2026 North Coast Tides and Fire Ignite Jinshan: AI-Powered Light Experiences All Night Long

The summer nights along the North Coast are officially ablaze. The 2026 North Coast Tides and Fire festival runs from today through August 23, with world-class fire performance troupe 'Ji Jiang Cheng Zhen' returning to Zhongjiao Bay in Jinshan to ignite the coastline with their new production, 'Treasure Island Flames – Galloping Steeds.' This year introduces AI-powered interactive lighting, outdoor art installations, and sunrise yoga, connecting Zhongjiao Bay, Zhongshan Hot Spring Park, and Jinshan Old Street, allowing visitors to play from dusk till dawn.

The opening night kicked off with DJ Liao Hao-sen energizing the crowd with electronic music, followed by the grand finale performance by Ji Jiang Cheng Zhen Fire Dance Troupe. Yang Li-wei, known as the 'Foot Dancer' and a finalist on Britain's Got Talent, amazed audiences with high-difficulty footwork manipulating flames, while team members executed flips, throws, and sprints, creating a scene reminiscent of wild horses breaking through the night sky.

Having performed on global stages including America’s Got Talent and Britain’s Got Talent, the troupe has now infused Taiwanese coastal imagery, temple squares, and festive elements into their act, weaving fire and ocean waves into a unique North Coast spectacle. Main fire dance shows will take place at Zhongjiao Bay on the evenings of August 8, 15, and 22.

A ceremonial lighting event marked the festival's launch, with guests and performers posing for photos at Zhongjiao Bay. (Photo credit: New Taipei City Landscape Office)

Another highlight this year is 'Light Remains,' a collaboration between the New Taipei City Government and Ming Chi University’s industry-academia team. Featuring three outdoor art pieces themed around 'Fire Fishing,' 'Waves and Sunset,' and 'Fish Trail Ancient Path,' the installation integrates AI interactive technology, allowing visitors’ movements to be instantly reflected in real-time light projections.

The installations are illuminated daily from evening until late night, with special light shows held every Saturday. Traditional fishing fires, ocean waves, and memories of ancient trails are reimagined through technology, turning Jinshan’s nights into an open-air museum where visitors can photograph, interact, and experience local stories.

Fire dancers clad in ornate battle robes displayed intense physical expression amid blazing flames and glowing halos, delivering a visually stunning performance. (Photo credit: New Taipei City Landscape Office)

To encourage longer stays beyond just attending performances, the festival debuts 'Sunrise Yoga.' Visitors who enjoy the fire dances and light shows one night can stay overnight in Jinshan and greet the morning sun with coastal yoga, followed by local cultural tours exploring hot springs, old streets, and fishing village heritage.

The Zhongjiao Bay Weekend Ocean Market has also been fully upgraded, gathering food trucks, gourmet vendors, beverages, young farmers, and rural community brands. Additional activities include photo check-ins, social media submissions, eco-friendly beach cleanups, and prize draws. Completing designated tasks offers chances to win limited-edition souvenirs and discounts at Jinshan business district stores.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi stated that North Coast Tides and Fire has entered its seventh year, evolving from a single fire dance show into a summer brand integrating art, technology, tourism, and local industries. He encouraged visitors to explore the old streets and coastline during the day, then return on weekend nights to witness fire dances and play with light, experiencing Jinshan’s ever-changing scenery from sunset to sunrise.