2025 Central Taiwan Lantern Festival “Shining Taichung”

Set within Taichung Central Park, a 2-hectare dry detention basin provides the stage for a monumental innovation in lantern festivals, the "Goddess Nuwa" main lantern. This impressive structure, standing 12 meters tall and 20 meters long, can move forward nearly 30 meters, embodying the fusion of technology and artistry. By integrating traditional lantern-making techniques with precision mechanics and pulley systems, the lantern mimics lifelike movements such as nodding, waving and turning, effectively bringing the mythological narrative to life, accompanied by Four Holy Beasts: the White Tiger, Azure Dragon, Bai Ze and Qilin. To amplify its visual impact, the project utilized 3D animation to simulate and refine its movements, creating a 20:1 scale model in close collaboration with structural engineers, lantern artisans and audiovisual teams. Through rigorous testing and fine-tuning, this pioneering mobile exhibition lantern has been meticulously crafted, marking a first in Taiwan and pioneering new standards in lantern artistry.

The main lantern show masterfully integrates theatrical aesthetics with augmented reality (AR) technology across a 2-hectare performance area, crafting a mesmerizing world where virtual and real elements intertwine through light and shadow. Performers dressed in "white-eared sibia" and "clay figurine" costumes join the main lantern in a choreographed display that begins with powerful singing. The performance incorporates themes of creation and innovation and features over a hundred varieties of lighting changes and mist effects that layer together to create a vision of coexistence and mutual prosperity. This setup offers a stunning visual feast that is sure to captivate all who witness it.
 
In addition, to support sustainable development, this project employs a modular structure to minimize the waste of single-use materials. The construction process also carefully avoids tree cutting and protects the native grass, ensuring that environmental impact is kept to a minimum. We believe that design is not only about creating an aesthetic experience but should also carry forward cultural heritage and ecological responsibility. This is the core philosophy behind "Shining Taichung."