The Hot Air Balloon Carnival has introduced the "Airship" for the first time—come enjoy a flight over Luye Plateau!

▲ The "Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Carnival" has introduced an airship for the first time this year. (Photo / Provided by Taitung County Government)

By reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Comprehensive report

Who says hot air balloons can't turn? Even as the event enters its final countdown, the "Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Carnival," currently in full swing in Taitung, continues to surprise visitors. Not to be outdone by Kenting, the organizers have specially brought in Germany’s airship, the "Festo AirShip," which made its debut on the 19th. This thrilling airship not only surprises visitors but can actually turn!

With just three weeks left until the end of the "Taiwan Hot Air Balloon Carnival," the organizers have added an extra attraction: a blue German-made airship called the "Festo AirShip." After processes such as sphere assembly and inflation on the 19th, it finally took to the skies amid everyone’s eager anticipation. It then circled Luye Plateau, Yanping Taoyuan, Huatung Valley, and Longtian Village before landing about 15 minutes later, leaving onlookers thrilled.

Organizers stated that the "Festo AirShip" weighs 900 kilograms, making it the largest hot air balloon to visit Taiwan to date. It can carry up to four people including the pilot and is equipped with an engine that allows directional control, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h and sustaining flight for 45–70 minutes. It is the first truly flyable aircraft of its kind. The organizers have applied to the Civil Aeronautics Administration, hoping that in the last three weeks of the event, visitors will be able to experience flying around Luye Plateau in the airship, creating unforgettable summer memories.

▲ The newly designed hot air balloon "Green Frog" seems to really like another balloon, "Green Monster." (Photo / FromTaiwan Hot Air Balloon Carnival fan page)

Additionally, Luye Plateau has welcomed a new friend—the "Green Frog" balloon—joining the other 15 uniquely shaped balloons on display. The large green frog slowly inflated, rising high into the sky, and seemed to hit it off immediately with another balloon, the "Green Monster." The two were soon face-to-face, and eventually, the frog even poked its head into the Green Monster's wide-open mouth, drawing laughter from the crowd.

Organizers said that besides the Green Frog, other shaped balloons such as the "Windmill Dutch Windmill" and "BRUNO Clown" will make appearances in the coming days. Meanwhile, the airship will continue flying over Luye Plateau until the end of the event.