#China #Kunshan #Taiwan Culture #Mid-Autumn Festival #Kunshan Lantern Festival

2025 Cross-Strait (Kunshan) Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival

The 2025 Cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival commenced on September 29 in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, marked by a spectacular lighting ceremony attended by local officials and community leaders. A variety of public programs and cultural activities are set to continue throughout October, bringing together communities across the strait under this year’s theme of “Twin Blossoms, Shared Lights.” This theme not only emphasizes the festival's celebratory nature but also highlights advancements in collaborative industrial efforts and financial innovations between Kunshan and Taiwan.

The festivities are divided across two primary locations: Huiju Square and the historical Zhouzhuang Ancient Town. At Huiju Square, the enchanting theme of deers and flowers comes alive through an array of drone shows and interactive robot performances, inspired by the Kunqu Opera. These displays showcase traditional artistry intertwined with modern technology, featuring floral hairpins and water sleeves that captivate audiences of all ages.

Meanwhile, the Zhouzhuang Ancient Town offers visitors a picturesque setting adorned with thematic lantern installations throughout the park, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural legacy of the area. This blend of historical charm and contemporary amusement provides a unique experience for festival-goers, as they enjoy both the artistic displays and the vibrant community atmosphere.

Huiju Square has been designed as a central hub for public interaction, fostering exchanges and connections among communities on either side of the Taiwan Strait. Developed collaboratively by the CPC Kunshan Municipal Committee and local authorities in partnership with likeminded Taiwanese enterprises, the square aims to enhance environmental quality while promoting entertainment and facilities catering to cultural and industrial innovations.

In line with the festival’s goal of cultural exchange, recent initiatives include the “Cross-Strait Pastel Artists Invitational Exhibition – 10th Anniversary Special Exhibition” and “A Unique Art, Shared Roots Across the Strait – Kunqu Opera Art Collection Exhibition.” These events serve to deepen ties and mutual understanding between the peoples of Taiwan and Mainland China.

The festival will also showcase award-winning designs from the 6th Lantern Design Competition. Alongside these artistic presentations, cultural and artistic performances will take place to commemorate shared traditions while bolstering the relationships between individuals from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

As a prominent center for Taiwanese investment on the mainland, Kunshan houses the largest concentration of Taiwanese businesses and a robust network for economic, trade, and cultural exchanges. Approximately 100,000 Taiwanese residents and business professionals live and work in the city, further contributing to this vibrant hub.

The Kunshan Pilot Zone has made significant progress in fostering industrial collaboration across the strait in recent years. By August 2025, the city had approved 6,188 projects funded by Taiwanese investments, amounting to over 70.8 billion USD. This steady growth demonstrates Kunshan's role as an essential player in promoting cross-strait relations and cultural understanding. As festivities unfold throughout the month, the 2025 Cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival promises an enlightening celebration of shared heritage and innovation within the intertwining narratives of Taiwan and mainland China.