The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival returns in 2026 with two spectacular dates: February 27th in Pingxi and March 3rd in Shifen. Recognized by Discovery Channel as one of the world's top two nighttime festivals, this annual celebration features mass simultaneous sky lantern releases that transform the night sky into a river of glowing wishes.

2026 Festival Dates & Locations

First Session: February 27, 2026

• Location: Pingxi District

• Time: Evening (approximately 6:00-8:00 PM)

• Main releases: Multiple coordinated sessions

Second Session: March 3, 2026

• Location: Shifen Square, Pingxi District

• Time: Evening (approximately 5:00-8:00 PM)

• Main releases: Multiple coordinated sessions

Both events feature the iconic mass lantern releases where hundreds of lanterns ascend simultaneously, creating the breathtaking spectacle the festival is famous for.

What Makes the Festival Special

Unlike regular days when you can release lanterns individually at Shifen Old Street, the annual festival offers a unique experience:

Synchronized Mass Releases: Hundreds of lanterns light up and ascend together at coordinated intervals, creating a stunning visual display impossible to experience during regular visits.

Festival Atmosphere: The entire community comes alive with traditional performances, vendor stalls, and an energy that only happens twice a year during these official celebrations.

Professional Organization: The event is held at designated festival grounds with proper safety measures, crowd management, facilities, and optimal viewing areas.

Cultural Significance: Participate in a centuries-old tradition that evolved from smoke signals used by Pingxi villagers to communicate safety during turbulent times to today's expression of hope and new beginnings.

Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival Q&A

Is there an admission fee?

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival is free to attend. You do not need to purchase tickets to enter the festival grounds or watch the mass lantern releases. However, if you want to release your own lantern, you'll need to obtain one either through:

• Festival distribution (limited free lanterns sometimes available, distributed first-come-first-served)

• Booking a tour that includes a lantern in the package

How do I get there by public transportation?

Important Transportation Update: The Pingxi Line railway from Ruifang to Pingxi is currently under maintenance due to typhoon damage, with replacement bus services operating until January 30, 2026. Before traveling to the February 27th festival, check for the latest updates on train service restoration. Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) and local news sources will announce when regular train service resumes.

To Pingxi (Feb 27 event):

1. Take Taiwan Railway to Ruifang Station from Taipei Main Station (30-40 minutes, ~NT$76)

2. Check current status:

   • If trains operating: Transfer to the Pingxi Line local train toward Jingtong, get off at Pingxi Station (30 minutes, ~NT$15)

   • If still on replacement bus service: Take the replacement bus from Ruifang to Pingxi (check TRA for schedules)

3. Total travel time: approximately 1.5-2.5 hours from Taipei (depending on service type)

To Shifen (Mar 3 event):

1. Take Taiwan Railway to Ruifang Station from Taipei Main Station

2. Train service should be restored by March. Transfer to the Pingxi Line local train, get off at Shifen Station (25 minutes from Ruifang)

3. Total travel time: approximately 1.5-2 hours from Taipei

Alternative - Direct Bus:

• Bus 795 from MRT Muzha Station to Shifen (slower but direct, ~90 minutes, ~NT$45)

• Note: Infrequent service with 30-60 minute intervals

Important: Whether traveling by train or replacement bus service, expect extreme crowding during the festival. The Pingxi Line is a small local railway that becomes overwhelmed during festival events. Expect long wait times and packed services, especially when leaving after the event ends. Always check the latest transportation updates before your trip.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive by 3:00-4:00 PM to secure a good viewing position. The festival grounds fill up quickly, and arriving early ensures:

• Better positioning for the mass releases

• Time to explore the area before crowds peak

• Opportunity to purchase or obtain your lantern without rushing

• Avoiding the worst of arrival traffic and train congestion

The main releases typically begin around 6:00 PM and continue until 7:00-8:00 PM.

Will there be traffic congestion?

Yes, significant traffic is expected both directions:

Arrival (afternoon): Roads leading to Pingxi/Shifen will be congested from early afternoon. Parking is extremely limited and fills early. Public transportation, while crowded, is more reliable than driving.

Departure (evening): This is the most challenging time. After the festival ends around 8:00-9:00 PM, tens of thousands of people try to leave simultaneously. Expect:

• Train wait times of 30 minutes to 1 hour or more

• Packed trains with standing room only

• Bus services quickly reaching capacity

• Slight road congestion situation

Pro tip: Many experienced festival-goers either leave before the final release or plan to stay in the area until later in the night, when crowds thin.

Is food available at the festival?

Yes, but options are limited and lines are long:

At the Festival:

• Local vendors sell snacks, drinks, and simple meals, typically at the old street area.

• Expect long queues at peak hours

• Prices are higher than normal due to event demand

• Popular items may sell out

Recommendation: Eat a substantial lunch before arriving. Bring your own snacks and water bottles to avoid spending time in food lines during the main events.

What should I bring?

Essential Items:

• Warm layers: March evenings in the mountains are cool (typically 15-20°C / 59-68°F)

• Rain gear: Umbrella or raincoat (the festival happens rain or shine)

• Comfortable walking shoes: Expect uneven surfaces and lots of standing

• Snacks and water: Food lines are long

• Fully charged phone/camera: For photos and communication

• Portable charger: Battery pack recommended

• Small backpack: To carry items hands-free

• Cash: Many vendors don't accept cards

• Tissue/wet wipes: Limited restroom facilities

Optional but Helpful:

• Small flashlight or headlamp

• Hat or cap

• Hand warmers (if you get cold easily)

• Plastic bag for trash

What's the weather like in late February and early March?

Taiwan's weather in late winter/early spring can be unpredictable:

Temperature:

• Daytime: 18-22°C (64-72°F)

• Evening in mountains: 12-18°C (54-64°F)

• Can feel colder with wind or rain

Conditions:

• Humidity: 75-80% (common in Pingxi area)

• Rainfall: Frequent light rain or drizzle possible

• Wind: Can be breezy in open areas

Dress recommendation: Layer your clothing. Start with a base layer, add a sweater or fleece, and bring a waterproof outer jacket. You can remove layers if you get warm but can't add them if you didn't bring them.

Can I release my own lantern?

Yes! Most visitors participate in releasing their own lanterns. Options include:

During the Festival:

• Limited free lanterns sometimes distributed (first-come-first-served, arrive very early)

• Write your wishes in any language

• Volunteers and staff are available to help with the release process

Tour Packages:

• Many tours include a lantern in the package price

• Guides assist with writing wishes and the release technique

• No need to search for vendors or wait in purchase lines

How crowded does it get?

The Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors for each session. Expect:

• Dense crowds throughout festival grounds

• Difficulty moving freely during peak hours (6:00-8:00 PM)

• Limited personal space during mass releases

• Crowded trains and buses both directions

• Long lines for food, restrooms, and lantern purchases

The crowding is part of the experience but can be overwhelming for those uncomfortable with large gatherings. Families with young children should plan accordingly.

Are there restroom facilities?

Yes, restroom facilities are available at the festival:

Tourist Center:

• Located next to the festival venue

• Permanent restroom facilities available

• Expect long lines during peak hours (6:00-8:00 PM)

Portable Restrooms:

• Additional portable restrooms set up at festival grounds

• Expect long lines, especially before/after main releases

• Facilities may run short on supplies during peak hours

• Lines for women's restrooms are particularly long

Tip: Plan restroom breaks strategically before crowd surges and main release times.

Can I bring children?

Yes, the festival is family-friendly, but consider:

• Crowds: Dense crowds and long periods of standing

• Duration: 4-6+ hour commitment from arrival to departure

• Transportation: Crowded trains can be challenging with small children

• Evening timing: Late night return (potentially past midnight with transit delays)

• Safety: Keep close watch on children in crowds

Many families successfully attend, but it requires planning and patience.

What if it rains?

The festival proceeds rain or shine. In fact, light rain is common in Pingxi and doesn't stop the event:

• The high humidity and damp conditions actually make lantern releases safer (fire prevention)

• Bring rain gear and waterproof protection for phones/cameras

• Lanterns are designed to fly even in light rain

• Heavy rain may cause brief delays but rarely full cancellation

Where can I learn more about sky lantern tradition?

The sky lantern tradition dates back centuries in Taiwan. Originally used as communication signals by Pingxi villagers during times of unrest, they evolved into carriers of wishes and prayers. Today, writing messages of hope, love, health, and prosperity on lanterns before releasing them has become one of Taiwan's most beloved cultural practices.

For a deeper dive into the history and cultural significance, read our companion article: Write Your Wishes on the Wind: Why Pingxi's Sky Lantern Is a Must-Do

Why Consider a Guided Tour

While attending independently is possible, the transportation and crowd challenges are significant. A guided tour solves the major pain points:

Transportation Solved:

• Round-trip service from Taipei (no fighting for train space)

• Departure timing planned to avoid the worst congestion

• No stress about getting stuck in the mountains late at night

Enhanced Experience:

• Optimal arrival timing for good positioning

• Cultural context from English-speaking guides

• Sky lantern included in tour package

• Wanna try Taiwanese tea also? We add an additional stop at the Pinglin Tea Museum for you to experience the best tea in northern Taiwan!

Time Efficiency:

• Pre-planned schedule maximizes your experience

• No time wasted searching for parking or waiting for trains

• Complete an 8-hour cultural journey with multiple highlights

View 2026 Cultural Sky Lantern Festival Tour Details

Quick Festival Tips

1. Book accommodation early if staying overnight in the area

2. Arrive early (by 3:00-4:00 PM) for best positioning

3. Eat lunch before going - don't rely on festival food

4. Dress in layers and bring rain protection

5. Charge your devices fully before departing

6. Bring cash for vendors and lantern purchases

7. Plan for a late return if using public transportation, or pre-book a taxi 

8. Write your wishes thoughtfully - common themes include health (健康), love (愛), peace (和平), success (成功), and happiness (幸福)

9. Be patient with crowds and transportation delays

10. Consider a tour if this is your first time attending

Festival Photography Tips

• Arrive before sunset to capture blue hour backdrop

• Use a tripod or stabilize your phone for sharp night shots

• Adjust exposure - lanterns are bright against dark sky

• Capture moments not just lanterns - people's faces reflect the magic

• Video can capture the movement better than photos alone

• Protect gear from rain and crowds

Plan Your Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival Experience

The 2026 Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival offers two opportunities to witness one of Taiwan's most iconic cultural celebrations. Whether you choose February 27th in Pingxi or March 3rd in Shifen, you'll experience the magic of hundreds of glowing lanterns ascending into the night sky, carrying the hopes and dreams of thousands.

Ready to be part of this unforgettable experience?

Book Your 2026 Festival Tour →

 

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Related Articles:
Write Your Wishes on the Wind: Why Pingxi's Sky Lantern Is a Must-Do - Year-round sky lantern guide