Kaohsiung Travel website

 
To celebrate New Year 2020, the Year of the Rat, Kaohsiung Lantern Festival is going to be held between January 29^th (5^th day of the lunar new year) and February 9^th. Kaohsiung City Government held a press conference today (14^th) inviting visitors from anywhere in Taiwan to join the event. Kuo-Yu Han, the mayor of Kaohsiung City, introduced that there are 7 themed zones in the lantern festival this year. The Chinese zodiac zone features interactive lanterns while performances of more than 13 groups of performers from Taiwan and other countries will be put on at the stage zone. Mayor Han welcomes everyone to enjoy a fun new year in Kaohsiung.
 
Mayor Han also said that the Chinese zodiac zone is the high point among the varied activities in the lantern festival. Rather than static lantern installation as usual, interactive lanterns are built under the theme “the Year of the Rat.” Moreover, performances will be given by groups such as Min Hwa Yuan Arts and Culture Group, Chio Tian Folk Drums and Art Troupe, Voalá Station from Span (Aereal Musical Comedy) and Compagnie des Quidams from France (the light show “A herd of horses”). Visitors can enjoy entertaining stage shows every day during the event.
 
During the lantern festival, there will be a new year market near Love River, Mayor Han added. The market will provide a wide variety of fun activities and food. There will also be beautiful Love River water musical performances, and he welcomes everyone to visit Kaohsiung during the Chinese New Year Holiday. To enjoy the beauty of Kaohsiung from day to night, one can take a Kaohsiung cultural cruise, visit the Siaogangshan Skywalk Park, enjoy hot spring at Liugui Bolai, make a military history tour at Gushan, savor delicious seafood, watch the sunset at Qijin or seek blessings and look at the lanterns at Fo Guang Shan.
 
Starting from the 5^th day of the lunar new year, Kaohsiung Lantern Festival will be held for 12 days on the bank of Love River. More than 13 performing groups will attend the event, including: Min Hwa Yuan Arts and Culture Group, Chio Tian Folk Drums and Art Troupe, singer Bobby Chen and New Formosa Band. The performing groups from abroad include: Aerial Strada, a Spanish group that combines high altitude acrobatics and dance; the French Compagnie des Quidams performing the Light Show “A herd of horses”; a French band that performs Chansons; Latin dancers performing Samba; a concert presented by Taiwanese OBOE prince, Xing-Guo Tsai vs Inca Band; and an acrobatic performance given by New Image Theatre Group.
 
According to the Tourism Bureau, the lantern festival is divided into several zones based on different themes: artistic zone, Chinese zodiac zone, creative zone, religious zone, corporate zone, competition zone, and photo hot spots. There are also a new year market, Love River Water Musical Performance and the most creative and environmental-friendly installation art “Whale in Love.” These events and activities will provide a comprehensive visual, sensational and audio feast for citizens and visitors. For more information, please visit the official website of 2020 Kaohsiung Lantern Festival.