2026 Chiayi Lantern Festival Transport Guide: THSR Shuttle Transfer, Nearby Attractions & Accommodation

After an eight-year hiatus, the Taiwan Lantern Festival returns to Chiayi! The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival, themed “Light Up Taiwan, Illuminate Chiayi,” will take place from March 3 to March 15 at the Chiayi County Government Plaza. This year’s festival features over 600 lantern artworks, a Super Mario collaboration zone, a recreation of the Osaka Expo TECH WORLD Pavilion, and drone light shows, among other highlights—sure to draw visitors from across the nation to Chiayi.

For travelers planning to take the THSR to the lantern festival, transportation connections are the most important part. This article will provide a complete guide to THSR transfer information, shuttle bus routes, traffic control details, nearby attractions, and accommodation recommendations to help you plan a perfect Chiayi lantern festival trip.

Festival Basic Information

Before planning your itinerary, here are the key details:

Item	Details
Event Dates	2026/3/3 (Tue) ~ 2026/3/15 (Sun), 13 days total
Location	Chiayi County Government Plaza, Taizi Boulevard, around the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum
Operating Hours (Holidays)	10:00 ~ 22:00 (including opening day, Friday to Sunday)
Operating Hours (Weekdays)	14:00 ~ 22:00 (Monday to Thursday)
Daily Lighting Time	From 17:00
Main Lantern Show	18:00 ~ 22:00 daily, every 30 minutes, 3 minutes each
Official Website	2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi

Complete THSR Shuttle Bus Transfer Information

Chiayi THSR Station Transfer Info

Taking the THSR to the Chiayi Lantern Festival is one of the most convenient transportation options. From Chiayi THSR Station, transfer to the free shuttle bus and reach the festival area in about 10 minutes, with frequent service.

Shuttle Bus Pickup Location: Chiayi THSR Station, Exit 2 shuttle zone (station front plaza)

Shuttle Route: Chiayi THSR Station ⇄ Festival East Transit Station

Service Frequency:

• Off-peak hours: every 10~12 minutes
• Peak hours: every 5~7 minutes

Service Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 13:30 ~ 22:30
• Friday and holidays (including opening day): 09:30 ~ 22:30

Fee: Free of charge

THSR Ticket Purchase Reminder

Crowds will be heavy during the lantern festival, so it is recommended to purchase round-trip tickets in advance to save time. Here are the ticket purchase channels:

• T-EX App: Buy and retrieve tickets directly on your phone, supports reserved and non-reserved seats
• EasyCard Co-branded Card / iPASS Co-branded Card: If auto-recharge is enabled, you can tap directly to board non-reserved seats (debit cards not applicable)
• Online Booking: Book through the THSR website or pick up tickets at convenience stores

Friendly Reminder: During the lantern festival, entry and exit routes at Chiayi THSR Station will be rerouted for crowd control. It is recommended to arrive at the station 30~40 minutes early to avoid delays.

Additional THSR Trains During the Festival

To accommodate the lantern festival crowds, Taiwan High Speed Rail will add 38 extra trains (21 southbound, 17 northbound), with advance tickets available starting February 12. Travelers are encouraged to take advantage of the following travel products:

• THSR Vacation Packages: Multiple value-packed lantern festival tour itineraries
• Hotel Ticket Bundles: Book accommodation and enjoy discounts on THSR tickets
• Domestic Travel Packages: Combine tickets, experiences, transportation, and tours—discounts when adding THSR tickets

Other Transportation and Transfer Options

TRA Transfer

If you choose to take the TRA (Taiwan Railways) to Chiayi, exit from the back station of Chiayi TRA Station, walk about 3 minutes to the “Chiayi Cultural and Creative Industries Park,” and board the free lantern festival shuttle bus.

Driving and Parking Information

Chiayi County Government has set up 7 free parking lots around the exhibition area and the THSR station, offering over 10,000 parking spaces:

Parking Lot	Location	Spaces	Notes
P4	THSR Special District	997 spaces	Near THSR station
P5	THSR Special District	1,472 spaces	Includes 120 accessible spaces
P6	THSR Special District	352 spaces	Includes 64 accessible spaces
P7	THSR Special District	2,091 spaces	Includes 44 accessible spaces

Parking Tips:

• After parking, take a photo of your parking spot with your phone so you can find your car later
• Head to the shuttle zone at the THSR station front plaza for transfer
• Check real-time parking availability on the official website

Traffic Control Information

Major traffic controls will be in place on roads surrounding the festival area:

Control Hours:

• Weekdays (Monday to Thursday): 15:00 ~ 23:00
• Holidays (Friday to Sunday, opening day): 10:00 ~ 23:00

Closed Sections: Taizi Boulevard (full length), Xianghe 3rd Road, parts of Bo’ai Road

Access Permits: Only vehicles with permits, shuttle buses, and emergency vehicles may enter the core area

Money-Saving Lantern Festival Tips

Make Use of Real-Time Information Platforms

• 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival Official Website: Check zone introductions, event schedules, and the latest announcements
• Traffic Real-Time Information Platform: Check remaining parking spaces and shuttle bus queue status in real time
• Visual Map Interface: Quickly determine which parking lot and transfer point to head to

Avoid Peak Crowds

• Set an Alarm Clock: Set a reminder 90 minutes before the last train, allowing time to walk to the shuttle stop (15 minutes), queue for the bus (40 minutes), and the bus ride itself (20 minutes)
• Stagger Your Movements: It is recommended to move 15 minutes before the light show ends, or 40 minutes after it ends, to avoid the worst of the exit crowd
• Alternate Routes: If the East Transit Station is too crowded, take a short shuttle to the West Transit Station first, then take a taxi from there

Nearby Attractions

In addition to the lantern festival, Chiayi has many worthwhile attractions. Consider adding a half-day or full-day itinerary to make your trip even richer.

Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum (about 5 minutes by car from the festival area)

During the lantern festival, the Southern Branch of the NPM is open for free admission! It is recommended to visit the free entry period after 3:00 PM to see the exhibitions first, then catch the lantern festival afterward.

Must-See Highlights:

• Zhimei Bridge and Water Garden: The iconic landmark of the Southern Branch—every photo looks like a postcard
• Tea Culture Exhibition: Showcasing tea ware from China, Japan, and Korea—exquisite craftsmanship that will captivate you
• Children’s Creative Center: A top choice for families

Alishan National Forest Recreation Area (about 1 hour by car from the THSR station)

If you have extra time, plan a trip to Alishan to see the giant trees, Sister Ponds, and the spectacular Zhushan sunrise.

Ticket Information:

• Full price: NT$300 (Taiwanese nationals with ID can purchase a discounted ticket for NT$200)
• With public transport ticket stub: NT$150
• Half price: NT$150 (students, children, military and police personnel, etc.)

Fenqihu Old Street

Take the Alishan Forest Railway to Fenqihu Station, savor the classic railway bento box, and sit on a wooden bench by the platform. Feel the mountain breeze and listen to the trains pulling in—this is the most authentic Fenqihu experience.

Must-Eat Foods: Hinoki donuts, freshly fried taro balls, handmade grass cakes, railway bento

Chiayi City Attractions

• Hinoki Village: A cluster of Japanese-style wooden buildings, perfect for a stroll and photos
• Chiayi Cultural and Creative Industries Park: A former distillery turned creative park, a must-visit for art lovers
• Chiayi Art Museum: Free admission, soak up the local art scene
• Wenhua Road Night Market: Chiayi’s most bustling night market, packed with all kinds of local snacks

Accommodation Recommendations

Near the THSR Station (Most Convenient Transportation)

Evergreen Palace Hotel (Chiayi)

• 5 minutes by car from Chiayi THSR Station, directly opposite the Southern Branch of the NPM
• 263 rooms, children’s playroom, sauna, rooftop swimming pool
• Price: From approx. NT$4,000/night
• Best for: Families, travelers who want to visit the NPM nearby

Block B&B (Brick Brick Hotel)

• About 3 km from Chiayi THSR Station
• Unique block-themed design, ideal for families with kids
• Price: From approx. NT$1,862/night

Chiayi City Center (Best for Food)

Chiayi Fullon voco Hotel

• Newly opened in 2024, Taiwan’s first voco-branded hotel
• 10 minutes by car from Chiayi TRA Station, walking distance to Wenhua Road Night Market
• Rooftop bar on the 32nd floor with views of Alishan and the Chiayi night sky
• Best for: Travelers seeking a fresh and modern stay

Holiday Inn Express Chiayi

• IHG brand hotel
• Walking distance to Chiayi TRA Station and bus terminal
• Free Chinese and Western buffet breakfast included
• Best for: Business travelers, budget-conscious travelers

Alishan Area (Top Choice for Mountain Getaways)

Hotel Indigo Alishan

• Brand new in 2023, the first international brand hotel in the Alishan scenic area
• 84 rooms, rooftop bar, all-day restaurant
• Best for: Travelers who want to experience the Alishan sunrise and sea of clouds

Visitor Tips

Before You Go

1. Check the Weather: March temperatures in Chiayi vary greatly between morning and evening. Bring a light jacket and rain gear
2. Buy Tickets in Advance: THSR tickets during the lantern festival are in high demand—book early
3. Download the App: Install the official “2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival” app for real-time traffic and event information
4. Plan Your Route: Use the traffic real-time information platform to avoid peak crowds

On-Site Tips

1. Arrive Early: Entry and exit routes at the THSR station will be rerouted during the festival—allow plenty of time
2. Follow Directions: Please follow the guidance of station staff and on-site personnel, and queue in an orderly manner
3. Travel Light: Bring only essentials to avoid bulky luggage slowing you down
4. Watch for the Last Train: If taking the TRA or THSR, be sure to check the time of your return reserved-seat train
5. Take Photos: After parking, snap a photo to remember your spot so you can find your car quickly after the festival

Eco-Friendly Viewing

The Chiayi County Government is promoting ESG and low-carbon tourism, encouraging everyone to use public transportation. During the lantern festival, shuttle bus riders may even receive limited-edition Kuai Kuai crackers—enjoy the festival in a low-carbon way!

Conclusion

After an eight-year hiatus, the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival returns to Chiayi with over 600 lantern artworks, a Super Mario collaboration zone, drone light shows, and much more. Take the THSR to Chiayi Station, transfer to the free shuttle bus, and reach the festival area in just 10 minutes—the most convenient way to enjoy the lanterns.

We recommend planning your itinerary in advance, purchasing tickets early, making good use of the official traffic real-time information platform to stay updated, and combining your visit with nearby attractions like the Southern Branch of the NPM and Alishan for a richer Chiayi lantern festival experience. Remember to check the last train time and set your retreat alarm so you can enjoy the lanterns with peace of mind!

Wishing all visitors a wonderful lantern festival experience, soaking in Chiayi’s dazzling lights and local charm!