe to life through luminous installations and interactive displays suitable for all ages. Among the most talked-about attractions are the limited-edition lanterns inspired by the iconic Question Block, which reveal gentle surprises when illuminated, a nod to the playful spirit of both the game and the festival’s creative direction.

According to event planners, this collaboration wasn’t just about spectacle; it was intended to position Chiayi as a cosmopolitan destination that blends tradition with contemporary global culture and early indications are that the strategy is working, with inbound travel enquiries rising and tour operators reporting strong interest from families and young travellers.

What’s On: Themes and Routes for All Interests

Rather than concentrating solely on lanterns, this year’s festival features five themed routes designed to showcase the full diversity of Chiayi’s charms from lush nature and historic sites to family attractions and local gastronomy. These curated travel experiences encourage visitors to explore beyond the main lantern displays, offering immersive ways to engage with the county’s culture and landscapes.

Local guides have mentioned that the routes are especially popular with international tourists keen to extend their stay beyond a single evening and experience Chiayi’s slower pace and culinary delights from indigenous forests to local night markets.

Timing and Travel Tips

Running from 3 March to 15 March 2026, the festival spans 13 days of continuous activities around Chiayi City and surrounding areas. As with past Lantern Festivals in different host cities, the event is held shortly after the Lunar New Year, tying into broader Taiwanese traditions.

Taiwan’s official tourism bodies have emphasised that visitors should book accommodations and transport early, as demand typically surges during this period. Frequent shuttle services and travel packages are being arranged to make movement between hub cities like Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung convenient for international visitors.

Cultural Impact and Tourism Growth

The Lantern Festival has long been one of Taiwan’s most significant cultural tourism events, with roots in traditional Lunar New Year celebrations and an ability to draw both domestic and overseas visitors year after year. The national festival rotates through host cities, each leaving a unique imprint on its travel landscape; Chiayi’s turn as host in 2026 follows similar patterns seen in cities like Taoyuan and Taichung in recent years.

Industry commentators have noted that the blend of iconic Taiwanese festivities with globally recognised entertainment themes like Super Mario is helping to attract younger travellers and families who might otherwise overlook cultural festivals. One travel analyst suggested that this approach could be key to sustaining Taiwan’s tourism growth in the post-pandemic era, as it taps into both cultural authenticity and pop-culture resonance.

Indeed, tourism data from previous Lantern Festivals has shown strong participation rates from visitors within Asia, Europe and North America and Chiayi officials are optimistic that this edition will surpass prior numbers. Local business owners, particularly in hospitality and food sectors, have expressed indirect praise for the festival’s positive impact, noting how visitor spending and extended stays have boosted the county’s tourism economy.

Beyond Lanterns: Food, Heritage and Hidden Corners

For many visitors, the festival serves as a gateway not just to visual spectacle, but to deeper experiences: trying Chiayi’s famed street food, visiting the National Palace Museum Southern Branch, and enjoying the county’s green spaces have become essential parts of the travel itinerary. Local guides have shared that many tourists combine the Lantern Festival with excursions to nearby attractions like Alishan Forest and local cultural sites, turning a night-time visit into a multi-day exploration.

Closing Thoughts: A Warm Invitation

Not only the breathtaking art and entertainment but also the human experience are promised by the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival as the sun goes down in Chiayi and the lantern light starts to shine. It is a possibility to reach out to the past, to distribute happy times with family or friends, and to find out the lively spirit of a place that is open to the world. For those who travel looking for the mixture of culture, creativity and community the Chiayi’s lantern-lit nights have already become a trip to Taiwan not to be missed.