Valley Light Festival 2025 Lights Up Taiwan’s Mountain Valleys

Intermediate | December 6, 2025

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A Festival of Lights: What Is Valley Light Festival 2025

This year marks the 5th annual 2025 Lishan–Guguan Light Art Festival, commonly known as the Valley Light Festival, organized by the Tri-Mountain National Scenic Area Headquarters under Taiwan’s Tourism Administration. The festival begins on November 29, 2025, and runs until January 25, 2026, transforming the valleys of Guguan and Lishan into glowing winter landscapes. (Tri-Mountain NSA)

In Guguan, light installations brighten public spaces like the Guguan Visitor Center, Guguan Park, and surrounding walkways. Meanwhile in Lishan, two towering cedar trees in front of the Lishan Guest House are lit as “Taiwan’s tallest Christmas trees,” glowing at nearly 28 meters high — all at an altitude of about 1,956 meters. (Tri-Mountain NSA)

Mountain Lights + Indigenous Culture = A Unique Winter Magic

What makes this festival special is how it blends modern light art with indigenous culture. Many decorations and light displays draw on traditional art from the valley’s indigenous tribes, creating a warm and culturally rich holiday experience. (Taiwan Tourism)

During the festival period, musical performances, tribal dances, and cultural showcases fill the evenings alongside the light displays — mixing natural scenery, cultural heritage, and holiday spirit into one immersive winter celebration. (Li-Shin Life)

When and Where: Dates, Timings & Logistics

The Guguan display runs from November 29, 2025, to January 11, 2026, and the Lishan light installations operate from December 21, 2025, to January 25, 2026. (Tri-Mountain NSA)

Lights turn on daily from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Guguan, and 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in Lishan. On New Year’s Eve, the festival extends until 12:30 a.m., giving visitors a chance to welcome the new year under glowing cedar trees.

Because of mountain road restrictions between Guguan and Lishan, private cars cannot travel directly between the two. Visitors must use the shuttle bus (Fengyuan Bus Route 865) for transportation. (Tri-Mountain NSA)

Why It Matters: Nature, Culture & Eco‑Tourism

The Valley Light Festival brings attention to winter tourism in Taiwan’s mountain regions. For many visitors, it becomes a rare chance to enjoy a holiday-themed celebration surrounded by alpine forests, cedar trees, and crisp mountain air.

It also helps support local communities during the quiet winter months. By blending indigenous elements with modern light art, the festival celebrates cultural heritage while drawing visitors to explore and appreciate mountain life.

Vocabulary

Illuminate (verb) – to light up or make bright.
Example: “The cedar trees were illuminated as Taiwan’s tallest Christmas trees.”
Cedar (noun) – a type of evergreen tree; used here for the festival’s main visual display.
Example: “Two 28-meter cedar trees tower over Lishan Guest House.”
Installation (noun) – a work of art or display set up for public viewing.
Example: “Visitors walked among colorful light installations.”
Scenic (adjective) – related to beautiful natural views.
Example: “The festival is held in the scenic mountains of Guguan and Lishan.”
Altitude (noun) – the height of a place above sea level.
Example: “Lishan sits at an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters.”
Indigenous (adjective) – relating to the original people of a region.
Example: “The festival highlights indigenous culture through dance and art.”
Shuttle (noun) – a vehicle that carries people back and forth between places.
Example: “Visitors must take the shuttle bus between Guguan and Lishan.”
Eco‑tourism (noun) – travel focused on enjoying and preserving natural areas.
Example: “The festival supports eco-tourism in Taiwan’s mountain regions.”
Festive (adjective) – joyful and related to celebration.
Example: “The valley glowed with festive winter lights.”
Midnight (noun) – 12:00 at night.
Example: “A special show runs past midnight on New Year’s Eve.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What makes the Valley Light Festival different from a typical city Christmas light display?
Why do you think indigenous cultural elements are included in the festival?
Would you want to visit on New Year’s Eve to see the extended light show? Why or why not?
How do eco‑tourism events like this help mountain communities?
What are the benefits of visiting a high-altitude festival compared with a city event?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do you think combining traditional culture with modern holiday themes works well? Why or why not?
How can festivals like this support sustainable tourism?
Do you prefer large city festivals or quieter natural events like this one?
Would a nature‑themed light festival interest you as a traveler? What would you enjoy most?
How can festivals help preserve and promote indigenous culture?

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This article was inspired by the 2025 Lishan–Guguan Light Art Festival announcement from the Tri‑Mountain National Scenic Area Headquarters and related coverage. (Tri-Mountain NSA)