Published on
September 30, 2025
Kunshan, China is once again the vibrant center of cultural and industrial exchange with the launch of the 2025 Cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival. The grand opening ceremony, held on September 29, 2025, was attended by local officials and community representatives, marking the official beginning of a month-long celebration. This year’s festival, which runs through the end of October, showcases a unique blend of light technology, traditional art, and modern innovation. The event aims to foster stronger ties between mainland China and Taiwan, particularly in the realms of cultural, tourism, and economic exchanges.
The festival’s theme, “Twin Blossoms, Shared Lights”, beautifully encapsulates the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect between the two regions. By integrating cutting-edge light technology with traditional Chinese cultural expressions, the festival highlights the shared roots and common aspirations of both Taiwanese and mainland Chinese communities. Featuring spectacular drone light shows, interactive robot performances, and traditional Kunqu Opera-inspired exhibitions, this festival serves as a cultural bridge and a celebration of innovation.
Key Highlights of the Festival:
- Dates: September 29, 2025 – October 31, 2025
- Theme: “Twin Blossoms, Shared Lights”
- Locations: Huiju Square, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
- Featured Attractions: Drone shows, interactive robots, Kunqu Opera-inspired performances
- Public Programs: Lantern Design Competition, Cultural and Arts Performances, Folk Culture Day
- Cultural Focus: Strengthening ties between Taiwan and mainland China, blending traditional artistry with modern technology
The festival is taking place across two major locations in Kunshan, a city in Jiangsu Province renowned for its industrial development and rich cultural history. Huiju Square, one of the primary venues, will come alive with spectacular drone light shows and interactive performances. Inspired by Kunqu Opera, the performances will include unique depictions of floral hairpins and water sleeves, offering visitors a fresh interpretation of classical Chinese arts. Additionally, the famous Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, known for its picturesque canals and historic charm, will host thematic lantern installations, creating a stunning contrast between modern light technology and the ancient beauty of the town.
Kunshan: A Center for Cross-Strait Cooperation
Kunshan, a city situated between Shanghai and Suzhou, has long been recognized as a hub for cross-Strait industrial cooperation. The city has become one of the most important locations for Taiwanese investment on the mainland, with a significant presence of Taiwanese businesses. As of August 2025, Kunshan has approved over 6,188 Taiwanese-funded projects, with investments exceeding US$70.8 billion. The city is home to more than 100,000 Taiwanese residents and businesspeople, making it one of the largest Taiwanese expatriate communities in mainland China.
The Cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival reflects the growing cultural and economic ties between Taiwan and mainland China. By merging industrial collaboration with cultural exchange, the event is a testament to the city’s ongoing efforts to build stronger links across the Taiwan Strait. Kunshan’s vibrant cultural scene is further enhanced by its role as a leading destination for Taiwanese investment, tourism, and business operations.
Festival Attractions and Public Programs
The 2025 Cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival promises to be an immersive cultural experience, featuring a wide range of interactive and visually stunning attractions. Huiju Square will serve as the main gathering point for the public, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking light shows that combine artificial intelligence, drone technology, and robotics to create captivating visual spectacles. These innovative shows will be accompanied by performances that pay homage to Kunqu Opera, one of China’s oldest and most revered performing arts.
Visitors to Zhouzhuang Ancient Town can explore the historical charm of the water town while experiencing themed lantern installations that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the region. These lantern displays will highlight elements of traditional Chinese symbolism, drawing on themes of family, unity, and the natural world. As part of the festival, the 6th Lantern Design Competition will feature award-winning designs that reflect both modern creativity and traditional aesthetics.
Beyond the light displays, the festival will offer a series of public programs aimed at fostering deeper cultural exchange and understanding. The Kunshan Taiwanese Business Community Mid-Autumn Fellowship will provide a platform for business leaders to discuss opportunities for economic cooperation, while the Cross-Strait Cultural and Arts Performances will showcase the talents of artists from both Taiwan and mainland China. These performances will include traditional music, dance, and theatrical productions that highlight the shared cultural heritage of the two regions.
One of the key highlights of the festival will be Cross-Strait Folk Culture Day, which will feature folk music, dance, and crafts from both Taiwan and mainland China. This day of celebration will emphasize the similarities between the two cultures, offering a space for visitors to learn about and appreciate the rich diversity of traditional Chinese folk culture.
Cultural and Economic Impacts on Kunshan
As one of the leading centers of Taiwanese investment on the mainland, Kunshan has become a symbol of the successful collaboration between Taiwan and mainland China. The city’s economic growth is closely tied to its ability to facilitate cross-Strait exchanges, making it a key player in regional economic integration. The festival plays a crucial role in reinforcing these ties, providing a platform for cultural, tourism, and business exchanges that benefit both sides of the Strait.
Kunshan is also home to numerous Taiwanese high-tech companies, contributing to its reputation as a technology and innovation hub. The festival’s integration of advanced light technology into its artistic offerings further demonstrates the city’s commitment to promoting innovation alongside tradition. By bringing together cultural activities, light technology, and economic development, the festival highlights Kunshan’s role as a leader in promoting cross-Strait cooperation and cultural diplomacy.
Kunshan’s Vision for Future Growth
As the festival continues to evolve, Kunshan is positioning itself as not only a cultural center but also a hub for future innovation and cross-Strait collaboration. The city’s government recently announced a new improvement plan for Huiju Square, which will further enhance the area’s role as a gathering space for cultural activities, economic exchanges, and tourism development. These ongoing improvements underscore Kunshan’s vision for a future in which culture, technology, and business seamlessly intersect.
The Cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival is just one example of Kunshan’s broader efforts to position itself at the forefront of both cultural and industrial development. With its growing significance in the Taiwan-mainland economic exchange and cross-Strait cooperation, Kunshan is poised to play an even larger role in shaping the future of cultural and economic ties across the Taiwan Strait.
Festival Overview
- Dates: September 29, 2025 – October 31, 2025
- Locations: Huiju Square, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town
- Theme: “Twin Blossoms, Shared Lights”
- Attractions: Drone shows, interactive robots, lantern installations
- Programs: Lantern Design Competition, Taiwanese Business Fellowship, Cultural Performances
- Cultural Focus: Celebrating shared traditions and strengthening cross-Strait ties
Conclusion
The 2025 Cross-Strait Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival in Kunshan is a spectacular showcase of cultural exchange, technological innovation, and economic collaboration. With a variety of artistic displays, public programs, and interactive experiences, the festival is a must-visit event for anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage and modern innovations of China and Taiwan. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it solidifies Kunshan’s position as a leader in fostering cultural and industrial cooperation across the Taiwan Strait.
