A Special Way to Welcome the First Light – Chase the Sunrise in a Hot Air Balloon

▲ There’s now an even more unique way to welcome the first light — seeing it from a hot air balloon. The image above isa photo from the Taitung Hot Air Balloon Festival. (Photo /by reporter Hsu Wen-pin)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

How do you want to welcome the first light of 2015? Head to Taitung’s Dulan or Sanxiantai? Now there’s an even more special option — greeting the first ray of sunlight from a hot air balloon. Sky Aviation and China Aviation have both launched hot air balloon sunrise experiences, allowing you to enjoy a breathtaking sunrise high above the ground.

The first light of the year in Taiwan most commonly appears in areas such as Orchid Island, Dulan, and Sanxiantai in Taitung County. That’s why Taitung has always been a popular spot for welcoming the first light, with numerous related events held locally. However, other parts of Taiwan also host first light welcoming activities, such as at Alishan, the Northeast Coast, and Sun Moon Lake. In addition to watching the sunrise by the sea or on mountains, there’s now another option — greeting the dawn from high above.

Sky Aviation has specially partnered with travel agencies to launch the “2015 — Love Has Me, Taitung Hot Air Balloon First Light Experience.” Visitors can greet the first light of 2015 high in the sky, followed by a trip to the Boran Highway to enjoy Taitung’s rustic rural scenery. Hualien’s Shin Kong Silo Farm has teamed up with China Aviation to offer free-flight hot air balloon rides. Besides welcoming the first light of 2015, participants can also take in the stunning views of the Huatung Valley — though there are only 10 spots available.