The TECH WORLD Pavilion, a key exhibition hall of the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival, held its opening ceremony today (1st). Premier Cho Jung‑tai, Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming‑hsin, and Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Chang‑Liang attended the event. With witnesses from various sectors present, the pavilion was officially launched, announcing the recreation in Chiayi of this world‑class exhibition that drew international attention at the Osaka Expo.

The TECH WORLD Pavilion was displayed at the Osaka Expo for 184 days, attracting over one million visitors and receiving international awards. With the support of the Executive Yuan and overall coordination by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Taiwan overcame challenges of time and resources to successfully bring the pavilion back to the 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival in Chiayi, allowing citizens to enjoy a world‑class pavilion without having to travel abroad.

According to the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the TECH WORLD Pavilion is the first world‑class overseas pavilion that Taiwan independently completed—from planning and design to construction and operations—demonstrating Taiwan’s crucial role in the global semiconductor supply chain.

Recreated in Chiayi, the TECH WORLD Pavilion continues the core spirit of the Osaka Expo with three immersive theaters—Life, Nature, and Future. The Life Theater uses mechanical flowers to portray the power of life; the Nature Theater tells the story of Yushan through 4K projection technology; and the Future Theater combines ultra‑wide Mini LED screens and stereoscopic imaging to guide visitors into an imaginative vision of future living.

Premier Cho Jung‑tai remarked that the TECH WORLD Pavilion gained significant attention during its Osaka Expo exhibition. Many Taiwanese visitors shared enthusiastic feedback upon returning home, prompting the government to explore the feasibility of bringing the pavilion back. After extensive coordination and assistance from Japan, Chiayi was selected as the pavilion’s new home, giving more people the chance to experience it firsthand.

The pavilion uses the three theaters to present Taiwan’s vitality, natural imagery, and technological innovations. Among them, the Future Theater is a particular point of pride—centered on the theme of the chip, showcasing to the world the most essential driving force of Taiwan’s industry. Chips, he noted, are Taiwan’s best business card on the global stage.

Weng Chang‑Liang stated that without the support of the President and the Premier, the TECH WORLD Pavilion would not have been able to return to Chiayi. Although online reservations have been fully booked, visitors can still queue on‑site; as long as they are willing to line up, there is still a chance to enter.

He further noted that Chiayi’s transformation is evident, expressing gratitude for the central government’s support, which has strengthened residents’ confidence. He emphasized that the TECH WORLD Pavilion is the superstar of this year’s lantern festival, and he believes that these 13 days will bring unforgettable memories and show everyone a different Chiayi.

After the opening ceremony, Premier Cho Jung‑tai and Magistrate Weng Chang‑Liang visited the Super Mario: Starlight Carnival lantern zone to inspect crowd flow and traffic arrangements. They also took a commemorative photo together at the GET THE STAR! Super Mario theme lantern area.