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While lantern festivals across Taiwan traditionally culminated in grand displays during the Lantern Festival, Kaohsiung took a different path, launching a new southern celebration under clear winter skies by the harbor. Led by the Kaohsiung City Tourism Bureau, Kaohsiung Wonderland began in 2024, aiming to redefine the lantern festival experience through immersive light installations and collaborations with popular IPs.
In 2025, the event featured the globally beloved character Chiikawa as its central theme. Through adorable IP mascots, along with artistic experiences and theatrical performances, the festival delivered messages of warmth and healing, sustainability, smart technology, and cultural inclusivity.
The event was held at Love River Bay, marking a bold statement in redefining Kaohsiung鈥檚 waterfront identity. By inviting international IPs to participate, the organizing team elevated Kaohsiung鈥檚 visibility as a global city. With authorization from Japanese artist Nagano, Kaohsiung City Government brought the beloved character Chiikawa to life as large-scale inflatable figures. These were presented atop floating platforms, creating Taiwan鈥檚 first-ever 鈥渢hree-phase dynamic harbor parade.鈥� From the supercar-inspired yacht opening to the grand finale featuring all three Chiikawa characters getting together on water, each performance overcame challenges posed by ocean currents, wind conditions, and precise positioning.
The event extended beyond the waterfront, with large-scale mechanical rides and inflatable attractions installed across Piers 16 to 18 at Kaohsiung Port鈥攆ulfilling the festival's goal of cultural equity by offering free access to children for both play and cultural performances. The IP鈥檚 storytelling was further extended across the cityscape, incorporating local specialties such as Yancheng milk tea, Qijin squid, and Meinong radish into oversized, photo-ready installations. These playful, immersive experiences transformed the city itself into an extended festival venue.