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Kunshan's Amazing Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival 2025

On September 29, 2025, the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival in Kunshan, Jiangsu, officially kicked off with an enchanting lantern lighting ceremony. This year's festival, themed "Twin Flowers, Shared Lights," focuses on blending traditional culture with modern technology while celebrating the strong ties between Kunshan and Taiwan.

The festivities will run until the end of October and include a variety of public programs and cultural activities, drawing visitors from various regions. The festival aims to enhance cultural, tourism, and economic exchanges across the Strait through vibrant displays and exhibitions.

An Artistic Fusion of Tradition and Technology

The festival takes place at two main locations: the Huiju Plaza and the Ancient Town of Zhouzhuang. At Huiju Plaza, innovative drone shows and interactive robot performances bring to life themes centered around deer and flowers. These artistic displays are inspired by the traditional Kunqu Opera, merging rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology. Visitors will marvel as floral whispers and flowing sleeves are animated in breathtaking performances.

Meanwhile, Zhouzhuang, known for its historic charm, features themed lantern installations that provide a stunning backdrop for festival-goers to appreciate the city's cultural heritage. Amid the picturesque scenery, attendees can immerse themselves in the remarkable history of this ancient town.

A Hub of Collaborative Efforts

Huiju Plaza serves as a central hub for interaction between the communities on both sides of the Strait. This initiative has been developed through the collaboration of the Kunshan Municipal Committee of the Communist Party and the municipal government, together with Taiwanese partners. During the ceremony, city leaders announced a developmental plan to improve this area continually, focusing on enhancing environmental services, entertainment spaces, and cultural innovation facilities.

Recent cultural exchange endeavors in Kunshan include the "Invitational Exhibition of Artists from Across the Strait - 10th Anniversary Special Exhibition" and "A Unique Art, Shared Roots Across The Strait - Kunqu Opera Art Collection Exhibition." Moreover, the festival will spotlight award-winning entries from the 6th Lantern Design Competition.

Strengthening Ties and Cultural Bonds

The festival's program also comprises the Kunshan Taiwanese Business Community Mid-Autumn Scholarship 2025, cultural and artistic performances across the Strait, and the Folk Culture Day. These initiatives aim to honor shared traditions and strengthen personal connections between people from both regions.

As one of mainland China's key centers for Taiwanese investment, Kunshan hosts a significant concentration of Taiwanese enterprises and boasts a vibrant economic, commercial, and cultural exchange network. Approximately 100,000 Taiwanese residents and entrepreneurs have made this city their home, enriching its diverse tapestry.

Kunshan’s Pilot Zone for Deepening Industrial Cooperation Across the Strait has steadily advanced in recent years. By August 2025, Kunshan had approved 6,188 Taiwanese-funded projects, with a total investment surpassing $70.8 billion USD.

Conclusion

The 2025 Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival in Kunshan is not just an event; it's a celebration of culture, technology, and community spirit. As the festival unfolds with dazzling lights and captivating performances, it embodies the enduring bonds between Taiwan and mainland China, promising an inspiring future with shared creativity.