By Eryk Michael Smith/Staff
KAOHSIUNG — Mayor Chen Chi-mai [陳其邁] announced Friday that the Japanese superhero Ultraman will be the central theme for the 2026 Kaohsiung Wonderland [2026 高雄冬日遊樂園] winter festival. The event, which has become a staple of the city’s Lunar New Year tourism strategy, will run from Feb. 7 to March 1.
The festival will be centered at Love River Bay [愛河灣] and Kaohsiung Port Piers 16 through 18 [高雄港16-18號碼頭]. This year’s theme, “Ultraman Descends on the Harbor City,” coincides with the 60th anniversary of the iconic franchise. While the event typically features massive inflatable installations, following the 2024 Yellow Duck and 2025 Chiikawa themes, Chen emphasized a deeper narrative for 2026. He stated that the choice of Ultraman is intended to pay tribute to Taiwan’s “unsung heroes,” including medical professionals, firefighters, sanitation workers, and volunteers who protect the city daily.
Winter Wonderland Logistics
The Kaohsiung Wonderland concept was launched to revitalize the city’s waterfront during the cooler months. The 2026 iteration will feature giant Ultraman-related displays and themed installations along the bay, alongside coordinated night light and sound performances across the harbor. The Harbor Fun Park will also return to Piers 16–18, providing interactive zones and amusement rides for families and visitors.
Transit and Access Constraints
To manage the heavy crowds expected throughout February, the Transportation Bureau will implement strict traffic controls around Love River Bay. Daily closures for motor vehicles are expected from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. City officials have noted that no automobile parking will be provided at the event site, and illegal parking on surrounding roads, such as Jhongshan Road [中山路], will be strictly enforced with towing operations.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation, specifically the Kaohsiung Light Rail (LRT). The Cruise Terminal Station [旅運中心站] (C9) serves as the primary gateway, located approximately a one-minute walk from the main entrance at Pier 16. For those arriving by scooter, limited temporary parking will be available at the Shingong [新光] and Gongyuan Road [公園路] lots on the periphery of the controlled zone.
Tourism Bureau Director-General Kao Min-lin [高閔琳] noted that Ultraman, produced by Japan’s Tsuburaya Productions, was selected for its cross-generational appeal, ensuring the event attracts both nostalgic older residents and younger children.
Sources: Taipei Times: Ultraman to celebrate Taiwan’s unsung heroes at Kaohsiung Wonderland Kaohsiung Travel: Official 2026 Wonderland Event Page Kaohsiung Transportation Bureau: Traffic Control and Parking Guidelines
