The 2025 Cross-Strait (Kunshan) Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival commenced on September 29, 2025, with a vibrant lighting ceremony in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province. Local officials and community representatives gathered to celebrate the opening of this cultural event, which aims to enhance ties between Kunshan and Taiwan through a series of public programs and activities that will run until the end of October.
Festival Themes and Highlights
This year’s festival embraces the theme “Twin Blossoms, Shared Lights” and utilizes advanced lighting and visual technologies to illustrate industrial collaboration and financial innovation between the two regions. Key locations for the festival include Huiju Square and Zhouzhuang Ancient Town, where visitors can engage with both modern and traditional cultural expressions.
At Huiju Square, the festival features captivating drone shows and interactive robot performances inspired by the traditional Kunqu Opera. This blend of artistry showcases floral hairpins and water sleeves, creating a dynamic atmosphere that merges heritage with technological innovation. Meanwhile, Zhouzhuang Ancient Town offers a picturesque backdrop with themed lantern installations that highlight the town’s historical charm and cultural heritage.
Cultural Exchange and Economic Collaboration
The festival serves not only as a celebration of shared traditions but also as a platform for economic and cultural exchanges. The CPC Kunshan Municipal Committee and the Municipal Government have collaborated with Taiwanese firms to develop Huiju Square as a central hub for community interactions across the Strait. On the opening day, city leaders revealed an improvement plan for the area that focuses on enhancing environmental amenities, entertainment spaces, and facilities that support cultural and industrial innovation.
Recent initiatives in Kunshan have included 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.” During the festival, award-winning designs from the 6th Lantern Design Competition will be displayed, further showcasing the creative talents of the region.
Additional activities include the 2025 Kunshan Taiwanese Business Community Mid-Autumn Fellowship, Cross-Strait Cultural and Arts Performances, and Cross-Strait Folk Culture Day, all aimed at deepening connections among communities on both sides of the Strait. With approximately 100,000 Taiwanese residents and businesspeople living and working in Kunshan, the city stands as a significant center for Taiwanese investment.
As of August 2025, the Kunshan Pilot Zone for Deepening Cross-Strait Industrial Cooperation reported steady progress, having approved 6,188 Taiwanese-funded projects with a total investment exceeding US$70.8 billion. This growth reflects the ongoing commitment to fostering robust economic, trade, and cultural connections between Kunshan and Taiwan.
