Russian Dolls, Boy & Girl Balls to Visit – Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival Kicks Off in June

▲The annual Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival attracts visitors from around the world. (Photo / File, by reporter Hsu Wen-pin)

Reporter Chen Tzu-yin / Comprehensive Report

The annual Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival always excites international travelers with a “balloon-chasing” craze. Recently, Taitung County Government announced this year’s event will run for over a month starting June 27. The festival will also include mesmerizing night light and music shows. Organizers revealed this year will feature several uniquely shaped foreign hot air balloons, such as Russian Dolls and Boy & Girl Balls, which has generated great anticipation among visitors.

Officials from Taitung County Government’s Recreation Division, the event organizers, stated that the “2015 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival” will be held at Luye Gaotai from June 25 to August 9.Currently confirmed are the Russian Doll from Russia, High Kitty pink cat, and last year’s Girl Ball — this year, the Boy Ball will also make an appearance, with the two balloons making a paired debut.More details about other balloons will be released periodically.Seven night light and music shows are scheduled for June 27, July 4, 11, 18, 25, and August 1 and 9. Among them, the opening and closing ceremonies on June 27 and August 9 will take place at Luye Gaotai, while the others will be held in Chenggong Town’s Chenggong Shangshui, Taimali Township’s Taimali Dawn Park, downtown Taitung, and other locations.


▲The nighttime hot air balloon light show is absolutely stunning. (Photo / File, by reporter Hsu Wen-pin)

During the festival, in addition to tethered hot air balloon rides, there are also year-round bookable free-flight hot air balloon tours. Though priced at NT$9,000 per person — not exactly cheap — the chance to soar above the East Rift Valley in a dreamy hot air balloon still draws many eager participants.

2015 Taiwan International Hot Air Balloon Festival
Event Period: June 27 – August 9
Venue: Luye Gaotai
Experience Activities: Tethered Hot Air Balloon Rides, Free-Flight Hot Air Balloon Tours
Performances: Light and Music Shows, Hot Air Balloon Flight Performances

Light and Music Show Schedule
June 27 (Sat) – Luye Gaotai
July 4 (Sat) – Chenggong Town – Chenggong Shangshui
July 11 (Sat) – Taimali Township – Taimali Dawn Park
July 18 (Sat) – Downtown Taitung
July 25 (Sat) – Chenggong Town – Chenggong Shangshui
August 1 (Sat) – Taimali Township – Taimali Dawn Park
August 9 (Sun) – Luye Gaotai