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Hualien's nights are never quiet. This city nestled between the mountains and the sea lights up the entire sky around the Lunar New Year Lantern Festival. Although it lacks large established lantern festival brands like Tainan or Taipei, the celebration activities in Hualien's various townships during Lantern Festival are traditions that locals take great pride in—particularly the spectacular lantern displays in the Fengchuan and Fenglin areas.
Special Highlights
The Hualien Yuanxiao Lantern Festival's most distinctive feature is its use of local materials—weaving patterns from the Truku indigenous people and driftwood carvings are incorporated into the lantern designs, which is rarely seen in other counties and cities. Each year, around the 15th day of the lunar new year, giant lantern displays combining traditional zodiac signs with local stories appear on the streets of Hualien city, while each tribal village holds its own lantern parade. Fenglin Township's "Hakka Drum King Competition" accompanied by thousands of handmade paper lanterns creates a spectacular scene. This event has been running for over twenty years and represents an important cultural asset for the local community.
It's worth noting that the lantern festival period in Hualien also coincides with the end of firefly season. Some tour packages combine firefly viewing with nighttime lantern tours, allowing travelers to experience two nocturnal wonders in one trip.
Recommended Spots
Hualien City Center (Zhongshan Road to Jiejue Street, Hualien City)
The Hualien City Lantern Festival is primarily concentrated in the square in front of the old train station and the triangular area formed by Zhongshan Road and Jiejue Street. The lantern designs here typically incorporate the zodiac animal of the year alongside Pacific Ocean themes, featuring large-scale thematic lantern installations as well as handcrafted lanterns created by children. Admission is free, and parking is available at paid parking lots around Hualien Station. We recommend arriving after 5 PM when the sky darkens for the best photo opportunities.
Fenglin Township Office Front Square (Zhonghe Road, Fenglin Township, Hualien County)
Fenglin's Hakka Lantern Festival is known as "Thousands of Lights Blessing," with over a thousand handmade paper lanterns hung in the township office square—most of them created by local elementary school students and community residents. Accompanied by Hakka drum performances, the atmosphere is truly lively. This location is about an hour's drive from Hualien City Center, and we recommend driving or taking a local train (approximately one departure per hour). Free Hakka tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) are often served during the event—don't miss it!
Ruisui Hot Spring Area (Ruisui Township, Hualien County)
Hot spring hotels along Ruisui Hot Spring Road host the "Hot Spring Lantern Season" event during the Lantern Festival, combining traditional lanterns with hot spring steam to create a mesmerizing effect. This is ideal for couples or families to enjoy an evening stroll after a relaxing hot spring soak. Some hot spring hotels offer accommodation packages that include lantern season tickets, with double rooms starting from approximately NT$2,500 during the off-peak season.
Qixingtan (Xincheng Township, Hualien County)
Strictly speaking, this is not a traditional lantern festival, but Qixingtan hosts the "Moonlit Coast" event around the Lantern Festival period. Large lantern-shaped arrangements are created on the beach using candles, accompanied by the sound of waves and a starry sky—a truly unique experience. Admission is free, but please exercise caution and stay away from the seawater. We recommend arriving after 8 PM for fewer crowds.
Practical Information
Transportation:
From Taipei, you can take the Taiwan Railways Puyama or Tze-chiang express train to Hualien Railway Station, which takes approximately 2.5 hours. Within Hualien city, you can rent a motorcycle (approximately NT$300-500 per day) or take a taxi to reach various attractions. For trips to Fenglin or Ruishui, renting a car or taking a local train is recommended.
Costs:
Entry to the Hualien City Lantern Festival is free; events at the Fenglin Township Office Plaza are free; Ruishui Hot Spring Area fees vary by venue; Qixingtan is free of charge.
Operating Hours:
During the Lantern Festival period, events typically run from 5 PM to 10 PM. The event dates generally fall on the 13th to 15th day of the first lunar month, with specific dates varying each year. It is recommended to check the Hualien County Government website before your trip for the latest information.
Travel Tips
During the Hualien Lantern Festival period, weather conditions can change significantly, and the mountain areas can get quite cool at night (potentially dropping to 12-15°C), so it's advisable to bring a light jacket. Firefly viewing and lantern viewing can be arranged for the same day, but time management is important—firefly watching typically starts around 6 PM, while lantern viewing should wait until after full darkness falls. If time permits, we recommend staying an extra night in Hualien to experience the local Lantern Festival atmosphere without the tourist crowds—an in-depth experience that typical travel guides won't tell you about.
