Light up your 2026 travel bucket list!
If you’ve ever seen photos of thousands of glowing lanterns drifting into the night sky like a scene from a fairy tale, you’ve likely glimpsed the magic of the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival.
Held in the mountainous Pingxi District of New Taipei City, this world-renowned celebration marks the final day of the Lunar New Year. In 2026, the festival is set for two spectacular nights: Friday, February 27 and Tuesday, March 3.
Here is your ultimate guide to experiencing this "once in a lifetime" event like a pro.
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🏮 The 2026 Schedule & Locations
The festival is split into two main sessions at different locations. Both offer the iconic "mass releases" where hundreds of lanterns are launched simultaneously every 20 minutes.
Date | Location | Vibe |
Feb 27 (Fri) | Pingxi Junior High School | Nestled in the mountains; intimate and traditional. |
Mar 3 (Tue) | Shifen Sky Lantern Square | The "Big One" held on the actual Lantern Festival day. |
💡 Top Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
1. Arrive Early
Crowds can reach over 80,000 people. If you want to participate in the official mass release, you need to collect a free voucher at the venue. These are distributed starting at 10:00 AM on a first-come, first-served basis and usually run out by noon!
2. Dress Appropriately
The mountain air is cooler than Taipei, and light rain is very common (it actually makes the lanterns safer to fly!). Wear waterproof layers and comfortable walking shoes.
3. Transportation is Key
The Shuttle Bus: This is the easiest way. Special festival shuttles run from MRT Muzha Station directly to the venues.
The Train: Take the TRA to Ruifang Station, then transfer to the Pingxi Line. Note: Expect extremely long queues for trains post-event.
Klook Pro-Tip: Skip the transport stress by booking a Pingxi Festival Day Tour. It includes round-trip transport from Taipei, so you don't have to fight for a spot on the last bus home.
🏨 Where to Stay
Since Pingxi is a remote mountain area, local accommodation is scarce and books up months in advance. Your best bet is to stay in nearby cities with easy transport links.
Taipei City (Recommended): Stay near Taipei Main Station or Xinyi District for the best access to shuttle buses and trains.
Klook Hotels To Try:
1. Hotel Midtown Richardson: A modern hub located right at the doorstep of Ximending, perfect for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
2. HOTEL PAPA WHALE: A stylishly edgy, industrial-themed hotel that blends vintage aesthetics with a trendy, youthful vibe in the Ximen area.
3. K Hotels Taipei Linsen: A business-class retreat offering understated comfort and polished service near the vibrant nightlife of Zhongshan.
4. Hotel B: A clean, minimalist boutique choice that offers a quiet and practical stay with easy access to the shopping districts of East Taipei.
5. Hù House, Taipei: An upscale, design-forward sanctuary known for its artistic interiors and intimate, sophisticated atmosphere.
Banqiao (New Taipei): A great alternative that is often slightly cheaper but still on the main train line.
Klook Hotels To Try:
1. Caesar Park Hotel Banqiao: A luxurious 5-star urban retreat featuring a stunning 32nd-floor rooftop infinity pool and a prime location just steps from the Banqiao transportation hub.
2. Hotel Cham Cham - Taipei: A vibrant, tech-forward boutique hotel designed for younger travelers, located just a few minutes' walk from Banqiao Station.
3. Jasper Young Hotel Banqiao: A modern, high-rise hotel known for its spacious, clean rooms and excellent views of the New Taipei City skyline.
🗺️ Nearby Attractions to Add to Your Itinerary
Make it a full-day adventure! Before the sun sets and the lanterns fly, check out these spots:
Shifen Waterfall: Known as the "Little Niagara of Taiwan," this powerful 40-meter wide waterfall is just a 20-minute walk from Shifen Old Street.
Houtong Cat Village: A former mining town now inhabited by hundreds of friendly, well-cared-for cats. A must-visit for animal lovers!
Jiufen Old Street: Wander through the narrow, lantern-lit alleys that famously inspired the aesthetic of Spirited Away.
Pinglin Tea Museum: Stop here to learn about Taiwan's world-famous Oolong tea and enjoy a tasting session in a serene mountain setting.
🌸 Cherry Blossom Attractions To See During Your Trip
Alishan Day Tour (Multi-city Departure): Journey through misty cypress forests and ride the iconic forest railway on this classic mountain escape.
Chiayi: Alishan One-Day Tour (Taichung Pick-up): Enjoy a seamless transition from the city to the clouds with a guided exploration of Alishan’s ancient giant trees.
Taichung: Wuling Farm Day Trip (Taipei Departure): Experience Taiwan’s premier highland retreat, famous for its seasonal flower blossoms and crisp alpine air.
Taichung Fushoushan Farm & Lishan Tour: Traverse the "Highest Farm in Taiwan" to witness stunning fruit orchards and panoramic mountain vistas.
One-day Cultural Tour of Smangus, Hsinchu: Discover the secluded "God’s Village" to walk among thousand-year-old giants and learn Atayal tribal traditions.
