Hundreds of hot air balloons take off simultaneously — all for a glimpse of Turkey’s “fairy chimneys”

▲ In Cappadocia, it’s common to see nearly a hundred hot air balloons taking off at once. (Photo provided by netizen Chen Xiami; all following photos are the same.)

By Chen Ruizhong, Taipei

Cappadocia in Turkey, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and continuous erosion from wind and rain, features unique rock formations and natural landscapes, earning it the nickname “fairy chimneys.” To admire this extraordinary rocky terrain from above, the most popular way is to take a hot air balloon ride.

▲ As light and shadows shift, the land reveals different appearances.

According to reader Chen Xiami, many people visit Cappadocia specifically for the hot air balloon experience, so you can see tourists from around the world gathering here to take to the skies together. Compared to Taiwan’s hot air balloon festivals, the balloons here take off individually from flat areas in the valleys, creating a vibrant scene of colorful balloons dancing across the sky. If you’re lucky, you might even see hundreds of balloons, which can be deeply moving even before you ascend.

▲ Cappadocia is famed as the “fairy chimneys” for its dreamlike terrain. (Photo from Wikipedia)

Of course, besides the captivating balloons in the sky, the stunning scenery of Cappadocia is even more magnificent. Chen Xiami said that during the flight, you can see oddly shaped volcanic landforms — some areas barren, others lush with greenery. Though somewhat reminiscent of Kaohsiung’s Yueshi World, the scale here is much larger. The rocks and valleys, illuminated by sunlight, create a play of shadows and reality, undulating like a song. The pilot also frequently adjusts the balloon’s altitude, even performing 360-degree spins, allowing you to admire this seemingly enchanted land from various perspectives.

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